Play Dragon Buster II - Yami no Fuuin (Japan) Online

Game Overview

Dragon Buster II never made it outside Japan, which is a shame because it's this weird little action-RPG hybrid for the Famicom. You play as Clovis, the hero from the first game, but way before he became legendary—back when he was just some guy swinging a sword at slimes in dimly lit dungeons.

The combat feels stiff at first (it is 1989), but there's something oddly satisfying about chaining attacks once you get the timing down. And the magic system? You collect these orbs that let you freeze enemies or shoot fireballs, but you’ve got to manage your MP like it’s the last bottle of water in a desert. One wrong move and you’re stuck whacking skeletons the old-fashioned way.

It’s definitely rough around the edges, but if you’re into retro games with that particular brand of janky charm, this one’s a neat time capsule. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand.