Moon Crystal (NES) [100%] (4K, 60FPS)
0"Moon Crystal", developed by the relatively lesser-known Hector and exclusively published in Japan for the Famicom, appears to draw inspiration from Prince of Persia which introduced smooth and fluid motions for walking, running, jumping, and attacking. However, it refines the controls and embeds them into the framework of a traditional console action platformer.
The protagonist, Ricky, sports green hair and showcases animations smoother than most games of the era. He demonstrates skidding upon directional changes, grabbing and pulling up onto platforms, and even acquiring the rare ability to double jump through a power-up.
Moon Crystal revolves around a magical pendant's powers. Players assume the role of Ricky Slater, aiming to rescue his kidnapped father, a renowned scientist, from the clutches of the villainous Count Crimson. Utilizing the Moon Crystal's power, the Count aspires to employ the Unisystem to transform the deceased into the living, thereby seizing world control. Ricky, accompanied by the enigmatic Rosina, embarks on a journey to thwart the Count's sinister plans. The storyline unfolds through cutscenes, injecting intrigue into the game and occasionally surprising players with unexpected twists.
Beyond its character animation, Moon Crystal boasts visually appealing elements, occasionally incorporating multi-plane scrolling. Stages like the European village, the count's castle, and the final stage with robotics exude a Ghibli movie atmosphere, reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's visionary animation.
However, the extensive animation gives rise to control challenges that subtly emerge and intensify as the game advances. Ricky's responsiveness seems diminished, affecting actions like crouching and turning around while crouched. Additionally, Ricky wields a minuscule dagger that barely offers effective combat. An occasional power-up slightly extends the dagger's reach, but it remains inadequate.
Despite these challenges, the game remains a worthy and enjoyable endeavor."
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