Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Capcom
- Publishers: Capcom
Willow (1989) is an action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Famicom. It is based on the 1988 fantasy film of the same name, which was in turn based on George Lucas’s story. The game was released in Japan on December 8, 1989, and in North America in February 1990.
The player takes on the role of Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer who must rescue the kidnapped baby Elora Danan from the evil Queen Bavmorda. Willow is armed with a sword, shield, and a variety of magic spells. He must travel through a variety of environments, including forests, swamps, and mountains, and defeat Bavmorda’s minions in order to reach her castle and save Elora.
The game is a side-scrolling action-adventure game similar to The Legend of Zelda. Willow can explore the game world, talk to NPCs, and collect items. He can also use his sword and shield to fight enemies, and cast magic spells to solve puzzles and defeat bosses.
Willow was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the film. However, it was also criticized for its difficulty and lack of innovation.
Gameplay
Willow is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. The player controls Willow as he explores the game world, talks to NPCs, and collects items. Willow can use his sword and shield to fight enemies, and cast magic spells to solve puzzles and defeat bosses.
The game world is divided into a number of different areas, each with its own unique enemies and challenges. Willow must travel through these areas in order to reach Bavmorda’s castle and save Elora.
Along the way, Willow will meet a variety of NPCs who can provide him with information, items, and assistance. Willow can also collect a variety of items, including weapons, armor, and magic spells.
Willow’s magic spells are an important part of the game. Willow can use his spells to attack enemies, solve puzzles, and heal himself. Willow’s spells are limited by his magic points, which can be replenished by collecting magic items or by resting at save points.
Development
Willow was developed by Capcom, a Japanese video game company. The game was directed by Yoshiki Okamoto, who had previously directed the arcade game 1942. Okamoto was a fan of the Willow film, and he wanted to create a game that was faithful to the film’s story and characters.
The game was developed over a period of two years. Capcom used a variety of techniques to create the game’s graphics and gameplay, including rotoscoping and digitized sprites. The game’s music was composed by Junko Tamiya, who had previously composed the music for the arcade game Mega Man 2.
Release
Willow was released in Japan on December 8, 1989, and in North America in February 1990. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Reception
Willow was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the film. However, it was also criticized for its difficulty and lack of innovation.
Legacy
Willow is considered to be one of the best NES games of all time. It is a classic action-adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, and Wii.
Fun Facts
- The game’s protagonist, Willow Ufgood, is voiced by Warwick Davis, who also played the character in the film.
- The game’s music was composed by Junko Tamiya, who also composed the music for the arcade game Mega Man 2.
- The game was originally going to be released in 1988, but it was delayed due to development problems.
Conclusion
Willow is a classic action-adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a faithful adaptation of the film, and it features challenging gameplay and beautiful graphics. If you are a fan of the Willow film or of classic NES games, then you should definitely check out Willow.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
