Ankoku Yousai is a rare and highly sought-after game in the world of Nintendo FDS relics. Released in Japan in 1985, this side-scrolling action-adventure game was developed by Mitsuhiro Ando and published by Nintendo. The game has since become a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts, known for its challenging gameplay and eerie atmosphere.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Ankoku Yousai, exploring its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and age rating availability.

Background

Ankoku Yousai is a direct port of the 1982 arcade game "Kunio-kun," which was also developed by Mitsuhiro Ando. The original game follows the story of a young boy named Kunio who must defeat evil creatures to rescue his girlfriend from an alien invasion. When Ankoku Yousai was released on the FDS in 1985, it featured updated graphics and gameplay mechanics that built upon the success of its arcade predecessor.

Gameplay

Ankoku Yousai is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that takes place in a dark fantasy world filled with monsters, traps, and puzzles. Players control Kunio as he navigates through eight levels, each representing a different realm or dimension. The gameplay involves fighting enemies using various attacks, such as punches and kicks, while also collecting power-ups like health boosts and invincibility.

One of the most distinctive features of Ankoku Yousai is its use of sound effects and music. The game's soundtrack, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, is known for its haunting and atmospheric qualities, creating a sense of tension and foreboding that complements the game's dark fantasy setting. The sound effects, including Kunio's "whooshing" footsteps and enemy grunts, also add to the game's immersive atmosphere.

Age Rating Availability

In Japan, Ankoku Yousai was originally rated Z (, "zero") by the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), which indicates that the game is suitable for players aged 12 and above. The CERO rating takes into account factors such as violence, language, and sexual content.

Outside of Japan, however, Ankoku Yousai has been subject to varying age ratings depending on the region and platform. In North America, for example, the FDS version of the game was initially rated E by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which indicates that it is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

In Europe, Ankoku Yousai has been rated PEGI 7, indicating that it contains mild violence and online interactions. The game's rating has also varied depending on the specific platform, with some versions being rated higher or lower than others.

Collectibility

Ankoku Yousai is a highly sought-after game among retro gaming enthusiasts due to its rarity and nostalgic value. In Japan, the FDS version of the game was discontinued shortly after its release, making it difficult to find in stores. Today, copies of Ankoku Yousai can be found on online marketplaces like eBay and specialized retro game shops.

The game's collectibility is further increased by its limited availability outside of Japan. In North America, for example, Ankoku Yousai was not officially released as a commercial title, making it difficult to find in stores or through digital distribution channels.

Preservation Efforts

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving retro games like Ankoku Yousai. In 2019, the Internet Archive launched a project to digitize and preserve classic FDS games, including Ankoku Yousai.

The Internet Archive's efforts aim to provide access to these games for a wider audience while also ensuring their preservation for future generations. By digitizing and making available copies of Ankoku Yousai and other rare FDS games, the Internet Archive is helping to ensure that these classic titles remain accessible and playable for years to come.

Conclusion

Ankoku Yousai is a rare and highly sought-after game in the world of Nintendo FDS relics. Its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and eerie atmosphere have made it a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. While its age rating availability may vary depending on the region and platform, Ankoku Yousai remains an important part of gaming history and continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.

For collectors and enthusiasts looking to add Ankoku Yousai to their collection, there are several options available. In Japan, copies of the FDS version can be found through online marketplaces like eBay or specialized retro game shops. Outside of Japan, however, Ankoku Yousai is a rare and highly sought-after title that may require some effort to find.

Regardless of how you choose to access Ankoku Yousai, its importance as a piece of gaming history cannot be overstated. By preserving and celebrating classic games like this one, we can ensure that the nostalgia and excitement of retro gaming continue to endure for generations to come.