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Kenseiden (SMS, 1988)

Subgenre: Castlevania-like Action Platformer/Platform Adventure-lite

Other: Hub map (can travel only to adjacent levels after beating one)

Partially non-linear structure
Gain new moves and upgrades by completing levels and optional training levels (besides the high jump that you'll gain automatically in the second level, these aren't needed for traversal but help a lot with combat)
No save feature (unlimited continues via a code mentioned in the manual)
No level maps
Can exit most beaten levels quicker when replaying them (a door opens up in the first room)
Some straightforward levels
HP, Defense and AP upgrades

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by: Probably Castlevania series, possibly Getsu Fuuma Den, Genpei Tōma Den, Space Hunter, Xain'd Sleena, Shadowland, Ghostbusters (SMS/NES/C64)

Influenced: Strider (NES), Ys III, Castlevania III, Clash at Demonhead, DuckTales, Ghostbusters (MD), Quackshot (MD)