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Driar

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As we continue our patient wait for Sivak to release the anticipated follow up to Battle Kid, two talented Swedish coders have provided a stop gap with their new Nintendo NES homebrew release. Driar is a platform game for the 8-bit console which holds plenty of promise and flair for fans of Ninte...

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Developer
Pixellevel

Released on
2012

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Platform

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

As we continue our patient wait for Sivak to release the anticipated follow up to Battle Kid, two talented Swedish coders have provided a stop gap with their new Nintendo NES homebrew release. Driar is a platform game for the 8-bit console which holds plenty of promise and flair for fans of Nintendo’s classic console.

In Driar you must guide our mole-like protagonist across various dangerous nooks and crannies, collect every star in sight, whilst avoiding the vast array of traps around. Easier said than done, especially once the later levels of Driar begin to suggest influence was taken from the likes of Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV on the difficulty scale.

With 38 levels different levels within, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be enjoying this free release for the Nintendo NES. No plans have been announced regarding a true cartridge release for this game as of yet, so until then enjoy this one in a Nintendo NES emulator.

Driar

Overview & History

Released deep in the twilight years of the Famicom's lifespan, *Driar* is an obscure, top-down action-adventure developed by Sachen. Known for their unlicensed catalog, the Taiwanese developer crafted a distinct fantasy epic centered around the titular protagonist, a mystical guardian tasked with purging a corrupted realm overrun by subterranean demons and dark sorcery. While it never saw an official North American release under this exact title, it has since achieved cult status among retro collectors and emulation enthusiasts seeking hidden, unconventional 8-bit gems that pushed the hardware with vibrant, albeit idiosyncratic, sprite designs and atmospheric chiptune soundtracks.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard linear platformers of the era, *Driar* blends overhead exploration with real-time combat reminiscent of early 16-bit RPGs. Players navigate labyrinthine forests, decaying dungeons, and treacherous mountain passes, collecting elemental talismans to unlock gated pathways. Driar’s primary offensive capability relies on a magical projectile whip that can be upgraded in both range and elemental payload by finding hidden shrines. Defeated enemies occasionally drop currency and health restorers, which are vital because checkpoints are sparse and the difficulty curve spikes sharply around the third major zone. Environmental hazards, such as shifting quicksand and poison-spitting flora, demand precise positioning and tactical retreat rather than mindless button-mashing.