Play The Return of Ishtar Online

Namco released The Return of Ishtar in 1986 as an arcade game, a direct sequel to their earlier title, Dragon Buster. It arrived during a period when side scrolling action games were gaining complexity, and cooperative play was becoming more common. The game builds on its predecessor's fantasy setting, continuing the story with a focus on two player teamwork.

You and a partner control the warrior Kish and the priestess Ishtar, each with distinct abilities; Kish uses a sword for close combat, while Ishtar attacks from a distance with magic. Your goal is to ascend a multi level tower, clearing each screen of enemies and finding keys to unlock doors. The game requires constant coordination, as players must share resources and protect each other from swarms of monsters. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty is punishing, demanding precise movement and quick decisions. It feels like a desperate, shared struggle where every small victory is earned through cooperation.