Rastan

Rastan is a hack & slash side-scrolling platformer created by Taito and released initially in 1987. The game was designed and directed by Toshiyuki (aka "Nenko") Nishimura.

The hero of this coin-op is the classic barbarian, the one you have seen in the legendary Conan movies of the '80s with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The game is inspired by Conan; you can see it from the iconic position of the hero, who holds the two-handed sword straight behind him, leaning his left shoulder forward.

The plot is pretty dumb: apparently, your final goal is to defeat a dragon, just that. But hey, we are talking about Conan: he doesn't like to save princesses. Anyway, the settings of the game and the choice of monsters are pretty original. Enemies include harpies, gorgons, centaurs, chimeras, and other monsters you usually find in greek mythology but not so often in classic fantasy.

The gameplay also has some unique elements. By clicking the action button and moving at the same time the joystick in one direction, you can decide where to hit with the sword. Very useful, for example, with flying creatures. You can also jump and swing the blade down to hit enemies. It's a decisive move that you will often use, especially with bosses. The sword is not the only weapon: axes and maces are more powerful and have a more extended range. Don't forget to collect other valuable objects such as armor and shields.

The rest is standard platforming: Rastan can walk, crouch, jump, climb on chains, and shift on sloping platforms (like Lionheart).

The result is an incredibly engaging game with addictive gameplay, easily able to compete with the great platformers of the '90s.

Talking about graphics, the arcade is terrific. I suggest you check some videos on Youtube. Unfortunately, the home computer ports were inferior, especially the Commodore 64 one. Thank god Taito took care personally of the Sega Master System version, released in 1988. This is not only the most faithful but also one of the best games ever released for this console.

So, what are you waiting for? Rastan is eager "to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women."

And if you do not listen, then the HELL with you!