The Immortal (1990-)

• Developer: Sandcastle

• Publisher: Electronic Arts

• Genre: Action- Adventure

• Composer: Ron Hubbard

The Immortal for the NES was developed by Sandcastle and released in 1990, with Electronic Arts serving as the publisher. Originally designed for computers such as the Apple IIGS and later ported to various platforms including the Sega Genesis, Amiga, and Atari ST, the NES version offered a unique take on the game’s dark fantasy setting. Each version had to be adjusted for the capabilities of its system, and the NES release was tailored to fit the hardware’s limitations while still aiming to deliver the same intense, atmospheric dungeon-crawling adventure.

The game places players in the role of a wizard who descends into a dangerous labyrinth in search of his mentor, Mordamir. The dark fantasy narrative is filled with deadly traps, gruesome hazards, and an air of mystery that separates it from more straightforward action titles of the time. The game was likely influenced by tabletop role-playing adventures and fantasy literature, where a single hero must navigate deadly dungeons full of monsters and hidden secrets. Its narrative-driven approach and high-stakes scenarios made it stand out from typical action or puzzle games available on the NES.

Gameplay in the NES version combined puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat. Players had to carefully navigate maze-like levels filled with traps, invisible dangers, and hostile creatures while making use of items and spells to survive. The combat system featured one-on-one duels against enemies, requiring players to time attacks and blocks, which was more sophisticated than most action games of its era. Each level demanded careful observation and experimentation, with failure often leading to instant death, which gave the game a reputation for being unforgiving. This design rewarded patience and persistence, making it appealing to players who enjoyed a more challenging, cerebral experience.

The soundtrack of the NES version used atmospheric melodies to heighten tension, alternating between eerie tones for exploration and more urgent tracks for combat encounters. These audio choices reinforced the sense of danger and suspense that permeated the game. The Immortal was not part of a series and had no prequel or sequel, remaining a standalone title. Promotion highlighted its striking visuals, unique gameplay mechanics, and dark tone, which was unusual for the NES library. While critics praised its originality and depth, its steep difficulty and sometimes punishing design limited its mainstream appeal. Over time, however, it has gained recognition as a cult classic, remembered for its ambition and distinctive place within the NES catalog.

Images from MobyGames