Play Ankoku Shinwa - Yamato Takeru Densetsu (Japan) Online

Ankoku Shinwa: Yamato Takeru Densetsu came out in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by K Amusement Leasing. It's one of those lesser-known action RPGs from the NES era, set in a mythological version of Japan, and it never saw an official English release. The game draws from ancient legends, putting you in the role of Prince Yamato Takeru on a quest to defeat dark forces.

You control the prince through side-scrolling areas and top-down villages, using a sword for close combat and a bow for ranged attacks. The main goal is to explore the land, defeat enemies, and gather sacred items to progress. Signature mechanics include screen-by-screen exploration, switching between weapons depending on the situation, and navigating maze-like dungeons filled with traps and bosses. The pacing is deliberate, and the difficulty can be steep, especially with limited guidance and frequent enemy encounters. It feels like uncovering a piece of gaming history through persistence and observation.