GOTD – 8 Eyes
8 Eyes – Action / Adventure (NES)
Seta / Thinking Rabbit / Taxan
This game is actually surprisingly good; it may initially come off as a clone of Castlevania, and at first glance that is exactly what it seems to be. This game, however, does several things that Castlevania did not.
For one thing, this game actually has two main characters – Orin, the human, and Cutrus, the falcon. This game can even be played two-player (although the second player will not have nearly as much fun). In 1-player, you control Cutrus with button combinations. Up and B makes him fly off your shoulder, and Down and B in flight makes him dive and attack. With two players, it is much the same except that only the second player can use these controls. Although only Orin can use the secondary weapons, Cutrus is necessary to reach several of the secrets in this game and invaluable against bosses.
For another, 8 Eyes has much more difficulty than Castlevania does, especially starting out. The bosses in particular are extremely difficult, and you may be missing Cutrus before the boss fight even begins. After each boss battle, however, you receive an upgrade to your stats, so the game will get somewhat easier until you approach the final stage.
The plot is also rather unique. The story is that the world went to hell after a nuclear apocalypse and is just now recovering. There are, however, eight talismans of power – kept by an evil dictator and his minions – that were formed from the intense pressure, heat, etc. from the nuclear explosions. Your task it to take them back. Although it’s a little bit odd, it’s at least an interesting excuse for a game.
8 Eyes offers more of what NES gamers enjoy; lots of levels, exploring, difficulty, and ease of control. The music is also quite good. Give it a try.
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