Kid Icarus (NES) Playthrough

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Published on October 12, 2024 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDKy4rVE8UI

Game:

Kid Icarus (1986)

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Playthrough of Nintendo's 1987 platformer, Kid Icarus.

Kid Icarus for the NES, released in 1986 by Nintendo, is a unique blend of platforming, action, and role-playing elements, setting it apart from many other titles of the era. Developed by the same team behind Metroid, Kid Icarus shares some DNA with that game in terms of structure and progression, but it presents its own distinct experience steeped in Greek mythology and fantasy. It follows the journey of a young angel named Pit as he battles through a world filled with monsters and gods to save the goddess Palutena and defeat the evil Medusa.

The story of Kid Icarus is set in the world of Angel Land, where Medusa, once a kind goddess, has become a malevolent ruler, turning humans to stone and corrupting the underworld. She has imprisoned the goddess Palutena and taken over the kingdom. Pit, a lowly angel imprisoned in the underworld, must escape his dungeon and recover the three Sacred Treasures to defeat Medusa and restore peace. The narrative, though simple by modern standards, provides a fitting framework for the game’s mythology-inspired world, giving the player a sense of purpose and progression.

The gameplay of Kid Icarus is a hybrid of vertical platforming and side-scrolling action, with some exploration and RPG elements mixed in. The game starts with Pit ascending vertically from the depths of the underworld, using his bow to fight off a variety of enemies, including snakes, reapers, and flying eyeballs. The levels require precise jumping and shooting as Pit climbs his way up, avoiding pitfalls that can send him back to the start of a stage. This verticality was relatively uncommon in NES games of the time, giving Kid Icarus a fresh and challenging design. Later levels shift to side-scrolling stages, adding variety to the gameplay.

Pit’s primary weapon is his bow and arrow, which can be upgraded as the game progresses. Players can earn hearts by defeating enemies, which act as currency to buy items like health potions, stronger arrows, and even shields. The game also features RPG-like elements where Pit gains strength through experience by completing rooms and defeating enemies, allowing his health bar to grow and improving his combat abilities. This adds a strategic layer to the action, encouraging players to explore and defeat enemies to gain power rather than rushing through levels.

Kid Icarus is known for its high difficulty, particularly in its early stages. Pit starts with a small health bar, weak weapons, and the vertical level design leaves little room for error. One misstep can send the player plummeting down to earlier parts of the level, and enemies come at Pit from all directions, making survival a real challenge. However, as Pit gains new items and power-ups, the game becomes more manageable, rewarding persistence and skillful play.

Visually, Kid Icarus features the classic 8-bit style of NES games, with colorful, imaginative environments based on Greek mythology. The stages are divided into different thematic worlds: the Underworld, the Overworld, the Skyworld, and finally, Palutena’s Castle. Each world has a distinct visual identity, from the dark caverns of the Underworld to the cloud-filled skies of Skyworld. The enemy designs are varied and creative, with many foes inspired by creatures from mythology, such as Cerberus and Grim Reapers, alongside more whimsical creations.

The music of Kid Icarus, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, is another highlight of the game. The soundtrack is upbeat and heroic, fitting the adventurous tone of Pit’s journey. Each world has its own memorable theme, with the Underworld’s music being particularly iconic for its fast-paced, tension-filled melody. The music helps create a sense of urgency and adventure throughout the game.

Overall, Kid Icarus stands out as a distinctive and challenging game in the NES library. Its combination of platforming, action, exploration, and RPG mechanics set it apart from more straightforward action games of the time. While its difficulty may have turned off some players, Kid Icarus offers a rewarding experience for those who stick with it, and it laid the groundwork for the character of Pit to become a beloved figure in later Nintendo games, including his revival in Super Smash Bros. and Kid Icarus: Uprising.