Astyanax Overview
Astyanax is a side scrolling platform action title where players control a teenage boy drawn into a fantasy world. He is summoned by a pixie named Cutie to rescue a princess from an evil force led by Blackhorn, fulfilling a prophetic role.
Gameplay involves navigating stages and combating enemies. The player's capabilities can be enhanced through discovered powerups, which strengthen the character and upgrade his primary weapon. This weapon upgrade also influences the effectiveness of magical attacks.
Three screen clearing spells are available: a multidirectional fireball blast, a focused lightning bolt, and a freezing effect that immobilizes foes. The power of these spells and their magic point cost are tied directly to the current weapon level. This NES version is a follow up to an arcade game, featuring entirely new stages, enemies, and narrative.