The Nintendo FDS is a discontinued home video game console released by Nintendo in Japan in 1983. It was the first commercially successful handheld game console and played an important role in popularizing portable gaming. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Hot Review, a legendary game developed for the Nintendo FDS in Japan, known as "Suishou no Dragon" or "Dragonslayer" outside of Japan.

What is Suishou no Dragon?

Released in 1984, Suishou no Dragon (Dragonslayer) was one of the first action role-playing games ever made. It was created by Nintendo's legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, and was initially intended as a prototype for the NES. However, when the NES failed to gain traction in Japan due to its high price point, Nintendo decided to release Suishou no Dragon on their FDS console instead.

The game follows the story of a young apprentice named Gaten who is tasked with defeating dragons that have been terrorizing the land. Players control Gaten as he explores various dungeons, battles fierce monsters, and solves puzzles to progress through the story.

Gameplay Mechanics

Suishou no Dragon was revolutionary for its time due to its innovative gameplay mechanics. The game featured a unique blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving elements that were unprecedented in action RPGs at the time. Players could explore vast underground dungeons, each filled with hidden secrets and treasures.

The combat system was turn-based, with players able to use various magical spells, swords, and armor to defeat their enemies. The game also featured a deep character development system, where Gaten could level up his abilities, purchase equipment, and upgrade his skills as he progressed through the story.

Impact on Gaming Industry

Suishou no Dragon had a significant impact on the gaming industry. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and rich storyline influenced numerous other action RPGs that followed in its footsteps. The game's success also paved the way for Nintendo to release other notable titles on their FDS console, including the popular "Twinbee" series.

Availability of Suishou no Dragon

Unfortunately, due to its limited commercial success, Suishou no Dragon is now a rare and hard-to-find game. As a result, it has become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Nintendo's classic games.

In Japan, the FDS console was discontinued in 1993, making it even more challenging for gamers to obtain Suishou no Dragon. However, in recent years, there have been reports of rare FDS consoles and copies of Suishou no Dragon surfacing on online marketplaces and collector forums.

Age Rating

Suishou no Dragon is rated "A" by the Japanese government's CERO organization, which means it contains mild violence, fantasy elements, and some suggestive content. While the game does contain some mature themes, it is generally considered suitable for players of all ages.

In the United States, Suishou no Dragon has been rated "E" (Everyone) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it contains no objectionable content.

Hot Review - A Legendary Game

While Suishou no Dragon may not be as well-known outside of Japan and among retro gaming enthusiasts, its influence on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. In fact, many consider Hot Review to be one of the most underrated games of all time.

Released in 1986 for the Nintendo FDS, Hot Review is an action RPG that follows the story of a young warrior named Gaten as he battles his way through hordes of monsters and bosses to rescue his king. The game features a unique blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving elements that were cutting-edge at the time.

Gameplay Mechanics

Hot Review was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, which included a unique "hot review" system where players could assign different abilities and attacks to their character's hands, allowing for complex combos and strategies.

The game also featured a deep character development system, with players able to level up Gaten's abilities, purchase equipment, and upgrade his skills as he progressed through the story.

Impact on Gaming Industry

Hot Review had a significant impact on the gaming industry, influencing numerous other action RPGs that followed in its footsteps. The game's innovative gameplay mechanics and rich storyline helped establish the action RPG genre as a staple of the Nintendo FDS library.

Availability of Hot Review

Like Suishou no Dragon, Hot Review is now a rare and hard-to-find game due to its limited commercial success. As a result, it has become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Nintendo's classic games.

In Japan, the FDS console was discontinued in 1993, making it even more challenging for gamers to obtain Hot Review. However, in recent years, there have been reports of rare FDS consoles and copies of Hot Review surfacing on online marketplaces and collector forums.

Age Rating

Hot Review is rated "A" by the Japanese government's CERO organization, which means it contains mild violence, fantasy elements, and some suggestive content. While the game does contain some mature themes, it is generally considered suitable for players of all ages.

In the United States, Hot Review has been rated "E" (Everyone) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it contains no objectionable content.

Conclusion

Suishou no Dragon and Hot Review are two legendary games developed for the Nintendo FDS console in Japan. While they may not be as well-known outside of Japan and among retro gaming enthusiasts, their influence on the gaming industry cannot be overstated.

Both games were pioneers in the action RPG genre, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics and rich storylines that captivated players at the time. Unfortunately, due to their limited commercial success, both games are now rare and hard-to-find, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Nintendo's classic games.

As a result, Suishou no Dragon and Hot Review serve as important reminders of the pioneering spirit and innovation that defined Nintendo's early years. They also demonstrate the enduring power of great game design and storytelling to captivate audiences for generations to come.