Oryunposu no tatakai - Ai no densetsu

This game is another under the radar gem for the NES, as well as an honorable mention in favorite action RPGs. Yes, it's true this game is a bit of a clone of "Zelda 2: The Adventures of Link" as it utilizes the same format. But that's a common thing with most video games and movies as a certain trend is born, many others will follow suit.

However, it doesn't really matter to me as it's really a mater of execution and whether it's actually fun that truly matters. I'll admit I wasn't that into the game at the time because back then I wasn't very good at action RPG's, let alone understood them fully, however now I'm an ace at them and the fact that I love Greek Mythology as that's my favorite kind of mythology so playing this game was a bit of a treat.

This game wasn't very successful which is understandable on three counts, for one thing action RPGs weren't a common thing in video games at the time; they were a little more common on the PC's. The other the fact that this was based on Greek Mythology which despite the fantasy genre in movies going strong, Greek mythology just didn't catch on like it use to at least not as it does now. But just simply that most gamers consisted of a populace that never played or were familiar with the RPG genre, which made this kind of gaming hard to get use to, including myself whom at the time wasn't very good in this genre.

These three factors it's understandable why this game would be a tough sell. However, like with the timeless Greek Mythology, time has been kind to this game as both the action RPG genre and Greek Myth have now grown stronger than ever before, making this game a sleeper cult gem.

The music in the game is decent and solid, there are a few good tracks that give that feel of adventure, but I wouldn't say anything memorable which I'll admit is one short coming of the game. The gameplay is solid, it's the standard action RPG gameplay your use to, from the platform action of attacking and jumping. But also, your inventory screen where you can pick out your weapons and any other items needed. And the status screen from your life bar and how much you level up but also you economic status where you collect and spend Olives. Yeah, I'm not kidding which I'll admit I find strange that it wouldn't be silver and gold. But ok, an economy based on olives, I guess it makes some sort of sense as Olives are one of the biggest natural resources.

The story in the game is good decent, I'll admit it's not a very deep story nor is there any real deep characterization. But back then action RPG were more about the adventure and action, let alone Greek Myth was never very deep anyway so it's somewhat fitting.

But what really makes the game stand out is really in presentation and setting. The graphical presentation is solid, I like the designs of the land which really make you feel like your traversing ancient Rome. We even see a map which charts out the long ago locations, which you are able to access once you get to the end of an area and your able to access another area depending on where you are. And you can go back whenever you need to.

I also like the use of characters from Greek mythology, from the Gods like Zeus, Hera, and others. But of course, also the enemies like the sub enemies like Harpies, Fawns, Centaurs, as well as the big bruisers like the Medusa, Hydra, etc. Seeing them and being able to interact and fight against these badies was cool, really made you feel like you were a hero of Greek Mythology. This also make the game educational, helping introduce and show Greek Mythology to the gaming community.

The only bad things are there may 'be a bit of backtracking which I'll admit sometimes I find a pain because it can sort of slow up the momentum of the game. However, when you backtrack you can unlock some secrets, items, and areas you weren't able to access earlier. So, I can let that slide let alone there isn't much backtracking.

Overall, if you're into the action RPGs or RPG genre and are interested in the games of yesteryear from it. As well as Greek Mythology and games based on it, this game like the myths is one that is worth uncovering and deserves to be remembered.

Rating: 3 and a half stars.