Capcom's Magic Sword medieval fantasy brawler, two player friendly. Solid albeit dated, with a real epic mood.
Your verdict
Category
Beat-'Em-Up2 players12+
Co-op
Description
Capcom beat-'em-up in which a warrior climbs a magical tower while recruiting allies. Published by Capcom, released in Japan in 1992. Knight warrior climbing tower floors with varied allies to recruit along the way, collectible spells and weapons and floor bosses. SNES port of the Capcom Magic Sword arcade.
Magic Sword review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
The whole art direction serves verticality: a tower climbed floor after floor, each one redrawn, from a seeping basement to crystal halls by way of lava corridors. The allies you free appear as distinct sprites following the hero, and their silhouette alone tells you what kind of fire you have just gained.
The score accompanies the climb with a rise in tension floor by floor: low brass at the start, increasingly fast strings, organ near the summit. The themes stay short, suited to levels that follow one another, and the throne room piece is built to give the impression of having arrived somewhere very high up.
The Japanese Super Famicom edition of Capcom's arcade beat'em up port. This is the original home release, in its SFC card box with spine card, and often the most affordable way into the title. For collectors the appeal lies in Japan's well-stocked market: complete copies turn up more readily, and an intact manual and spine card make the difference at resale. An ideal entry point into the Capcom SFC line, valued for the authenticity of its original packaging.
Is Magic Sword still worth playing in 2026?
A port of Capcom's medieval-fantasy beat-em-up where a warrior climbs an infested tower, freeing allies who fight at his side. The recruitable companion system brings welcome variety and a tactical touch, in a rousing vertical progression. The readable action and retro charm hold up well, even if the SNES version loses some of the arcade splendour. An original, enjoyable beat-em-up, especially pleasant in co-op.
