Knight 'n' Grail (C64, 2009)

• Mostly linear structure (can only open doors in a specific order in the first area, opens up a bit after getting the double jump in the second area at which points you can get some upgrades in any order but areas are entered and finished in a set order besides the dungeon area, some backtracking to previous sub areas for upgrades, some areas are pretty much linear)

• Single entry point to 4/7 areas

• Decent map system (auto-mapper which shows the basic room layout and room exits, your location and some in-room walls, shows transitional rooms between areas (loading screens), also shows time taken). Near the end the paths you haven't yet explored are also revealed (optional)

• One save point per area which also refills health (none in the first and last though)

• Infinite lives

• Get hints and some lore through short rhymes written on stone tablets placed around the game world

• Elemental gear (water armor gives protection from blue drops and projectiles for example - generally you equip the corresponding color of armor to defend against a certain enemy/hazard/projectile), enemies have immunities and affinities (?) to some weapon elements)

• A few shortcuts

• One two-way teleporter for quick travel (not quite enough but it helps)

• Alternate bad ending if you didn't get the gold armor from the dungeon area

• Enemies respawn when exiting the room they're in (or sometimes the screen in spots where the game goes flip screen)

• No HP refill after beating a boss

• Coins are only used to be able to wield the gold sword (your supply slowly drains)

Some notable cons:

• Door switches/crystal balls open specific doors when destroyed but you're not shown which door and they can be pretty far away

• No checkpoints - lose all coins after dying and even after reaching a new area you get teleported to the beginning of the game

• Very slow horizontal movement

• the map doesn't show locked doors+save points+upgrades+the teleporter and you can't place markers on it

• Up to jump

• No health drops from enemies and item containers containing HP don't respawn - leads to backtracking to save points

• Point of no return if you enter the holy grail screen to the right of the final boss - alternate bad ending if you didn't get the golden armor from the dungeon

• Various rooms are just long corridors with easy enemies in them and the last area is one long corridor with easy enemies and hazards

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by:  Probably Metroid series, possibly Wonder Boy in Monster Land, Draconus, Antiriad

Influenced: