An Atlus NES action-platformer with a medieval warrior. Enriched combat mechanics, polished visuals for the console. Overlooked but genuinely solid and recommendable. A pleasant surprise.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player12+
Description
Action platformer featuring a knight battling monster armies with a sword and spells. Published by Activision, released in Japan in 1992. Knight in side-scrolling view with sword and magic to acquire, imposing bosses and detailed visuals. An original and little-known action platformer on NES.
Japanese pressing from December 1990 of the Athena action-platformer published by Activision, the original version out a year before the Western editions. The game leans on a demanding, timing-based sword combat system that earned it a reputation as a technical title. Desirability rests on that regional lead-release status among the four pressings, sought by anyone wanting the first iteration ahead of the later US and PAL releases.
Is Sword Master still worth playing in 2026?
An action platformer from Activision, Sword Master pits a knight against monster armies, in sword combat more measured than the genre average, where parrying and timing count as much as attacking. The magic system, the progression and the polished heroic fantasy mood bring a distinctive cachet. The difficulty stays high and the handling needs a moment to adjust. For a fan of thoughtful retro action platforming or someone curious about overlooked NES gems, the title keeps an assertive style and a demanding challenge still stimulating.
