Overview and Gameplay
Princess Margo has been kidnapped by the Stone Wizard, sending Kid Niki across a sequence of fast, colorful action stages. This NES adaptation of Irem’s arcade game combines side-scrolling platforming with close-range sword combat. Each main round has a six-minute limit, hidden rooms, bonus items, checkpoints, and a boss guarding the scroll needed to continue. Seven conventional rounds lead into a final chase and confrontation.
Controls And Mechanics
- Move, climb, and squat with the directional pad.
- Jump with A and spin the sword with B. Pressing both lets Kid Niki attack while jumping.
- Golden Bells provide a ranged attack, while Silver Bells create temporary protection.
- Mini Kid Niki grants an extra life, and Mini Princess allows one otherwise fatal hit.
- Two-player mode is alternating rather than simultaneous. Players take turns using separate controllers.
Version Notes
This is the later U.S. Revision A program, also cataloged as PRG1. The American localization renames Yanchamaru as Kid Niki and Princess Kurumi as Princess Margo, while also changing character art and English text.
Release And Credits
- NES release: 1987
- Developer: TOSE
- U.S. publisher: Data East USA
- Original arcade game: Irem
- Japanese title: Kaiketsu Yanchamaru
