Let's Play a Game: "Kid Icarus" (NES)

In this episode we'll be playing Kid Icarus (NES). I remember renting this game when I was a kid and that song has been stuck in my head ever since.

"Kid Icarus" for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a classic action-platformer that has built a significant fanbase over the years. Developed by Nintendo R&D1 under the guidance of producer Gunpei Yokoi and designer Toru Osawa, the game was first released in Japan on December 19, 1986, under the title 光神話 パルテナの鏡 (Hikari Shinwa: Parutena no Kagami), which translates to "Myth of Light: The Mirror of Palutena". It made its way to North America in July 1987 and to Europe by February 15, 1988.

The storyline revolves around Pit, an angel imprisoned in the Underworld by the malevolent Medusa. His quest is to escape, defeat Medusa, and reclaim the three sacred treasures to restore peace. The gameplay is distinctive, combining side-scrolling action with vertical stages, which set Kid Icarus apart from many of its contemporaries. Players must navigate through challenging levels, collecting hearts to purchase better weapons, health boosts, or additional lives. This game was infamous for its high difficulty level, requiring careful resource management and precise platforming.

Upon release, "Kid Icarus" received mixed reviews; the steep difficulty curve was a point of contention, yet it was also praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and the integration of RPG elements into a platformer. Over time, it has been recognized as a cult classic, appreciated for its unique art style and gameplay.

The cultural impact of "Kid Icarus" extended beyond its initial release. It spawned a sequel on the Game Boy titled "Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters" in 1991. After a long period without new entries, the franchise was revitalized with "Kid Icarus: Uprising" for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012, which expanded the universe and modernized the gameplay while keeping the spirit of the original alive. Additionally, the protagonist, Pit, has appeared in various Nintendo crossover games, notably in the "Super Smash Bros." series, further cementing his place in gaming culture.

The soundtrack, composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, also left a lasting impression, with the main theme becoming iconic among fans. The game's use of vertical scrolling and its unique control scheme, where players had to manage both horizontal and vertical movements, were technically innovative for the time, contributing to its legacy in video game history. "Kid Icarus" illustrates how games with initially divisive reception can achieve enduring popularity and influence.