Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Amiga
- Publishers: MicroValue
Elf (1988): A Journey Through a Weird and Wild Fantasy
Elf is a classic adventure game for the NES that was released in 1988. It is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Cornelius the Elf on a quest to rescue his true love, Elisa, from the evil Necrilous.
The game is set in a strange and wonderful world filled with bizarre creatures and devious puzzles. Cornelius must traverse enchanted woods, underground mines, jungle swamps, and snow-capped peaks, all while battling enemies and solving puzzles.
One of the unique features of Elf is its magic ring system. Cornelius can collect rings that grant him different magical abilities, such as the ability to shoot fireballs, freeze enemies, or teleport. The rings become more powerful as Cornelius progresses through the game, and they are essential for solving many of the puzzles.
Another unique feature of Elf is its non-linear gameplay. Cornelius can explore the game world in any order he chooses, and there are multiple ways to solve many of the puzzles. This gives the game a great deal of replayability, as players can experiment with different strategies to find the best way to complete the game.
Elf was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music. The game has since been ported to multiple platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Gameplay
Elf is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Cornelius the Elf. Cornelius can walk, jump, and attack with his sword. He can also use his magic ring to cast spells.
The game is divided into four worlds, each with its own unique set of enemies and puzzles. Cornelius must travel through each world and defeat the boss at the end in order to rescue Elisa.
The game’s puzzles are varied and challenging. Some puzzles require Cornelius to use his magic ring to manipulate the environment, while others require him to find hidden items or solve logic puzzles.
Graphics and Sound
Elf’s graphics are charming and colorful. The game’s world is full of lush forests, sparkling waterfalls, and towering mountains. The character sprites are well-animated and expressive.
The game’s music is catchy and atmospheric. The main theme is a particularly memorable tune that perfectly captures the game’s sense of adventure.
Story
The story of Elf is simple but effective. Cornelius the Elf’s true love, Elisa, has been abducted by the evil Necrilous. Cornelius must travel through a strange and dangerous world to rescue her.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes that are interspersed throughout the gameplay. The cutscenes are well-written and engaging, and they do a good job of conveying the game’s characters and plot.
Overall
Elf is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyable today. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Elf
- Explore the game world thoroughly. There are many hidden items and secrets to find.
- Experiment with different strategies to solve the puzzles. There is often more than one way to complete a puzzle.
- Use your magic ring wisely. The rings can be very powerful, but they can also be used to hurt yourself.
- Don’t give up! The game can be challenging at times, but it is always fair.
Legacy
Elf was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music. The game has since been ported to multiple platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Elf has been cited as an influence on many later adventure games, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Metroid. The game’s non-linear gameplay and emphasis on exploration have been particularly influential.
Elf is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyable today. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
