Trojan

Trojan

Overview & History

Released by Capcom in North America in the winter of 1987, Trojan is a post-apocalyptic side-scrolling platformer for the Nintendo Entertainment System, adapted from their original 1986 arcade coin-op. Set in a desolate future following a catastrophic nuclear holocaust, society has reverted to a lawless wasteland ruled by a ruthless mafia known as the Armageddon gang. You control a lone vigilante known only as the Trojan, who ventures from the radioactive slums into the sprawling subterranean fortress of Maph, the syndicate's supreme overlord, to liberate the enslaved populace. Unlike its arcade predecessor which featured a two-player alternating mode and dynamic weapon drops, the NES port was streamlined into a challenging single-player quest, introducing password saves, expansive maze-like stages, and a stamina-based power system that defined its distinct difficulty curve.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay revolves around tense, deliberate melee combat across six distinct stages, ranging from burning city ruins to underground industrial bases. Armed with a standard short sword and a trusty shield, the Trojan can dynamically block incoming projectiles while crouching or standing, a crucial defensive mechanic required to survive relentless enemy onslaughts. Throughout the ruins, players collect red Power Water units to increase their maximum health gauge. Combat depth expands when you acquire specialized weaponry such as the long-range Power blade or the devastating fire-breathing boomerang. As you progress, navigating vertical platforms requires precise jump-and-slash timing, while end-of-stage bosses demand pattern memorization and shield-blocking mastery to defeat.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause