Willow (NES)

Willow is an action RPG released for the Nintendo Entertainment System and is loosely based on the 1988 fantasy film of the same name. An arcade game of Willow was also made although that one was a platform game.

Plot
Two spirits that watch over the world send two messengers down to aid the people through the gift of magic, Fin Raziel and Bavmorda. Bavmorda becomes corrupted with power and declares herself the queen of the world. It's now up to Willow to defeat Bavmorda and send her back to the skies where she belongs.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) One of the earliest action RPGs.
 * 2) Due to the dark nature of the film (killing a baby and sending its soul to the underworld was Bavmorda's plot), Capcom altered and created its own story, and the plot is still quite well written.
 * 3) Numerous swords, spells, and magic to acquire.
 * 4) You can gain experience points to level up and go as high as level 16.
 * 5) Numerous characters from the film appear to aid Willow or battle him.
 * 6) Many of the swords start out quite heavy and swing slow when you use them, however as you gain levels, they swing much faster.
 * 7) The game doesn't use currency, you find your items through quests and searching.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) No save system. In order to continue, you must use the password system.
 * 2) Many spells are useless or optional.
 * 3) Number 2 could also count as a bad example depending on your point of view.
 * 4) Maze-like areas and dead ends.
 * 5) If you lose to Kael (the second to last boss), you have to start the final dungeon all over again and listen to the long dialogue between Sorsha and Madmartigan.
 * 6) The only way to harm Bavmorda in the first phase is with the cane, which requires magic. If you run out, you'll have to die. The cane misses one at level 14, twice at level 15, and three times at level 16.

Reception
The game has a 3.59 on GameFAQs. The final issue of Nintendo Power ranked Willow as the 254th best game to appear on a Nintendo Console out of 285.