Play 8 Eyes Online

I first came across 8 Eyes on the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1988, published by Taxan. It was one of those games that felt a little different from the usual platformers and action titles of the era, with a premise that stood out even if the execution was sometimes rough around the edges. You don't see many games where you control a guy and his trained falcon working together to raid castles.

You play as Orin, a knight, accompanied by his falcon Cutrus. The goal is to explore eight castles, defeat their guardians, and collect the eight magical jewels they protect. Movement is screen by screen, with a lot of backtracking and careful navigation. Combat involves using your sword and a crossbow, while you can also command Cutrus to attack enemies or retrieve items, which adds a strategic layer. The game is methodical and can be quite difficult, demanding patience as you learn enemy patterns and manage your limited resources. It feels like a deliberate, sometimes clunky puzzle of movement and coordination rather than a fast-paced action rush.