Welcome back to Famicom Fridays, where we highlight a different gem from Japan’s iconic red-and-white console each week! Today, we’re diving into アルゴスの戦士 はちゃめちゃ大進撃, a Famicom-exclusive take on Tecmo’s arcade hit, better known in the West as Rygar. But don't be fooled—this isn't just a home port. This version takes the Argos warrior on a completely original adventure tailor-made for the 8-bit hero in all of us.
🔥 What is アルゴスの戦士?
Originally debuting in arcades in 1986 as a side-scrolling action game, Argos no Senshi (literally "Warrior of Argos") was known for its fast-paced combat and distinctive weapon—the Diskarmor, a bladed yo-yo-style shield. The Famicom version, subtitled はちゃめちゃ大進撃 (“Wacky Great Advance”), launched in 1987 and completely reinvented the arcade experience into something deeper and far more ambitious.
Rather than sticking to the simple left-to-right action of the arcade original, the Famicom version melds platforming with RPG-like elements, creating a sprawling, non-linear world to explore.
🕹 Gameplay: Zelda Meets Castlevania?
Argos no Senshi: Hachamecha Daishingeki blends a Metroidvania-style open world with light RPG mechanics. You play as the resurrected hero Rygar, brought back by the gods to defeat the evil tyrant Ligar and save the land of Argool. You start with only your Diskarmor and a modest health bar, but as you explore the vast overworld and underworld areas, you’ll:
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Gain new abilities, like grappling, jumping higher, or breaking certain walls.
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Collect stat boosts (tone, last, and mind points) that function similarly to EXP and mana.
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Talk to mysterious sages who offer clues or upgrade your powers.
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Traverse diverse environments: forests, caverns, temples, and floating islands.
Enemies respawn quickly, adding a bit of challenge, and there’s no save battery—but a password system keeps the quest manageable.
🎨 Visuals & Sound
The game boasts rich, colorful graphics that push the Famicom hardware impressively. The music, composed by Masaaki Uno, loops with a heroic and slightly mysterious flair that fits the exploratory mood of the game. Each zone feels distinct, from the solemn temples to the eerie cave networks.
💬 Why Play It Today?
While western players may be familiar with the NES version of Rygar, the Famicom's Argos no Senshi feels like a different beast entirely—a pioneer of the action-adventure genre before Metroidvania was even a term. If you're a fan of early Zelda, Faxanadu, or Legacy of the Wizard, this one deserves your attention.
And with fan translations and guides available online, the language barrier is no longer an excuse!
🔚 Final Thoughts
アルゴスの戦士 はちゃめちゃ大進撃 is a reminder of how Famicom developers were experimenting with genre-blending ideas far ahead of their time. What started as an arcade hack-and-slash became one of the Famicom’s most compelling adventures.
So plug in your controller, grab that Diskarmor, and let’s go save Argool!
Until next Friday,
✨ Keep it retro. ✨
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