Arkista’s Ring
System: NES
Release Date: June 1990
Developer: NMK
Publisher: American Sammy
Genre: Action
You have to save the Elven Kingdom from evil in Arkista’s Ring. Aside from the titular ring, the elves had two other treasures keeping them safe and prosperous. These, the Wealth Amulet and Elf Mirror, have been stolen as well. The evil Shogun from the Forbidden Castle has pushed his ninja into carrying out the heist. The cowardly elves won’t do anything about it, until the young Christine steps forward and vows to save the land through 32 stages of action.
We’ve got a top down action game. Christine comes equipped with a bow and an unlimited supply of arrows. Fire these off with the A Button at your foes. Some enemies are dispatched quickly, while others take many shots to defeat. As your enemies disappear, some may leave a bag holding an item. These range from five pieces of armor, which increase your health bar. Increased strength of your bow. Extra weapons that save your butt in a pinch. I particularly enjoyed the fire wand, which shoots through walls, and also the ninja stunner, which is necessary in the late levels. The thunder wand and holy stick are screen clearers, which can help in a pinch. There are also special items, like cure potions, which will save you from certain death.
These special items are activated in the level by pressing the B Button. This pauses the action for a moment and allows you to choose what will help you the most. Each stage has you killing enemies until a key appears. This key is used to unlock a door and move you to the next stage. Enemies are everywhere and will either move back and forth until you’re near; Oscillate in a wave pattern trying to catch you off guard; or chase you down to end your day. The ninjas in the end levels are truly relentless.
There are a few bosses during your journey that take a massive amount of hits to defeat (14:45) (22:00). If you have the fire wand they become an easier kill. Seeing an altar can (13:40) help you by restoring your lost health. Some levels have hidden paths that require you to push on the correct tile to open them up (16:00). You’re gifted with multiple lives to begin with and can earn more through your journey. If you happen to lose them all, you can continue 9 times. 32 stages exist in the first playthrough, but that opens up a new loop with faster and stronger enemies. You can go through the loop a total of 4 times if you want to sit and play for that long.
Graphics: 2.0
Everything looks adequate for my taste.
Sound: 3.0
I enjoy the music and that the sound effects aren’t too overpowering.
Gameplay: 2.5
It’s not too complicated to figure out or get into. There are plenty of extra weapons available to bail you out when you need it.
Difficulty: 3.0
Christine gains in power through the adventure, meaning you feel that there is progress. The first loop never gets too hard, though the ninja can throw you off guard.
Fun Factor: 2.5
I enjoyed my playthrough. It took under 40 minutes, and if I had three hours to waste, I probably would have tried to beat all the loops.
Overall Grade: 2.6
Arkista’s Ring earns a B-. This was a surprising hidden gem. I’d never given it a shot before and wish I would have. Definitely a rental game.