Just beat Willow for NES

[Daria]

Damn good game.

For starters my initial impression of the game was that it looked like it could have easily been done on the SNES. Bright colors, fluid animations, and tons of detail. Whenever you initiate combat the whole screen comes to life. Wind blows though the grass and trees, the background literally dances. It's a cool effect coupled with the lively battle music.

The game it's self is an action RPG. There's a number of different types of enemies to combat, but the formula's always the same. Swing your sword to attack, shield absorbs direct hits and projectiles. But as you unlock new magic you can cheap out on the melee bashing. Towards the very end of the game you even get a total anihilation spell, kills every enemy on the screen. The overpowered magic is kept in check however, as you rarely pick up any sort of MP regeneration. If you waste all your MP early it may be awhile before you reach another town to rest in.

Also true to the classic Zelda format the boss battles require a specific strategies to win. You'll find most of your spells disabled, so beating a boss really comes down to finding the right hit pattern. Attack the wrong way and you'll die-quickly. Do it right and you'll breeze past the bosses without taking any damage. It's more trial and error than any real gameplay difficulty.

Expoloration is divided into a series of mazes. The above world all interconnects, as there's no seperate towns to enter just a cluster of houses nestled in the forest. Navigation starts off simple, but as the dungeons grow more complicated it becomes easier and easier to get lost as the game progresses.

As for being a movie adaptation the game does a brilliant job. You have the same basic plot, all the main characters, tons of references to the film coupled with excellent gameplay and great visuals. Only thing is it's really nothing like the movie at all. It manages to stay a great experience in it's own right rather than a series of highlights of the film's storyboard. My favorite part was whe you meet Fin Raziel. You'll find her in a cave in her classic umm... wombat form? Anyways you won't be able to turn her back into a human until you've reached level 13. But that doesn't mean you can't try. Each time you enter the cave she'll beg you to turn her back, and each time you fail she'll turn into a new animal. "Oh no Willow..." :P I should also note that the 8-bit renditions of the movie's actors all look really good.

The game does a great job of weaving movie references in with original content. For example spells are items you equip, and your first item is the magic acorn that turns enemies into stone. But then there's lots of new items too, like the wand of healing. Monsters are the same way, you'll fight plenty of trolls straight from the film, but also present are crabs, soldiers, skeletons, and ghosts. There's even a ghoul that'll transform you into a pig. Then you have the clans, the hobbit like Nelwyns, Human Daikinis, along with the 'new' Rabbit like Nail Clan, which screams Japanese. Come to think of it... Breath of Fire has a rabbit clan called Nail too. Anyway, it's like instead of becoming a slave to the movie cannon the game expands on the universe introduced in the film.

I could go on, but it's just a really fun game.

[Blitzwing256]

I was pretty impressed with it myself for many of the reasons you mentioned, but one little tiny nitpick you do get magic "powerups" friom some enemies although VERY rarely, in particular the ghost enemies drop them.

I liked how as you leveled up your sword swinging sped up with the lighter swords, and the ghost killing sword was a neat idea (if not a pain sometimes to swap out when needed)

on another note, now that you beat the game you should try the "debug" password for the game, lets you warp anywhere in the game. I remeber when np had it in its classified info section I spent hours warping all over the place with it :-)

[Daria]

It's hard to abuse the ghost enemies for the powerups as when they split and multiply they use your MP to do so. But they're great for harvesting EXP. :P

But... nitpicking noted and corrected.

[8bitgamer]

I remember seeing the movie Willow and being the only person in the group who liked it. Haven't played the game yet, though. Sounds worth checking out...

Classic Home Video Games 1972-1984 (http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Home-Video-Games-1972-1984/dp/0786432268/ref=sr_1_1/102-4833994-2708962?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180844138&sr=8-1)

[Graham Mitchell]

I'm having a problem with the search function, so I can't link to it, but...

I started a thread a couple of years ago after playing the arcade version of Willow (which is also fantastic--a Strider-esque side scroller). I ranted about how movie games these days don't compare largely with those of yesteryear. Willow and the Goonies II are classic examples of this.

NES Willow is simply gorgeous. I never beat it, though. It takes hours and hours to get through those dungeons and I often just don't have the time, because you can't save unless you get out of the dungeon. I think I need to emulate it with save states if I want to see the ending.

[Daria]

Password games are definately a bonus playing by savestate. However I kind of like the password system. Never have to fear battery failure, and I can continue playing the game on a different cartridge if I need to. Like Goonies... I started playing it at a friend's in Boston. We beat it there... but the original plan was that we could both continue from our password and finish the game seperately.

[Aussie2B]

Congratulations. :) Indeed, Willow is a terrific game. I decided to sit down and play through the whole thing a few summers ago (same deal as with Goonies II). Like with the Goonies, I don't think I used much in the way of outside help, besides maybe a little bit of stuff I read in old Nintendo Power issues. I mapped out most of the dungeons myself, and that was quite fun, if not a bit exhausting. I also really love the game's music.

[Steven]

Damn good game.

For starters my initial impression of the game was that it looked like it could have easily been done on the SNES. Bright colors, fluid animations, and tons of detail. Whenever you initiate combat the whole screen comes to life. Wind blows though the grass and trees, the background literally dances. It's a cool effect coupled with the lively battle music.

The game it's self is an action RPG. There's a number of different types of enemies to combat, but the formula's always the same. Swing your sword to attack, shield absorbs direct hits and projectiles. But as you unlock new magic you can cheap out on the melee bashing. Towards the very end of the game you even get a total anihilation spell, kills every enemy on the screen. The overpowered magic is kept in check however, as you rarely pick up any sort of MP regeneration. If you waste all your MP early it may be awhile before you reach another town to rest in.

Also true to the classic Zelda format the boss battles require a specific strategies to win. You'll find most of your spells disabled, so beating a boss really comes down to finding the right hit pattern. Attack the wrong way and you'll die-quickly. Do it right and you'll breeze past the bosses without taking any damage. It's more trial and error than any real gameplay difficulty.

Expoloration is divided into a series of mazes. The above world all interconnects, as there's no seperate towns to enter just a cluster of houses nestled in the forest. Navigation starts off simple, but as the dungeons grow more complicated it becomes easier and easier to get lost as the game progresses.

As for being a movie adaptation the game does a brilliant job. You have the same basic plot, all the main characters, tons of references to the film coupled with excellent gameplay and great visuals. Only thing is it's really nothing like the movie at all. It manages to stay a great experience in it's own right rather than a series of highlights of the film's storyboard. My favorite part was whe you meet Fin Raziel. You'll find her in a cave in her classic umm... wombat form? Anyways you won't be able to turn her back into a human until you've reached level 13. But that doesn't mean you can't try. Each time you enter the cave she'll beg you to turn her back, and each time you fail she'll turn into a new animal. "Oh no Willow..." :P I should also note that the 8-bit renditions of the movie's actors all look really good.

The game does a great job of weaving movie references in with original content. For example spells are items you equip, and your first item is the magic acorn that turns enemies into stone. But then there's lots of new items too, like the wand of healing. Monsters are the same way, you'll fight plenty of trolls straight from the film, but also present are crabs, soldiers, skeletons, and ghosts. There's even a ghoul that'll transform you into a pig. Then you have the clans, the hobbit like Nelwyns, Human Daikinis, along with the 'new' Rabbit like Nail Clan, which screams Japanese. Come to think of it... Breath of Fire has a rabbit clan called Nail too. Anyway, it's like instead of becoming a slave to the movie cannon the game expands on the universe introduced in the film.

I could go on, but it's just a really fun game.



I been sort of meaning to play this, but since purchasing it last year I have yet to even test it. But reading your post is refreshing and it makes me think about the sheer joy one can garner from this hobby. There's nothing like devoting some time to play through successfully one of those games you been meaning to. It's a great feeling. That's when you don't just play games, you experience 'em :)

[MonoTekETeA]

I love this game and have been playing it ever since I was little, I have yet to beat it though.

[kainemaxwell]

This is on my list of NES games to play via my DC. I played this a few times as a ki and enjoyed it too.

[roushimsx]

God, I loved this game. I used to sit down and mow through it in a single sitting during the summer months. We didn't have many games, but we had Willow and by god, I played the unholy hell out of it. Fantastic action/rpg/adventure game. Shame it doesn't get more love; it's truly one of the best games on the platform.

[Gentlegamer]

Years ago, I finished Willow. In the process, I mapped the entire game on graph paper.

[Damon Plus]

I tried this game many years ago, without knowing what to expect, only to be pleasantly surprised. Good graphics, a great soundtrack, cool little details (like the swords being easier to use as you level up), magic spells, lots of dungeons and items to find... All of this makes for an excellent, charming game you can enjoy lots of times. Defintely one of my favorite Nes games. Its lenght is a plus too (6-8 hours, I tend to get bored with longer games).

[Wraith Storm]

Years ago, I finished Willow. In the process, I mapped the entire game on graph paper.

Yep! I mapped every inch of the game until I reached Fin Razel. I was level 12 and always died before reaching level 13 or 14 to change her back. I LOVED the game however, one day i'll give it another shot.

[Rob2600]

movie games these days don't compare largely with those of yesteryear. Willow and the Goonies II are classic examples of this.

I think you're letting a few good movie games block your memory of the tons of horrid ones.

For every Willow and Goonies II, there was a Karate Kid, Back to the Future, Hudson Hawk, Total Recall, Lethal Weapon, Predator, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, Three Stooges, etc.

[Garry Silljo]

I think you're letting a few good movie games block your memory of the tons of horrid ones.

For every Willow and Goonies II, there was a Karate Kid, Back to the Future, Hudson Hawk, Total Recall, Lethal Weapon, Predator, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, Three Stooges, etc.

I see your point, but I loved Hudson hawk. I only wish it were longer.

[Graham Mitchell]

I think you're letting a few good movie games block your memory of the tons of horrid ones.

For every Willow and Goonies II, there was a Karate Kid, Back to the Future, Hudson Hawk, Total Recall, Lethal Weapon, Predator, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, Three Stooges, etc.

Predator ain't bad, and Ghostbusters was executed well on other platforms, actually. The point was that the ratio of good movie games to shit movie games is lower these days.

But, yeah, the NES did have its fair share of bad licensed games.

[Tron 2.0]

Any body ever like this willow ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwwYEYqyEbc
Man i still wish capcom would pay the rights to use this in a collection.

[Graham Mitchell]

Any body ever like this willow ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwwYEYqyEbc
Man i still wish capcom would pay the rights to use this in a collection.

Of course! That game is a total classic. I think it gets overlooked a lot simply because people forget about it, but I think that game is one of the truly great Pre-SF2 Capcom classics, amongst the ranks of Strider, Forgotten Worlds, and Ghouls 'N' Ghosts.

[Rob2600]

Predator ain't bad, and Ghostbusters was executed well on other platforms, actually.

Wow, nobody has ever defended the original Ghostbusters game before. :) I've played several versions and they're all based on the same flawed, boring design.

[Gentlegamer]

I've played several versions and they're all based on the same flawed, boring design.The Genesis version is the odd man out; i.e., it is a fun game that does good with its movie license.

[Rob2600]

The Genesis version is the odd man out; i.e., it is a fun game that does good with its movie license.

Yeah, the Genesis version was a playable action game. Sega strayed from the original, horrible design.

[shadowfire36]

i remember playing this back when i was 10 or 11 ...all i remmeber was it was a bad zelda knock off and hard to xp ... i wouldnt have played this again ...now the arcade is way better and a lot more fun

[kainemaxwell]

Any body ever like this willow ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwwYEYqyEbc
Man i still wish capcom would pay the rights to use this in a collection.

Wow, never knew that was around!!

[Tron 2.0]

Wow, never knew that was around!!
Most don't know i wounder if capcom did enough to,have the arcades carry it.

I only got to play it ages ago at a bowling ally.

Still a port never happen wich left me puzzled why not.

Sure ya can play it in mame..but i wish it would be put in a collcetion still.

Of corse the other the option would be get a supergun and get the pcb of it.

Just though i mention it since the nes willow was brought up.

Still i'm more of a fan towards the arcade version.

[Graham Mitchell]

Wow, nobody has ever defended the original Ghostbusters game before. :) I've played several versions and they're all based on the same flawed, boring design.

I really liked the SMS version, actually. It's kind of a cool concept at it's core, and I'm pretty sure Compile developed the SMS version, so it's got some style to it. The NES version suffered from shitty, lazy programming, and the 2600 version was just too ambitious for that machine to do well (like Double Dragon). I played the Apple IIe version back in the day and it wasn't horrible either.

Anyway, enough thread-jacking...

[InsaneDavid]

Agreed, a great game to spend a couple afternoons with. As for Ghostbusters, New Ghostbusters II on the Famicom is the best Ghostbusters title - shame it never came out in the USA.

[boatofcar]

I think you're letting a few good movie games block your memory of the tons of horrid ones.

For every Willow and Goonies II, there was a Karate Kid, Back to the Future, Hudson Hawk, Total Recall, Lethal Weapon, Predator, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, Three Stooges, etc.

I play the Three Stooges all the time. I think it's great.

[Rob2600]

I play the Three Stooges all the time. I think it's great.

I can't tell if you're being serious or sarcastic.

[The Great Dane]

Oh yeah! Willow is one of my favorite NES games ever. I got that back when I was about 8 or 9 years old, and to this day I still love playing it. Actually, I think I might play it later today :D

[Graham Mitchell]

I play the Three Stooges all the time. I think it's great.

I actually really liked this when it came out, too. Not much repay value, but most of the Cinemaware games are worth a run through.

[Graham Mitchell]

I was playing another movie game yesterday that I really liked: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom for the NES. It's definitely not as good as Willow or Goonies II, but it's got a lot of depth and challenge--more than you'd expect. The visual style is really unique, and it has nice, atmospheric background music.

[calthaer]

Willow is one of my all-time favorite NES games. It may not be quite as good as the original Zelda, but I have to say that I like it a lot better than Zelda 2. It's funny that a lot of the good innovations it introduced (like the round swipe with the sword, then the direction + B to jab) were later incorporated into Zelda 3 - it's no wonder that Capcom has partnered with Nintendo to make many of the more recent top-down Zelda games.

The only pain was the fact that you had to be level 13 to use the wand - I always had to level-up in some mindless way by going between screens...but altogether, a supremely awesome game. Good music, great graphics for the time...I, too, had the whole game mapped out on paper. I probably still have those maps somewhere.

[The Great Dane]

I was playing another movie game yesterday that I really liked: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom for the NES. It's definitely not as good as Willow or Goonies II, but it's got a lot of depth and challenge--more than you'd expect. The visual style is really unique, and it has nice, atmospheric background music.

Oh yeah, The Temple of Doom is a great game. The movie is my favorite movie ever, and I remember years ago, when the game was brand new and I was a little kid, I saw it in a store and I was drooling over it. I still love the game, but it is very hard.

[kainemaxwell]

I was playing another movie game yesterday that I really liked: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom for the NES. It's definitely not as good as Willow or Goonies II, but it's got a lot of depth and challenge--more than you'd expect. The visual style is really unique, and it has nice, atmospheric background music.

The Tengen or Mindscape version?

[NE146]

Yknow what bugged me about NES Willow? The music! It's just so sickenly "sweet" for some reason and it really got on my nerves when I played it back in the day LOL

[The Great Dane]

The Tengen or Mindscape version?

The one I have is the Mindscape version. I haven't played a Tengen version.

[Garry Silljo]

The one I have is the Mindscape version. I haven't played a Tengen version.

They're the same game.

[The Great Dane]

Ah. Thanks for the info :)

[Graham Mitchell]

Yknow what bugged me about NES Willow? The music! It's just so sickenly "sweet" for some reason and it really got on my nerves when I played it back in the day LOL

Only in the towns, really. There are tunes in that game that make my flesh crawl, particularly the song in the Twin Towers--which is a great level. I love how you can see the torches lighting from several floors up. (Tough visual to explain, but if you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about). A really cool, creepy touch.

[boatofcar]

I play the Three Stooges all the time. I think it's great.


I can't tell if you're being serious or sarcastic.

I'm serious. I like the game a lot.

[Rob2600]

I'm serious. I like the game a lot. (The Three Stooges)

The NES version?

[boatofcar]

The NES version?

Yes. I didn't even know that it came out for multiple systems :)

[Rob2600]

I'm serious. I like the game a lot.


Yes. I didn't even know that it came out for multiple systems :)

Yeah, there was a version for the NES, Amiga, and Commodore 64. Later on, versions were released for the Game Boy Advance, Windows, and Macintosh:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Stooges_%28video_game%29


There was also an unrelated arcade game released in 1984:

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=12950

[StakeRaiser]

Yknow what bugged me about NES Willow? The music! It's just so sickenly "sweet" for some reason and it really got on my nerves when I played it back in the day LOL

Actually, that's one of the reasons I really love the game. I don't know if its just nostalgia from staying home sick from school playing this game or what, but the music for this game gives me chills.

[The Great Dane]

Actually, that's one of the reasons I really love the game. I don't know if its just nostalgia from staying home sick from school playing this game or what, but the music for this game gives me chills.

Me too :) Its has some of my favorite game music from any classic game.

[kainemaxwell]

I'm playing this now and enjoying it. The Devil Eye Sword is the sword killer sword then? Seems only enemies I can hit with it are the 80exp egg-shaped enemies on the way to the Traveler's Tavern.

[Kaine32]

midgets are naturally poised for fellation exploitation but look out one is going to try to stab you in the testicles in march of 2010 watch total recall for a visual aid

[kainemaxwell]

Any advice for fighting General Kael??

[Daria]

Any advice for fighting General Kael??

He's a fucker.

Anyway don't just swing widly at him. Or panic if he's pushing you towards the wall.

If I remember correctly you paitently wait until he swings, you'll block automatically, then attack him while he's open. I was dying a lot at first but when I finally figured out how to kill him I did it without getting hit.

Also if Bavmorda kills you... you have to fight general Kael again. :/

[kainemaxwell]

Ugh, Kael was a pain in the ass, thank goodness for save states. Bav's first form was tough also just trying to hit her and not waste any magic. 2nd round, I kept smacking her with my sword. Win!

Anyhow, finishing this game was enjoyable. Willow is still a favorite movie of mine and this NES action RPG faithfully recreates the Willow universe and the plot of the movie, while adding to it, like with the Nail and Eagle Clans, without the addidtions feeling forced in.

The graphics are quite pretty, and the music is something you'll get stuck in your head for a time. ^^ Play control is pretty tight also. Back with the graphics, when you enter a building or meet a character, you go into a scene where Willow walks up to them to talk, get items, heal, etc. The portaits of the characters from the movie appear faithfully reproduced in 8-bit glory, so when you meet someone and you keep the movie in mind, you'll know who you are speaking with.

[Clownzilla]

What did Willow do to you!?!? Listen, just because you wanted what he had, doesn't justify you causing him bodily harm to get it! Sure, now you mugging dwarves for game systems, but what next??? Mugging your grandmother for her retirement money? Your a sad, sad, man!