Play Vandyke Online

Vandyke came out in 1992 for arcades, developed by Arcade Studios. It was part of that wave of side-scrolling action games that filled arcades in the early 90s, sitting alongside titles that emphasized fast movement and large, detailed sprites. The game didn't redefine the genre, but it offered a solid, challenging experience that felt right at home next to the cabinets of its time.

You control a knight armed with a broadsword, moving screen by screen through a fantasy world. Your goal is to defeat a series of monstrous bosses, each guarding a piece of a mystical artifact. The combat relies on timing your swings and learning enemy patterns; some foes, like giant scorpions, require careful dodging before you can strike. You find new weapons as you progress, such as a flail that lets you spin continuously, mowing down everything in your path. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty is unforgiving, demanding quick reflexes and patience. It feels chaotic and satisfying, especially when you finally clear a crowded screen using nothing but well-timed attacks and a bit of luck.