Summary

Release Year: 1986
Genres: Arcade, Platform
Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari Lynx, Commodore C64/128/MAX, PlayStation 4, Sega Master System/Mark III, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Tecmo
Publishers: Atari Corporation, Salio, Inc., U.S. Gold

Rygar: A Legendary Warrior’s Quest to Restore Peace and Justice

Released in 1986 by Tecmo, Rygar is a side-scrolling action game that quickly became a beloved classic in the arcade scene. Players take control of the legendary warrior Rygar, who must traverse a vast and treacherous land to defeat the evil being Ligar and restore peace to the kingdom of Argool.

A Hero Rises from the Grave

The story of Rygar begins with the rise of Ligar, a demonic sorcerer who threatens to conquer the land of Argool. Such is his power that no living creature dares to challenge him. But hope emerges from the unlikeliest of places: the grave of the legendary warrior Rygar.

Awakened by the desperate pleas of his people, Rygar rises from his eternal slumber, armed with his famed weapon, the Diskarmor. This powerful weapon, a razor-sharp disc attached to a chain, can be thrown, swung, and used as a shield, making Rygar a formidable opponent.

A Perilous Quest

With the Diskarmor in hand, Rygar embarks on a perilous quest to defeat Ligar and restore peace to Argool. His journey takes him through a diverse and unforgiving landscape, from lush forests to desolate wastelands, each teeming with grotesque monsters and deadly traps.

Along the way, Rygar must battle hordes of Ligar’s minions, including giant spiders, fire-breathing dragons, and even the undead. Each enemy poses a unique challenge, requiring Rygar to adapt his combat tactics and use his wits to overcome them.

The Power of the Diskarmor

The Diskarmor is not merely a weapon; it is an extension of Rygar’s will. With it, he can perform a variety of powerful attacks and abilities. The basic attack involves throwing the disc, which can be aimed in eight directions. Rygar can also swing the disc around his body to create a protective shield, deflecting enemy projectiles and attacks.

In addition, the Diskarmor grants Rygar special abilities, such as the ability to charge up his disc for a more powerful throw, or to create a temporary force field that protects him from all harm. These abilities are essential for overcoming the game’s many challenges and defeating the powerful bosses that stand in Rygar’s path.

A Timeless Classic

Rygar was an instant success upon its release, captivating players with its intense action, challenging gameplay, and memorable hero. The game’s graphics were cutting-edge for the time, featuring detailed sprites and vibrant colors. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Tim Follin, is still considered one of the best in video game history, perfectly capturing the epic scope and intensity of Rygar’s quest.

Over the years, Rygar has been ported to numerous home consoles, including the NES, Game Boy, and PlayStation 2. While these ports may not fully capture the arcade experience, they have allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic title.

Legacy and Impact

Rygar’s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and timeless art style. It has inspired numerous sequels and spin-offs, as well as countless imitators.

Rygar is also credited with popularizing the “scrolling beat ’em up” genre, where players fight their way through hordes of enemies in a side-scrolling environment. This genre would go on to become a staple of the arcade scene, with games like Double Dragon, Streets of Rage, and Final Fight all owing a debt to Rygar’s pioneering gameplay.

Conclusion

Rygar is a true classic of the arcade era, a game that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Its intense action, challenging gameplay, and memorable hero have cemented its place in gaming history. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, Rygar is a must-play for any fan of action-adventure games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Publisher: Salio, Inc.

Rygar (1986)