Faxanadu: Revisiting the NES Action RPG Gem

Step back in time to the late 80s, a golden era for the Nintendo Entertainment System. While giants like Mario and Zelda dominated the landscape, a peculiar and atmospheric title published by Nintendo quietly carved out its own niche: Faxanadu. This wasn't just another side-scrolling adventure; it was a unique blend of platforming, action, and RPG elements set in one of the most memorable fantasy worlds on the console. For many retro gamers, Faxanadu remains a fondly remembered, albeit sometimes frustrating, journey up the colossal World Tree. Let's dust off this cartridge and see why it still deserves a spot in the retro hall of fame.

What Exactly is Faxanadu?

Released in 1989 in North America, Faxanadu is often described as an action RPG platformer. It's actually a spin-off of Nihon Falcom's Dragon Slayer series, specifically Xanadu. The name itself is a portmanteau of "Famicom" (the Japanese NES) and "Xanadu."

Think of it as a side-scrolling adventure with stats, equipment, and magic. You play as an unnamed wanderer who arrives at his hometown, Eolis, only to find it in despair. The life-giving water source has dried up, the Elves are suffering, and mutated Dwarves are causing trouble. Your quest? Ascend the World Tree to find the source of the problem and restore balance.

Ascending the World Tree: Story & Setting

The setting is arguably one of Faxanadu's strongest points. The entire game takes place within or on the World Tree itself, a massive, interconnected structure that serves as the home for both Elves (living in the upper towns) and Dwarves (dwelling in the lower, darker regions).

The narrative, while simple by modern standards, provides a compelling reason to explore. The conflict between the Elves and the Dwarves, twisted by a malevolent force known as The Evil One, unfolds as you traverse distinct environments: serene Elven towns nestled in the branches, ominous caves, icy peaks, and the gritty Dwarf mountain strongholds. The atmosphere is thick, aided by the game's distinctive visual style and haunting soundtrack.

More Than Just Jumping: Gameplay Mechanics

Faxanadu mixes standard platforming with RPG progression. You'll spend a lot of time jumping across gaps, climbing ladders, and navigating tricky terrain. But you'll also be:

• Fighting Enemies: Using various swords and magical spells. Early combat can feel a bit stiff with short-range weapons, but persistence pays off.
• Collecting Gold & Experience: Defeated enemies drop gold (needed for items) and experience points.
• Visiting Gurus: This is where the unique experience system comes in. You don't level up automatically. Instead, you visit Gurus in churches (usually in towns) who grant you ranks based on your experience. Your rank determines your starting gold if you use a password.
• Using Mantras: Ah, the password system! Instead of battery saves, Gurus give you long, sometimes complex "mantras" (passwords) to resume your game later. Your rank and gold are tied to the mantra.
• Buying Equipment & Items: Towns feature merchants selling better swords, armor, shields, and crucial items like keys, magic spells, and healing potions (called "Elixirs"). Equipping new gear visibly changes your sprite, which was a cool detail for the time!

The blend of precise platforming (sometimes hindered by momentum-based movement) and RPG growth makes for a challenging but rewarding loop.

Why It Still Matters: Legacy & Nostalgia

Faxanadu was a pioneer in blending 2D platforming with RPG elements on consoles. While Castlevania II and Zelda II experimented with this, Faxanadu offered a more cohesive, integrated experience with its towns, merchants, equipment system, and unique ranking.

It's often cited as a "hidden gem" or "forgotten classic" by retro enthusiasts. Its distinctive art style, the memorable World Tree setting, and Jun Chikuma's atmospheric music contribute to its lasting appeal. It even popped up in the Captain N: The Game Master cartoon, cementing its place in 80s gaming pop culture.

The Good, The Bad, and The Quirky

Like any NES game, Faxanadu isn't without its quirks and frustrations:

• The Good:
  • Unique and atmospheric setting (The World Tree!)
  • Great soundtrack
  • Satisfying blend of platforming and RPG mechanics
  • Visible equipment upgrades
  • Relatively clear progression for an RPG of its time
  • The distinct Guru/Mantra system
• The Bad:
  • Momentum-based movement can make platforming tricky
  • Early combat feels limited
  • Magic replenishment is tied to towns, limiting strategic use of powerful spells
  • Some mandatory backtracking, especially late game for keys
  • Password system is cumbersome compared to modern saves
• The Quirky:
  • The Gurus and their sometimes cryptic mantras
  • The sudden appearance of The Evil One's face during certain events

Despite its flaws, the overall experience is compelling and leaves a lasting impression.

Rediscovering Faxanadu Today

Feeling that pang of nostalgia? Want to experience this unique NES gem for the first time?

• Original Hardware: Track down an NES console and cartridge.
• Emulation: Emulators are readily available for playing NES ROMs on modern devices (be sure to acquire ROMs legally).
• Virtual Console: It was released on the Wii's Virtual Console, though that service is no longer available for new purchases. Keep an eye out for potential future re-releases on Nintendo's online services.

However you play it, be prepared for a journey unlike many others on the NES.

Faxanadu FAQ

• What genre is Faxanadu? Faxanadu is primarily an action RPG platformer. It combines side-scrolling platforming with role-playing elements like character stats, equipment, magic, and an experience system.
• Is Faxanadu related to Zelda? While often compared to Zelda II: The Adventure of Link due to its side-scrolling action RPG format and equipment system, Faxanadu is not officially part of the Zelda series. It's a spin-off of Falcom's Dragon Slayer series.
• How does the Guru and Mantra system work? Gurus are characters found in churches within towns. By visiting them with enough experience points, they will grant you a higher rank. They also provide "mantras" (passwords) that you can use to resume your game later, starting with gold based on your current rank.
• Is Faxanadu difficult? Compared to some NES action games, Faxanadu can be moderate. Healing items are relatively common, but tricky platforming, enemy placement, and the need to backtrack can provide significant challenges.

Conclusion

Faxanadu might not be the most famous game on the NES, but it's undoubtedly one of the most interesting. Its brave fusion of genres, its unforgettable setting within the World Tree, and its distinct atmosphere make it a true hidden gem. It's a game that rewards patience and exploration, offering a unique fantasy adventure that stands apart from its contemporaries. If you're a fan of retro action RPGs or just curious about the NES's more ambitious titles, give Faxanadu a try. You might just find yourself lost among the branches and roots of the World Tree, rediscovering a classic.