Capcom's action-RPG based on Ron Howard's film on NES. Madmartigan and Willow against the witch Bavmorda. Capcom at the peak of its license adaptations. Excellent and overlooked.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player7+
Description
Action RPG featuring Willow exploring the film's world to save Princess Elora Danan. Published by Capcom, released in Japan in 1989. Willow in top-down view with spells and sword, film bosses and exploration of varied regions. Capcom NES adaptation of the Willow film.
Willow review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Capcom unfolds a fantasy world seen from above: villages, forests, frozen lakes, fortresses, each with its own palette. The battles take place without a change of screen, which requires enemy sprites readable at small size, and the dialogue scenes lean on carefully drawn portraits.
The writing favours melodic themes with rich harmonies carried by active bass, in an adventure register rather than an action one. Each region gets its piece, and the dungeon passages darken the tone without ever abandoning the singing line that runs through the entire journey.
Capcom action-RPG from 1989 inspired by Ron Howard's film, the Japanese Famicom version markedly more accomplished than the arcade spin-off and long overlooked in the West. The title leverages a film license to deliver a structured Zelda-like adventure, making it a sought object for fans of forgotten Capcom adaptations. Desirability rests on that underrated quality doubled by territorial exclusivity, the game never having seen a Western NES release.
An underrated gem
Where so many film adaptations disappointed, Capcom delivered with this Willow a sprawling action-RPG in the vein of Zelda, rich in exploration, spells, and equipment. Its aging license made it look like a worthless tie-in. Yet solid and absorbing, it's well worth a look for fans of 8-bit adventure.
Is Willow still worth playing in 2026?
An action RPG from Capcom adapted from the film, Willow unfolds a Zelda like adventure where the hero explores a vast world, fights with the sword, casts spells and grows in power to save princess Elora Danan. The exploration structure, the character progression and Capcom's production quality make it a surprisingly rich and polished film adaptation, far from sloppy tie ins. The adventure keeps a real epic breath. For a fan of retro action RPGs or someone curious about successful adaptations, the title keeps a remarkable scope and charm.
