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Faxanadu

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The player-controlled protagonist of Faxanadu is an unidentified wanderer. He has no name, though the Japanese version allows the player to choose one. The game begins when he approaches Eolis, his hometown, after an absence to find it in disrepair and virtually abandoned. He meets with the Elven...

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Developer
Hudson Soft

Released on
1987

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Platform

Publisher
Nintendo

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

The player-controlled protagonist of Faxanadu is an unidentified wanderer. He has no name, though the Japanese version allows the player to choose one. The game begins when he approaches Eolis, his hometown, after an absence to find it in disrepair and virtually abandoned. He meets with the Elven king, who urges him to set forth and restore the realm’s prosperity by defeating a being known as The Evil One.

Faxanadu

Overview & History

Released by Hudson Soft for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 (and 1987 in Japan), Faxanadu is an atmospheric, action-RPG spin-off of Nihon Falcom's PC-88 classic, Xanadu. Unlike the sprawling top-down perspective of its predecessor, this NES adaptation adopts a side-scrolling, platforming metroidvania structure. Set in a dying tree-world of Eolis, the narrative unfolds as a nameless wanderer returns from a long journey to find his homeland plagued by a cosmic meteorite crash that poisoned the World Tree's lifeblood, mutating its inhabitants into hostile monsters. Players must ascend through Eolis's interconnected tiers, battling corrupted wildlife, rescuing trapped Elves, and restoring the sacred fountains. Along the journey, the hero's social standing evolves through a unique karma/rank system determined by church donations and defeated foes, adding an immersive layer of role-playing depth to the vertical ascent into the heavenly realm of Mist.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Faxanadu blends real-time melee combat with inventory-heavy RPG progression. The protagonist wields a variety of upgradable swords—starting from the humble Dagger up to the legendary Dragon Slayer—alongside projectile Magic Spells like Fire, Death, and Thunder purchased from hidden shops. Movement is strictly vertical and horizontal, utilizing ladders, springing floor panels, and magical wings to navigate treacherous platforming gauntlets. Players manage Gold and Magic Points (MPs), stocking up on healing potions, protective armor sets (from Leather to Battle suits), and crucial defensive items like shields and magic keys. Checkpoints are handled uniquely via Mantras—alphanumeric passwords given by Gurus at temples, allowing players to resume their grueling crusade after a game over without losing crucial character stats or purchased gear.