Trojan (1986). Play online

Summary

Playing Trojan on the NES feels like a vintage mash‑up of side‑scrolling sword‑play and early fighting‑game experimentation. The eight‑way stick and just two action buttons do all the work—hold the stick up to jump, swing for the sword, and press the other button to raise a block‑ready shield. If you catch a magic projectile while shielding you’ll briefly lose both weapons and end up punching and kicking until they reappear, which adds a surprising burst of bare‑fist combat. Floating heart pickups restore health and hidden jump‑pads boost your leap, giving a quick advantage over the relentless hordes. The cartridge sprinkles in features the arcade never had: extra power‑ups, secret rooms, and a bonus showdown against the duo King Shriek on the final stage. Its versus mode lets two players square off in a three‑round duel, marking Capcom’s first dabble in fighting games and foreshadowing the later Street Fighter. Though the graphics are modest, the mix of sword‑shield mechanics and quirky upgrades keeps the 1980s hack‑and‑slash vibe surprisingly fresh.

Storyline

The game is set in a post‑apocalyptic near‑future scarred by nuclear war and a demonic influence. Spirits of ancient warlords have risen, possessing the strongest survivors – the “chosen” – and now rule the remaining tribes with an iron fist.

Their supreme leader, Achilles, commands the evil army. The player controls a young warrior who rejects the possession and adopts the battle name Hero Trojan. He once served Achilles but rebels after witnessing the slaughter of innocents.

As Hero Trojan, you traverse a gothic‑industrial wasteland, battling pirates, gladiators and other possessed foes. Armed with a sword and shield, you exorcise the demons from their mortal hosts and aim to overthrow Achilles and restore peace.