NMK 1990

Adventure / Action

NES

 

Arkista's Ring

Once upon a time, in the Elven Kingdom, there was a city called Arkista that was protected by a magical ring. Legend had it that the magical ring would provide peace and harmony throughout the land. Elves from all over came to Arkista to live near the ring and share in the happiness and prosperity. The elves also had two ancient treasures: The Wealth amulet which provided fortune to the land, and the Elf mirror which protected the elves from harm. Arkista became the high point of Elven civilization.

Meanwhile, in his Forbidden Castle, the evil Shogun raged and fussed. "I will steal the Ring of Arkista and the Elven Treasures!" he screamed at his horde of wicked and vile creatures. "I will plunge this land into darkness and despair!"

That night he hatched a dastardly plan to take the ring and the Elven Treasures. Later, as the elves slept, the Shogun's nasty ninja carried out their master's bidding. "The Ring is gone!" wailed the elves the next morning, "and so are our Treasures!"

"Oh, whatever will become of us now?" wailed the elves. Without the Ring and the Treasures, Arkista began its slide into ruin. Birds refused to sing and the sky grew very dark. The evil Shogun's army of horrible creatures overran the countryside. As the elves huddled under their beds, the Elders agonized in the town hall.

Suddenly the doors of the town hall swung open and in came Christine, a courageous little elf. "I will go and rescue the Ring!" she declared. The Elders looked at each other and shook their heads. Christine set out on her quest anyway, armed only with a bow and arrow. "Fear not, townsfolk, I will defeat the fiendish Shogun and return all he has stolen from us!" she solemnly vowed.

 

Arkista's Ring
Arkista's Ring is an action packed adventure game that can sometimes feel more like a run & gun experience. With her bow and arrow, Christine is able to take down enemies from halfway across the screen. Much of the game's challenge comes from the inability to change your direction without moving. Since you can't simply pivot against monsters in pursuit, smart footwork and maneuvering is required. Many enemies will try to stay outside of your line of sight, meaning you will have to use the environment to your advantage. Your objective is to simply reach the end of each stage but this is easier said than done. Locked doors will bar your path, and can only be opened with a key acquired by defeating certain enemies.

Defeated monsters will often drop bags that contain usable items and equipment. Items include potions that will restore all of your health, wands that will damage or incapacitate certain enemy types, and even a magical fireball attack. Stronger equipment will enhance your survivability, allowing you to be hit more times without dying. Bags can also include extra lives and even item slot upgrades so be sure to defeat all enemies before moving on. Arkista's ring contains 31 different areas that can be repeated four times, with the deadly Shogun waiting for you at the end of each cycle. Each time through will be more challenging than the last so your collected upgrades and items will be put to good use.