Kid Icarus (1987-)

• Developer: Nintendo

• Publisher: Nintendo

• Genre: Platform

• Designer: Toru Osawa, Yoshio Sakamoto

• Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Kid Icarus is a platformer and action-adventure game developed by Nintendo R&D1 and released for the NES in 1987. The game was published by Nintendo and later saw releases on the Game Boy Advance as part of the Classic NES Series, as well as through the Virtual Console on the Wii, 3DS, and Wii U, giving it renewed accessibility for later generations of gamers. It combines elements of both platforming and exploration, blending vertical and horizontal scrolling levels with action-oriented combat. Its design reflects a unique approach by Nintendo at the time, merging mythology-inspired storytelling with gameplay mechanics typical of early NES titles.

The game draws inspiration from classical Greek mythology, placing players in the role of Pit, an angelic hero tasked with rescuing the goddess Palutena from the evil Medusa. Players navigate a series of challenging stages across the Underworld, the Overworld, and Skyworld, encountering a variety of enemies and obstacles. The mix of vertical climbing sections, maze-like levels, and side-scrolling action provides a diverse set of challenges that require both precision and strategy. The narrative, though minimal, relies heavily on its mythological setting to establish stakes and atmosphere.

Gameplay in Kid Icarus centers on Pit’s use of a bow and arrow, which can be upgraded by collecting power-ups such as the Power of Flight, Heart Containers, and different weapons. Levels are interspersed with treasure chests and hidden items, encouraging exploration and careful attention to the environment. Players must manage health and ammunition while navigating increasingly complex stages, including boss fights that test pattern recognition and timing. The soundtrack, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, is notable for its catchy and energetic tracks, which underscore the game’s tension and adventure while pushing the NES’s audio capabilities to their limits.

Kid Icarus was followed by a direct sequel, Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, released for the Game Boy in 1991. The series returned decades later with Kid Icarus: Uprising on the Nintendo 3DS in 2012, which expanded on the original formula with modern 3D graphics, a richer story, and a more dynamic combat system. Upon its original release, Kid Icarus was promoted through Nintendo’s marketing channels emphasizing its mythological theme and challenging gameplay. Reception was generally positive, with particular praise given to its ambitious design, level variety, and engaging soundtrack, though some critics noted its difficulty curve as a barrier for casual players. The game has since earned recognition as a classic NES title with a lasting influence on Nintendo’s adventure and platforming catalog.

Images from MobyGames