Mon, 17 Aug 2009 by Corbie Dillard
This Game Boy sequel manages to one-up the NES original.
When the original Kid Icarus title hit the NES, many gamers weren't sure exactly what to think of it. For starters the game's protagonist was a cute little winged angel (at least we thought so) who ran around shooting tiny arrows at mythological enemies. Of course it didn't help matters that the game was released around the same time Nintendo's mega-hit Metroid made its debut on the console. Needless to say, Kid Icarus was somewhat lost in the shuffle, but those who were lucky enough to pick up the game can tell you just how great it was, not to mention brutally difficult.
Nintendo obviously sensed the game needed a second chance and decided to develop the sequel for its portable Game Boy system. The end result is a much more playable title that fixes many of the complaints gamers had with the original release and ultimately proves to be a much more playable and enjoyable platforming experience this time around.
While you'll spend the majority of your time platforming around the various levels in the game, there will be times when you'll have to make use of some of your specialty items as well as your trusty bow and arrow. You can use hammers to break open suspect blocks that will reveal hidden treasures, items, and even doorways. Some of these items range from curative potions to power-ups for your arrows. You'll soon realize the importance of these items once the levels begin to ramp up in difficulty, which doesn't take very long at all. Your ultimate goal is to reach the level exit door at the end of each level in one piece.
There are basically four areas in the game, although the fourth and final area is basically just a very long level with a lengthy boss fight at the end of it. The first three areas are broken down into four individual levels. These levels can be rather tricky in design and it can be tough to find your way through them at times. Of course the constant barrage of enemies doesn't help matters much. At the end of the last level in each area you'll have to face off against one of the game's bosses, some of which can be rather difficult to beat until you've figured out their intricate movements and attack patterns.
The two main complaints of the original NES release were the extremely high difficulty and the lack of the ability to fall down into the bottom of the screen without losing a life. Thankfully, the developers have addressed both issues with this sequel and it makes for a much more well-rounded gameplay experience. The game is certainly still very challenging, but the ability to drop down and scroll all around each level is a blessing and gives the game a much more open feel to it. The control itself also feels a lot more responsive this time around and can make navigating some of the trickier platforming sections much more manageable. It's clear that the developers wanted to give the gameplay a much more refined feel to it and it really paid off in the finished product.
Kid Icarus for the NES was fairly solid for an 8-bit release, but the developers at Nintendo really outdid themselves with this Game Boy release. Not only is there a lot of detail in the surroundings, but there's also a lot of variety as well. Each new area features its own unique look and feel, and the bosses in the game are absolutely amazing in their design and detail. They're honestly so impressive that you'll catch yourself really looking forward to your next boss encounter. And since they tend to get better as you progress through the game, they certainly won't disappoint. The visual presentation in the game is a definite step up from the NES original in just about every way imaginable.
The original Kid Icarus has become quite well known for featuring one of the best 8-bit soundtracks to come out of the era. So naturally, you'd expect this Game Boy sequel to most likely be a step down in terms of overall quality. Of course you'd be wrong to assume that as not only did the developers manage to capture the same charm and personality found in the NES soundtrack, but some tracks in this Game Boy release are actually even more impressive at times. This is yet another game that shows just what can be accomplished with the Game Boy's limited sound hardware when developers take the time to get it right.
1. thebigM
17 Aug 2009, 14:47 BST
@Corbie: Are you replaying all these old titles to the end or does your memory last 18 years back?
2. Tony
17 Aug 2009, 15:20 BST
I like Kid Icarus but hate Eggplant Wizards
3. Metang
17 Aug 2009, 15:34 BST
Wow. From what I've heard from some people, the NES game was better than this. I guess they were wrong. If the difficulty has been toned down, then I'm sold.
Here's hoping Nintendo creates a VH! (Virtual Handheld, DSi VC, whatever you want to call it)
4. ReZon
17 Aug 2009, 16:05 BST
This game is awesome. I love the NES version more, probably because of nostalgia, but OMAM was a great sequel.
5. Terranigma
17 Aug 2009, 17:03 BST
There are too many good games I need to get. Damm it, that's another one to my list
6. BJWanlund
17 Aug 2009, 17:28 BST
One of the best games ever, and not just because of the extreme difficulty!!
Plus, that theme from the 1st 2 levels just gets stuck in your head!
BJ
7. Turbo Genesis 64
17 Aug 2009, 19:11 BST
I will have to check this out! When I downloaded the NES version I basically skipped over the dungeons because they were pretty frustrating.
8. GabeGreens
17 Aug 2009, 20:05 BST
Now Im gonna play the NES version. Thanks a lot Corbie...
9. Ricardo91
17 Aug 2009, 20:05 BST
Yes, inally I find someone else that thinks this is better than the original. All the time I hear fanboys moan about how inferior this game is to the original, but it's so much better. The difficulty's more balanced, the awkward design decisions from the original game are gone (empty rooms, power-ups placed in weird spots), and pencils/maps can be found in statues, instead of requiring you to spend hearts on it.
Soundtrack's great too. The dungeon theme can get stuck in my head for days.
10. Supermarioman
17 Aug 2009, 21:14 BST
I got this for $1.99 at Gamestop, best $2 I ever spent
11. anthonyb
17 Aug 2009, 22:23 BST
I have only played the GB version briefly. There are definitely improvements as Corbie mentioned- you can fall and continue to live, and the whole screen scrolls with you. Indeed this makes the game more accessible, but personally I do enjoy the NES version more. Simply because I've played it so much and it requires a great level of precision and skill to hop from one ledge to the next. Thus, it's entertaining to watch a friend die a lot and get frustrated, only for you to pick up the controller and dominate. XD
12. slapshot82
18 Aug 2009, 00:04 BST
Ive actually been playing thru this game currently. Its actually in my SP right now and Corbie... great dead on review. This game is such a vast improvment over the NES title. I have always been a fan of the NES game but the GB release is just way better. This is way up there in my fav GB titles now. Definately buy this game if you havent already.
13. Corbie
18 Aug 2009, 07:49 BST
I'm playing through these games again. I wouldn't do a review based on my memory of a game.
14. the shpydar
18 Aug 2009, 18:38 BST
I was a tremendous fan of the NES title, got it when it first came out as a "back to school" gift from my Dad. I would constantly sing the praises of the game and defintiely got a bunch of people playing it. Loved loved LOVED the original game. The first time i finally beat it was pure joy.
I just recently started playing this game (rocking it on my old school GB brick), having only learned a couple years back that there was a Kid Ic sequel. I haven't gotten too far yet, just the first temple. Awesome, and highly reccommended.
15. LEGEND MARIOID
18 Aug 2009, 19:48 BST
I've only played the NES version. That was a tad tricky, but good.
16. The_Indigo_Effect
18 Aug 2009, 21:20 BST
I'm really amazed at how fast these reviews get released; not even new games get reviewed this fast.
17. longtimegamer
18 Aug 2009, 22:58 BST
I think I used to have this (don't remember how I got it) a loong while back. Someone either stole it or I lost it. If I recall right.
18. GabeGreens
19 Aug 2009, 01:12 BST
I started playing through the NES one. Fun, but just too hard. Good overall platformer. This seems way better thougn
19. Corbie
19 Aug 2009, 05:48 BST
I'm really amazed at how fast these reviews get released; not even new games get reviewed this fast.
For starters, all of these games I'm reviewing I've played through countless times over the years, so I'm already quite familiar with them. Giving them another quick play through to get them fresh in my mind doesn't take too long and writing them up isn't that difficult since they're quite a bit simpler in design to more modern games where you have to deal with things like online features and motion controls. So they're quite easy to review quickly. I also had three of them already completed before this special even began in preparation for it. When we say "20 reviews in 20 days" we're not kidding.
20. cheese
19 Aug 2009, 14:00 BST
Great review Corbie!
EDIT: Nevertheless it's still a great review and a great game.
21. Corbie
20 Aug 2009, 14:08 BST
I'm not the proofreader. You'll have to take it up with Damo or James. I'm just the flunky writer trying to throw these things together because other reviews were not yet ready.
22. deggs
26 Sep 2009, 22:17 BST
i was stuck on the minotaur boss for years until one day, i just managed to beat him. then i finished the rest of the game super fast. i loved this game as a kid. one of my fav original gb games
(though gargoyle's quest, nemesis, Belmont's Revenge, Operation Contra, Kirby's Pinball, Scrabble and Dr. Mario are probably my all time fav gb games...
23. WaveBoy
30 Sep 2009, 19:02 BST
The first Kid Icarus was definitly one of thee' games that stood out to me back when i was a kid in the 80's. I have fond memories of the first level, the music, the enemies, the awesome SFX, the eggplant wizards, just everything about it, simply put i loved it.
Now, i finally got my hands on the sequal which i beat around a month ago and i gotta say it's a great game. I dont think it's as legendary, or has a great of a soundtrack as the first does, but in ways its superior...The temples werent as frusturating that's for sure, and i liked how the game had more emphasis on the mallet.
But i'm not quite sure if i prefered the explore-like level design. Where as in the original you could fall to your death and you never had to look around to find those room/doors. Anyways, still a great game and is definitly work checking out
24. Mickeymac
12 Oct 2009, 06:22 BST
I never did like the original game for some reason. Maybe I'll like this one more?
25. ballistikboy
21 Oct 2009, 08:25 BST
Greatness! I need to play this again, and quick! Kid Icarus never got lost in the shuffle, it was just too intelligent and different for U.S. gamers to get into. I remember it was released alongside the original Metroid as the "password/action" series.. lol.. The original Kid Icarus is a grade A game (I give it 10/10) and this sequel which I played ions ago is just as good, so I agree with the score, just not the criticism of the original Kid Icarus. Its probably the best most underrated title since Donkey Kong 94 for GameBoy. One of my faves!
You're so right about the 8 bit Kid Icarus soundtrack being one of the best ever... I can still hear it in my head... 20 years later... Wow.
Leave A Comment
Please login to post a comment.