Jeremy Parish

NES Works 117: The Guardian Legend (Patreon)

Published:

2023-11-22 14:13:12

Imported:

2024-04

Tags:

Compile action rpg brøderbund irem metroidvania nes nes works the guardian legend

Content

Well, what is there to be said about this game that I haven't already said in this video? And the Metroidvania Works video it showed up in? And the many articles I've written over the years singing its praises? And... [wanders off, mumbling incoherently]

It's always nice when I can upload a video about a good game on the same week as one of the annual "appreciate the good things in life" holidays. This year, be thankful for The Guardian Legend. And other stuff, too. But especially The Guardian Legend.

Files

That's no lady, that's my wardroid: The Guardian Legend | NES Works 117

The NES gets a proper cult classic here with The Guardian Legend, another one of those games that blurs boundaries between rigid genres in the way that the best NES games so often so. The Guardian Legend sees developer Compile merging their two greatest disciplines—shooters and action-RPGs—into a single, wholly unique creation in the history of video games. It's a Zelda-style game where the dungeons consist of vertical shoot-em-up action. Although it does have a few modest flaws (notably some wild difficulty wild early on, followed by the latter half of the adventure mainly consisting of the Guardian steamrolling everything in her path), The Guardian Legend stands as a singular work and truly embodies the best of what the NES is all about. Production notes: Video Works is funded via Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/gamespite) — support the show and get access to every episode up to two weeks in advance of its YouTube debut! Plus, exclusive podcasts, eBooks, and more! Why watch when you can read? Check out the massive hardcover print editions of NES Works, Super NES Works, and Virtual Boy works, available now at Limited Run Games (https://limitedrungames.com/collections/books)! SG-1000 Works: Segaiden Vol. I is available NOW, and Metroidvania: The First Decade is due in 2024. NES footage captured from Analogue Nt Mini. Video upscaled to 720 with xRGB Mini Framemeister. "Before the Storm" courtesy of Jacob Le.