Journey back to 1989, a time when licensed games were a wild frontier on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Amidst the sea of rushed cash-ins, Capcom delivered something surprisingly ambitious: Willow NES. Based on the George Lucas fantasy film of the same name, this wasn't just a simple platformer or beat 'em up. Instead, it took cues from the burgeoning action RPG genre, offering an experience that felt both familiar and distinctly its own.
For many retro gamers, Willow on NES holds a special, perhaps slightly hazy, place in their memories. It wasn't The Legend of Zelda, but it certainly tried to walk a similar path, inviting players into a world of magic, monsters, and a quest to save a baby from an evil queen.
Stepping into Willow's Shoes: Gameplay
At its heart, Willow for the NES is an action RPG. You control the titular hero, Willow Ufgood, navigating an overhead world map and entering towns and dungeons from a top-down perspective. Combat is real-time – you swing your sword (or axe or mace!) directly at enemies, using spells and items strategically.
Key gameplay elements included:
- Real-time Combat: Engaging enemies directly on screen.
- RPG Progression: Gaining experience points to level up Willow, increasing his stats.
- Magic System: Learning and casting various spells found throughout the journey.
- Item Collection: Finding new weapons, armor, and useful items rather than buying them in shops.
- NPC Interaction: Talking to villagers and other characters often provided crucial hints or even free items.
The gameplay loop involved exploring areas, defeating enemies, finding items and spells, and tackling dungeons with bosses. While it shared DNA with Zelda, its structure, emphasis on magic, and direct leveling system gave it a slightly different feel.
The World of Willow: Based on the Film
One of the main draws for players in 1989 was the connection to the popular Willow film. The game loosely follows the movie's plot, sending Willow on a quest that involves protecting the baby Elora Danan and confronting Queen Bavmorda.
It's worth noting that this NES title is entirely different from the Willow arcade game, also developed by Capcom and released around the same time. The NES version is a much deeper, more exploratory experience compared to the arcade's beat 'em up style. Capcom had a strategy back then of using licensed characters to attract a wider audience, and Willow was a prime example.
Behind the Pixels: Development & Release
Developed by Capcom, a company known for quality titles on the NES, Willow was released in Japan in July 1989 and North America in December 1989. The composer, Harumi Fujita, reportedly put significant effort into the game's music, creating memorable (if sometimes repetitive) 8-bit tunes that stick with you long after playing.
Despite its existence in Capcom's solid NES library, Willow hasn't seen official re-releases on platforms like Nintendo's Virtual Console. This is widely believed to be due to licensing complications involving Lucasfilm and potentially other parties, making it a game you primarily experience today via original hardware or emulation.
Was It a Gem or Just... There? Reception
Upon release, Willow for the NES received a mixed bag of reviews. Critics often praised the game's graphics and ambition for an action RPG on the system. However, common criticisms included:
- The Password System: Like many RPGs of the era, it used a lengthy, often complex password system for saving progress, which could be frustrating.
- Music: While some appreciated the effort, others found the music repetitive.
- Difficulty/Grind: Some parts could feel like a bit of a grind.
Despite the mixed reception, Willow NES has developed a cult following over the years. IGN even ranked it highly on lists of best NES RPGs, appreciating its unique blend of action and role-playing elements, especially given its licensed origins. It stands as an interesting footnote in both licensed games and the evolution of the action RPG genre on the 8-bit console.
Playing Willow Today
If you're feeling nostalgic or curious about this particular slice of 8-bit history, experiencing Willow on NES today typically involves:
- Finding an original NES cartridge and console.
- Using modern emulation software on a PC or other device.
Whichever route you take, be prepared for the classic challenge and charm of late 80s 8-bit gaming, password system and all!
FAQ About Willow NES
- Is Willow on NES the same as the arcade game? No, they are completely different games. The NES version is an action RPG, while the arcade game is a beat 'em up.
- Is the Willow NES game difficult? It can be challenging, especially later in the game. The password system can also add difficulty if you lose your password!
- Is Willow NES based directly on the movie? It follows the general plot and characters but takes liberties to fit the action RPG gameplay structure.
- Can I play Willow NES on modern consoles? As of now, Willow for the NES has not been officially re-released on platforms like the Nintendo Switch Online service, likely due to licensing issues.
The Lasting Spell of Willow
Willow on the NES might not have reached the legendary status of its action RPG contemporaries, but it remains a fascinating and often enjoyable game. It represents a time when developers were experimenting with licensed properties and pushing the boundaries of 8-bit genres. For fans of the film or action RPG aficionados looking for something a little different from the NES era, Willow is definitely worth revisiting or discovering. It's a charming, sometimes quirky, adventure that captures a bit of that nostalgic 80s fantasy magic.
