The Nintendo NES Olympus no Tatakai, also known as "Fighting Man" or "Warrior of the Sun", is a side-scrolling beat-em-up game developed by and published by Hudson Soft. Released in Japan in 1988 for the Famicom Disk System (FDS), it was later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Europe and North America in 1991.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Olympus no Tatakai is centered around two players controlling one of four characters, each with their unique abilities. The main objective is to fight against hordes of enemies that invade a fantasy world. Players can switch between the different characters at any time using the "FDS" system, which allows for seamless transitions between the four fighters.

The game features five stages, each set in a different environment, such as forests, mountains, and deserts. The final stage takes place on a dark forest, where players must fight against the main antagonist, Ares, who is the leader of the invading forces.

Characters

1. Kamui: The protagonist of the game, Kamui is a young warrior with superhuman strength. He can jump higher and farther than other characters.
2. Mori: A skilled archer, Mori can shoot arrows at enemies from a distance. She also has increased movement speed compared to other characters.
3. Yumi: A strong and agile fighter, Yumi excels in close combat. Her special attack allows her to perform a powerful kick that deals massive damage.
4. Mikumo: The strongest of the four main characters, Mikumo possesses superhuman strength and speed. He can jump higher and farther than any other character.

Characters are unique from one another as they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Players must strategically switch between the different fighters to exploit these differences and overcome the game's challenges.

Graphics and Music

The graphics of Olympus no Tatakai are typical of 1980s side-scrolling beat-em-ups, with pixelated characters and environments. The game features a colorful palette, with bright blues and reds dominating the visuals.

The music is equally memorable, with catchy and upbeat tunes that complement the fast-paced action on screen.

Gameplay Mechanics

Olympus no Tatakai features several gameplay mechanics that were innovative for its time:

• Character switching: Players can switch between the four main characters at any time using the "FDS" system.
• Combo attacks: Each character has unique combos that can be performed by pressing a sequence of buttons in a specific order.
• Special moves: Characters have special moves, such as Yumi's powerful kick or Mikumo's super strength attack.

These mechanics add depth and variety to the gameplay experience, making Olympus no Tatakai a challenging and rewarding beat-em-up.

Age Rating

Olympus no Tatakai has been rated 7+ by PEGI (Pan European Game Information) for violence. In the United States, the game was rated E (Everyone) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Overall, Olympus no Tatakai is a classic side-scrolling beat-em-up that offers a fun and challenging gameplay experience. Its unique character switching system and special moves add depth and variety to the gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Recommendation

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding beat-em-up experience, Olympus no Tatakai is definitely worth checking out. However, please note that the game's graphics and sound may not hold up as well as some more modern titles.

In conclusion, Olympus no Tatakai is a classic side-scrolling beat-em-up that offers a fun and challenging gameplay experience. Its unique character switching system and special moves add depth and variety to the gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.