Rygar (1990-)

• Developer: Tecmo

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Platform

Rygar for the Atari Lynx was developed by Tecmo and released in 1990, with Atari Corporation handling the publishing duties for the handheld market. The game was originally an arcade title from 1986 and quickly became one of Tecmo’s most recognized properties. The Lynx version was part of the trend of bringing established arcade experiences to portable systems, adapted to fit the hardware’s smaller screen and control scheme. Beyond the Lynx, Rygar appeared on numerous other platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, Sega Master System, and later in various compilations and re-releases.

The story of Rygar places the player in the role of a resurrected warrior sent to rid the world of Ligar, an evil tyrant who has brought destruction to the land. The setting draws heavily from both mythological and fantasy influences, blending elements of ancient hero tales with side-scrolling arcade combat. The game’s original arcade roots were inspired by the wave of action-focused titles of the mid-1980s, combining platforming mechanics with hack-and-slash gameplay. For the Lynx version, the story and tone were streamlined, but the essence of battling overwhelming odds as a lone warrior remained intact.

Gameplay revolves around fast-paced action across horizontal scrolling levels, where players wield the iconic Diskarmor, a spiked shield attached to a chain that can be flung at enemies in multiple directions. This weapon defined Rygar’s identity and offered a different style of combat compared to more conventional swords or projectiles seen in other action games of the era. The Lynx port faithfully replicated the arcade’s design, with smooth movement, numerous enemy types, and power-ups that enhance strength or range. Despite the handheld limitations, it maintained a high level of challenge and replay value, making it stand out as one of the Lynx’s stronger arcade adaptations.

The soundtrack of the Lynx version worked within the system’s audio capabilities to deliver driving, energetic music that matched the pace of the action. Though more limited compared to the arcade and NES versions, the compositions still conveyed a heroic atmosphere, reinforcing the mythic quest narrative. Rygar did not have a direct prequel, but the franchise would later receive a notable sequel in 2002 with Rygar: The Legendary Adventure for the PlayStation 2, which reimagined the story and gameplay in a modern 3D format. At the time of its Lynx release, Rygar was promoted as part of Atari’s arcade-to-handheld lineup and was received positively by players who appreciated its faithful adaptation and challenging gameplay, cementing its place as one of the Lynx’s memorable action titles.

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