Little Samson (1992). Play online

Summary

Little Samson feels like a boutique showcase of what the NES could still do in the early ’90s. You can jump between four distinctly skilled heroes—a wall‑climbing boy, a short‑range flying dragon, a slow but spike‑immune golem, and a lightning‑fast mouse‑sized bomber—each with their own attacks and movement quirks, turning level navigation into a casual puzzle of who to summon next.

Critics at the time highlighted its vivid graphics, fluid animations and a soundtrack that punched well above the console’s budget. Reviewers praised the strategic depth added by instant character swaps, and modern retrospectives routinely list Little Samson among the greatest NES titles, calling it technically impressive and a hidden gem. Its poor initial marketing made the North American cartridge one of the most expensive collectors’ items today.

Limited Run Games confirmed a 2026 revival for Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC, giving a new generation a chance to experience the colorful stages, massive bosses and the satisfying rush of swapping heroes on the fly.

Storyline

In Little Samson, the peaceful Kingdom of the Imperial Forgy is thrown into chaos when the demon king Ta‑Keed shatters his ancient seal with a bolt of red lightning. The gods had once scattered his power into four Majestic Bells, and the emperor—first Hans VI, then his descendant Hans XIV—calls the owners of those bells to the capital. Samson, a brave boy adventurer, teams up with Kikira the Dragon Lord, Gamm the Rock Lord, and K.O. the Enchanted Beast to confront the revived evil.

Each hero battles through a distinct stage, reclaiming their bell’s power before regrouping before Emperor Hans XIV. The emperor names Samson the team leader, a decision that sparks a rivalry with Kikira, who challenges his authority. After a fierce duel, Kikira concedes, and the quartet unites to ring the bells and finally seal Ta‑Keed away for good.