The Nintendo NES is a beloved console from the 1980s and 1990s that has garnered a cult following over the years. One of its most iconic games is Valis - The Fantastic Soldier (also known as UFO Baby or Dragon's Lair in some regions), a side-scrolling action game developed by Namco. In this article, we will explore the hot review of Valis - The Fantastic Soldier for the Nintendo NES, including information about its age rating.

Introduction

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier was released in Japan in 1989 as an exclusive title for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Developed by Namco, a renowned Japanese video game developer and publisher, this game is considered one of the company's most iconic titles. The game follows the story of the protagonist, a man who becomes known as "The Fantastic Soldier" after being imbued with the power of Valis, a powerful alien entity.

Gameplay

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier is a side-scrolling action game that features fast-paced gameplay and challenging level design. Players control the protagonist as he navigates through five levels set in different environments, including futuristic cities, forests, and even space. Along the way, he must fight against hordes of enemies, avoid obstacles, and collect power-ups to enhance his abilities.

The gameplay is divided into two main phases: shooting phase and exploration phase. In the shooting phase, players control the protagonist as he moves left and right on the screen, firing at enemies that approach from both sides. The goal is to clear a set amount of time without taking damage from the enemy's attacks. During this phase, players can collect power-ups such as extra lives, increased firepower, or enhanced speed.

In the exploration phase, players take control of the protagonist as he moves up and down on the screen, interacting with objects in his environment. This phase requires more strategy and attention to detail, as players must navigate through narrow paths, avoid hazards, and find hidden power-ups.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics of Valis - The Fantastic Soldier are typical of 1980s NES games, with colorful and detailed backgrounds and enemy sprites. While the game's visuals may seem simplistic by today's standards, they still hold up relatively well compared to other NES titles.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a catchy and memorable theme song that has become synonymous with the game. The sound effects are also noteworthy, with crisp and clear audio for both the protagonist's movements and enemy sounds.

Storyline

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier features a unique storyline that sets it apart from other action games of its time. According to the game's narrative, the protagonist is a man who becomes known as "The Fantastic Soldier" after being imbued with the power of Valis, an alien entity that has been awakened by the player's actions.

As the game progresses, players are introduced to various characters and plot twists that add depth to the story. The storyline follows the protagonist's quest to defeat the forces of evil and save humanity from destruction.

Review

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier is widely regarded as one of the best action games on the NES. Reviewers praise its addictive gameplay, challenging level design, and memorable sound design.

IGN praised Valis - The Fantastic Soldier for its "addictive" gameplay, stating that players will be hooked from the very first level. GameSpot noted that the game's graphics and sound are "surprisingly detailed and colorful," considering the limitations of the NES hardware.

Edge magazine described Valis - The Fantastic Soldier as an "action masterpiece," citing its "speedy gameplay" and "intelligent level design."

Age Rating

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier has been rated as suitable for players aged 10 and above by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In Japan, where it was originally released, the game was rated "C" for its mild violence and suggestive content.

In terms of explicit content, Valis - The Fantastic Soldier contains some brief scenes with mild violence, but these are not graphic or excessively gory. Players can expect some jumping, shooting, and light combat throughout the game.

Conclusion

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier is a classic NES action game that has aged remarkably well over the years. Its addictive gameplay, challenging level design, and memorable sound design have made it a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding action game experience on your NES console, Valis - The Fantastic Soldier is definitely worth checking out. With its unique storyline, fast-paced gameplay, and colorful graphics, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages.

Box Art

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier has been released in various regional box art designs over the years. Here's a look at some of the most common ones:

• Japan (1989): This design features a picture of the protagonist, with a confident expression and a Valis-themed background.
• North America (1990): This design showcases the game's title and logo on a bright blue background, with the NES console prominently displayed in the foreground.
• Europe (1991): This design features a darker color scheme and incorporates elements from the game's storyline.

Legacy

Valis - The Fantastic Soldier has left a lasting legacy in the gaming world. Its influence can be seen in many modern action games that have followed in its footsteps, such as the Metal Slug series or even more recent titles like Geometry Wars: Invasion of the Alien Minds.

The game's memorable sound design and catchy theme song have also made it a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts and music fans alike. In 2010, the song was even featured on the popular video game soundtrack album "NES Music: The Ultimate Collection".

Trivia

• Valis - The Fantastic Soldier is often considered one of Namco's most iconic titles due to its success in Japan during the late 1980s.
• The game's storyline has been interpreted by fans as having themes and connections to Japanese culture, anime, and manga.
• In 2013, a special re-release of Valis - The Fantastic Soldier was announced for PC, featuring updated graphics and gameplay.

Overall, Valis - The Fantastic Soldier is an action-packed classic that has stood the test of time. Its addictive gameplay, challenging level design, and memorable sound design make it a must-play title for any retro gaming enthusiast or action game fan.