Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (1991). Play online

Summary

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters expands the original’s simple platforming into a freely scrolling, four‑direction world. Pit still wields his ever‑ready bow, but he can now flap his wings to slow descent and explore previously visited zones. Each tower is split into three areas and a maze‑like fortress, where hidden doors can lead to shops, black markets, hot springs or chambers that upgrade weapons, boost health, or even grant Zeus‑shaped power boosts. Collecting enough enemies expands Pit’s health bar, and eight distinct chamber types provide everything from heart refills to rare fire arrows and protective crystals.

The game rewards thorough exploration; finding guardian monsters and retrieving the three sacred treasures unlocks new abilities for the final sky palace. Secret “sacred training centers” let you hone skills while the labyrinthine layout encourages back‑tracking and map mastery.

Critics praised the graphics, music and the deeper level design, with Nintendo Power ranking it among the best Game Boy titles. Its enduring charm keeps it a beloved hidden gem for handheld action fans.

Storyline

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters draws on Greek and Roman myth. The angel soldier Pit is summoned by the goddess Palutena after she has a nightmare that a soothsayer reads as a warning of an invasion. The demon Orcos and his minions have entered Angel Land, and Palutena tasks Pit with a special training to earn three sacred treasures. These treasures are guarded by three fortress guardians who must be defeated before Pit can claim them.
Once the guardians are slain, Palutena equips Pit with the sacred relics and Orcos appears, turning the goddess to stone. Pit battles the demon, defeats him and restores Palutena, bringing peace back to Angel Land. In the ending Pit soars into the sky, echoing the myth of Icarus as he flies too close to the sun and loses his wings.