The Nintendo FDS is a lesser-known but fascinating console that was released in Japan in 1982. It was the second home video game console produced by Nintendo, following the Color TV Game series. The FDS was designed to be more advanced than its predecessors and featured a built-in disk drive, which allowed for higher-quality games and better graphics.

One of the most iconic and influential games on the FDS is Super Boy Allan (also known as The Legend of Zelda in North America). Developed by Shigesato Itoi and Chunsoft, this action-adventure game was released in 1986 and has since become a cult classic. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Nintendo FDS, its games, including Super Boy Allan, and provide information on age ratings available.

Background of Nintendo FDS

The Nintendo FDS was designed to compete with other home consoles of the time, such as the Sega SG-1000 and the NEC PC Engine. However, despite its advanced features and higher-capacity disk drive, it failed to gain significant traction in the Japanese market. This was largely due to the dominance of the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and the release of The Legend of Zelda on the NES in 1986.

The FDS had a more limited library of games compared to other consoles, but it still managed to produce some notable titles, including Super Boy Allan and Kid Icarus. These games showcased the console's capabilities and demonstrated its potential as a platform for innovative and engaging gameplay experiences.

Super Boy Allan (The Legend of Zelda)

Released in 1986, Super Boy Allan was developed by Shigesato Itoi and Chunsoft, who would go on to become one of the most respected game development teams in Japan. The game was inspired by Itoi's own childhood experiences and featured a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action elements.

The gameplay involved exploring the world of Allan, a young boy with supernatural abilities, as he battled monsters and collected magical items. The game's graphics were impressive for its time, featuring hand-drawn characters and backgrounds that added to the game's charm and atmosphere.

Super Boy Allan was later released on the NES in 1987, where it gained widespread acclaim and helped establish The Legend of Zelda as a beloved franchise. However, the FDS version remains a hidden gem among retro gamers and fans of the series.

Kid Icarus

Released in 1986, Kid Icarus (also known as Shiro no Tsurugi) was another notable game on the Nintendo FDS. Developed by Nintendo themselves, the game featured innovative gameplay mechanics, including a unique "wing" system that allowed players to navigate the world from different angles.

The gameplay involved controlling Pit, a young angel with wings, as he battled monsters and collected power-ups. The game's graphics were colorful and engaging, featuring a variety of enemies and bosses that added to the game's challenge and excitement.

Kid Icarus was later released on the NES in 1987, where it received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty level.

Age Ratings

The Nintendo FDS had a relatively limited library of games compared to other consoles of the time, but it still managed to produce some notable titles that demonstrated the console's capabilities. However, the age ratings available for these games are limited due to their rarity and lack of international release.

In Japan, the FDS was rated as follows:

• Super Boy Allan: Suitable for players aged 10 and above
• Kid Icarus: Suitable for players aged 12 and above

It is worth noting that these age ratings were based on the Japanese classification system at the time, which took into account factors such as violence, nudity, and mature themes.

Availability of Games

Due to its rarity and limited international release, it can be challenging to find games for the Nintendo FDS. However, many retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors have managed to track down copies of these games, either through online marketplaces or at specialized retro gaming events.

Some notable sources for Nintendo FDS games include:

• Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, where rare games can be found for sale from individual sellers or retro gaming stores.
• Retro gaming events and conventions, such as the Tokyo Game Show and the North American Retro Gaming Expo, which often feature vintage consoles and games.
• Specialized retro gaming stores, such as Those who collect and trade rare Nintendo FDS games.

Conclusion

The Nintendo FDS is a fascinating console that produced some remarkable games, including Super Boy Allan and Kid Icarus. While its library of games may be limited compared to other consoles of the time, these titles demonstrate the console's potential for innovative gameplay experiences and engaging graphics.

Age ratings for the Nintendo FDS are limited due to the rarity of games and lack of international release. However, for retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors who have managed to track down copies of these games, they provide a unique glimpse into the early days of Nintendo's history.

In conclusion, the Nintendo FDS is an interesting console that deserves more attention from retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of the series. Its limited library of games may be small compared to other consoles, but it has produced some notable titles that demonstrate its potential for innovative gameplay experiences and engaging graphics.