Demon's Crest, released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, is a metroidvania-style action-platformer developed by Capcom. While it adheres to the genre's core principles of exploration, backtracking, and ability gating, the game sets itself apart with its unique mechanics and narrative elements. One of Demon's Crest's most distinctive features is its emphasis on crests, magical gems that grant the protagonist, a demon named Firebrand, various elemental abilities. These crests allow Firebrand to transform into different demonic forms, each with its own set of attacks and abilities tailored to specific environments and puzzles. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, as players must strategically switch between forms to overcome obstacles and progress through the game's interconnected world. The game's level design is intricate and non-linear, encouraging exploration and rewarding players who meticulously scour every corner of the map. Secret areas and hidden passages abound, often concealing valuable power-ups or shortcuts that can assist in backtracking or speedrunning. Demon's Crest's narrative, while not groundbreaking, is noteworthy for its dark and mature themes. The game explores the conflict between demons and their celestial counterparts, with Firebrand caught in the middle as he seeks to prevent the awakening of a powerful, world-threatening entity. The story is conveyed through well-crafted cutscenes and environmental storytelling, adding depth to the game's world and characters. Visually, Demon's Crest is a standout title for the SNES, boasting detailed sprites, vibrant colors, and impressive parallax scrolling effects. The game's soundtrack, composed by Tokuro Fujiwara, is equally impressive, featuring haunting melodies and dynamic tracks that complement the game's Gothic atmosphere. While not a commercial success upon its initial release, Demon's Crest has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and metroidvania fans, who praise its innovative mechanics, challenging gameplay, and atmospheric presentation.

Strider (1989) is a side-scrolling action platformer developed and published by Capcom. Here are some notable aspects of the game: 1. Cybernetic Ninja Protagonist: The game features Hiryu, a highly skilled and agile cybernetic ninja as the playable character. Hiryu's unique abilities, such as wall-climbing and a formidable sword-based combat system, set him apart from typical platformer heroes. 2. Challenging Level Design: The levels in Strider are meticulously crafted and often incorporate vertical and horizontal scrolling sections. They feature intricate layouts, hidden areas, and environmental hazards that require precise platforming skills and careful navigation. 3. Diverse Enemy Types: The game boasts a wide variety of enemy types, ranging from foot soldiers to gigantic mechanical bosses. Each enemy has its own attack patterns and vulnerabilities, demanding players to adapt their strategies accordingly. 4. Intense Boss Battles: Strider is renowned for its challenging and memorable boss encounters. These battles often involve intense and demanding combat sequences, requiring players to master Hiryu's abilities and exploit the bosses' weaknesses. 5. Nonlinear Progression: While primarily a side-scroller, Strider offers a degree of nonlinearity in its level structure. Players can often choose multiple paths or revisit previous areas, adding to the game's exploration and replayability. 6. Futuristic Aesthetic: Strider's post-apocalyptic, futuristic setting is brought to life through its detailed and vibrant pixel art graphics. The game's visual style, combined with its techno-inspired soundtrack, creates an immersive cyberpunk atmosphere. 7. Speedrunning and Sequence Breaking: Strider's tight controls and level design have made it a popular game among speedrunners and those seeking to exploit glitches or unintended mechanics for sequence breaking or achieving faster completion times. Overall, Strider (1989) is praised for its high level of challenge, intricate level design, and the unique cybernetic ninja protagonist, making it a standout title in the side-scrolling action genre.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (2011) is a side-scrolling action platformer developed by Fatshark and published by Capcom. As a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Bionic Commando Rearmed, the game continues the story of the protagonist, Nathan "Rad" Spencer, in his fight against the Imperials. One of the standout features of Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is its level design, which incorporates intricate platforming challenges and environmental puzzles that require creative use of Spencer's bionic arm. The bionic arm allows players to swing, climb, and grapple across levels, adding a unique twist to the gameplay mechanics. The game features a diverse range of levels, each with its own distinct aesthetic and challenges. From industrial facilities to lush jungles, the level design keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout the campaign. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 also introduces co-op multiplayer, allowing two players to team up and tackle the challenges together. This adds a new layer of strategy and coordination, as players must coordinate their grappling and movement to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. While retaining the classic side-scrolling gameplay, the game features updated graphics and visuals, paying homage to the retro aesthetic while modernizing the experience. The soundtrack, composed by Grip Inc., complements the action-packed gameplay with a mix of energetic and atmospheric tracks. One notable aspect of Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is its difficulty curve. The game presents a significant challenge, requiring precise platforming skills and strategic use of the bionic arm. Players are encouraged to master the mechanics and develop efficient movement strategies to progress through the levels. Overall, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 delivers a solid action-platforming experience, building upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new features and challenges. Its unique grappling mechanics, co-op multiplayer, and challenging level design make it a standout entry in the genre.

Gargoyle's Quest II, released in 1992 for the Game Boy, is a sequel to the original Gargoyle's Quest and a spin-off from the Ghosts 'n Goblins series. Unlike its predecessor, which was a straightforward platformer, Gargoyle's Quest II incorporates elements of action RPGs and Metroidvania-style exploration. The game takes place in the same world as its predecessor, but the story follows a different protagonist, a red gargoyle named Firebrand. The narrative revolves around Firebrand's quest to stop the resurrection of the powerful King Breager, who seeks to conquer the world. One of the standout features of Gargoyle's Quest II is its non-linear level design. The game world is interconnected, with various routes and paths that can be unlocked by acquiring new abilities or items. This encourages backtracking and exploration, as players must revisit previously inaccessible areas to progress. The combat system is significantly enhanced compared to the first game. Firebrand can now equip a variety of weapons and armor, each with unique attributes and abilities. This adds depth to the gameplay and allows for customization and strategic decision-making. Another notable aspect of Gargoyle's Quest II is its difficulty. The game is known for its challenging boss battles and intricate level design. Enemies are formidable, and players must use their wits and skills to overcome obstacles and navigate treacherous environments. Visually, the game features detailed sprite work and diverse environments, ranging from dense forests to underground caverns and ancient ruins. The soundtrack, composed by Kenichi Matsubara, is widely praised for its memorable melodies and atmospheric nature. While not as well-known as other Metroidvania classics, Gargoyle's Quest II has garnered a cult following among retro enthusiasts and is celebrated for its pioneering approach to non-linear exploration and RPG elements in a handheld game of its era.

Bionic Commando, released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, is a unique and challenging side-scrolling action platformer that stands out with its distinctive gameplay mechanics and level design. One of the game's defining features is the absence of a traditional jump button. Instead, players control a protagonist named Ladd Spencer, a commando equipped with a powerful bionic arm that allows him to grapple onto ledges, swing across chasms, and ascend or descend vertically. This grappling hook mechanic adds a layer of complexity to navigation and combat, requiring precise timing and positioning to overcome obstacles and engage enemies effectively. The level design in Bionic Commando is meticulously crafted, with intricate layouts that encourage exploration and backtracking. Levels are vast and interconnected, featuring multiple paths, hidden areas, and secret rooms that reward players for their curiosity and careful observation. The game's world is a mix of diverse environments, ranging from urban settings to underground facilities and treacherous mountain landscapes. Combat in Bionic Commando is challenging and requires strategic positioning. Players can acquire various firearms, including machine guns, grenades, and rocket launchers, to take down enemies. However, ammunition is scarce, forcing players to rely on their bionic arm for melee attacks and evasive maneuvers. Enemies are capable of complex patterns and behaviors, making each encounter a test of reflexes and resource management. Despite its innovative gameplay mechanics and level design, Bionic Commando is notorious for its punishing difficulty. Checkpoints are sparse, and players must often backtrack through challenging areas after dying, adding to the game's overall challenge. The game's difficulty curve is steep, requiring patience and perseverance from players to master the bionic arm mechanics and navigate the treacherous levels. Bionic Commando's unique gameplay, intricate level design, and unforgiving difficulty have cemented its status as a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its influence can be seen in later games that have incorporated grappling hook mechanics or emphasized exploration and non-linear level design.

Gargoyle's Quest, released in 1990 for the Game Boy, is a departure from the typical side-scrolling action-platformer formula established by the Ghosts 'n Goblins series. While retaining the challenging gameplay and gothic horror aesthetics, Gargoyle's Quest introduces elements of exploration and non-linear level design. The game follows the adventures of Firebrand, a gargoyle protagonist, as he navigates through the Ghoul Realm in search of the Gyrus, a powerful artifact. Instead of a traditional level-by-level progression, the game presents an interconnected overworld map, allowing players to backtrack and revisit areas as they acquire new abilities. One of the standout features of Gargoyle's Quest is its emphasis on diverse enemy and boss encounters. Each area is populated with unique enemy types, requiring players to adapt their strategies and utilize Firebrand's abilities effectively. The boss battles are particularly memorable, with intricate attack patterns and environmental hazards that demand precise timing and pattern recognition. Firebrand's moveset is another highlight, offering a range of abilities beyond the standard jump and attack. He can cling to walls, glide through the air, and even breathe fire, adding depth to the combat and platforming mechanics. These abilities are often required to overcome specific obstacles and reach new areas, encouraging exploration and experimentation. The game's level design is noteworthy for its complexity and verticality. Levels are multi-layered, featuring secret passages, hidden caves, and alternate routes that reward thorough exploration. This non-linear approach, combined with the interconnected overworld, creates a sense of interconnectedness and encourages backtracking as players uncover new abilities and clues. Gargoyle's Quest also features an expansive inventory system, allowing players to collect and utilize various items and power-ups. These include weapons, armor, and consumables that can be found or purchased, adding an element of resource management to the gameplay. Overall, Gargoyle's Quest stands out for its innovative approach to the action-platformer genre, blending challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and a sense of exploration and non-linearity that was uncommon for the time.

Mega Man ZX, released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, is a departure from the traditional Mega Man formula while still retaining the core gameplay elements that fans of the series have come to love. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game introduces a new protagonist named Vent (or Aile in the case of the female counterpart) who possesses the ability to merge with Cyber-Elves and Biometals, granting them unique abilities and transformations. One of the standout features of Mega Man ZX is its mission-based structure, which allows players to tackle levels in a non-linear fashion, adding a degree of freedom and replayability. The game also incorporates elements of exploration and backtracking, encouraging players to revisit previous areas with newly acquired abilities to uncover hidden secrets and pathways. The game's combat system is robust, with the ability to switch between different Biometal forms mid-battle, each with its own unique set of abilities and weapons. This adds depth to the combat mechanics and encourages players to strategize and adapt their playstyle to different enemy encounters. Mega Man ZX also features a robust online multiplayer component, allowing players to engage in cooperative and competitive modes, adding longevity to the game's overall experience. The game's visual style is a departure from the traditional 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics of previous Mega Man games, opting for a more modern and detailed 3D cel-shaded look, while still retaining the iconic character designs and enemy sprites that fans have come to recognize. Overall, Mega Man ZX successfully blends classic Mega Man gameplay with fresh mechanics and an engaging narrative, offering a refreshing take on the long-running franchise while still staying true to its roots.

Shantae, released in 2002 for the Game Boy Color, is a action-platformer game developed by WayForward Technologies. While it follows the conventions of the genre, it stands out with its distinct art style, characterized by vibrant colors, detailed sprites, and anime-inspired character designs. The game's narrative revolves around Shantae, a half-genie protagonist who must navigate the fictional world of Sequin Land, exploring various themed environments and confronting a diverse array of enemies and bosses. The storytelling incorporates humor and lighthearted elements, often playing with tropes and clichés in a self-aware manner. One of the game's standout features is Shantae's ability to transform into various animal forms, each with unique abilities that allow her to traverse different obstacles and access hidden areas. This transformation mechanic adds depth to the platforming gameplay and encourages exploration. The level design in Shantae is noteworthy for its intricate layouts and clever use of secret passages and shortcuts, rewarding observant players and encouraging multiple playthroughs. The game also features a day-night cycle that affects enemy behavior and environmental hazards, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. While the game's graphics and audio showcase the limitations of the Game Boy Color hardware, they are expertly crafted, with charming character sprites, catchy music tracks, and atmospheric sound effects that contribute to the overall whimsical tone of the game. Shantae was well-received upon its release, praised for its unique setting, engaging gameplay, and attention to detail. It has since garnered a cult following and spawned several sequels and spin-offs, cementing its place as a beloved and influential title in the action-platformer genre.

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces (1999) for the Game Boy Color is a top-down action game that serves as a spin-off to the main Bionic Commando series. While it retains the core bionic arm mechanics, the game deviates from the side-scrolling platformer genre of its predecessors. The game features a variety of missions set across different environments, ranging from urban settings to desert landscapes. Players control a member of the Elite Forces, a specialized team equipped with bionic arms, as they carry out various objectives such as rescuing hostages, sabotaging enemy installations, or eliminating high-value targets. One of the standout features of Elite Forces is its emphasis on strategic gameplay. Players must carefully plan their routes, utilize cover, and manage their limited ammunition and health resources effectively. The bionic arm remains a crucial tool, allowing players to grapple across gaps, swing over obstacles, or even pull distant objects towards them. The game's top-down perspective adds a layer of complexity to the bionic arm mechanics, as players must account for the arm's trajectory and potential obstructions in the environment. This often requires precise aiming and timing to navigate the levels efficiently. In addition to the single-player campaign, Elite Forces offers a variety of multiplayer modes, including deathmatch and capture the flag, which can be played via Game Link Cable. This feature allowed players to engage in competitive matches with friends, adding longevity and replayability to the game. While the graphics and sound are relatively simple, in line with the Game Boy Color's limitations, Elite Forces received praise for its solid gameplay mechanics and innovative approach to the Bionic Commando formula. It provided a unique spin on the series and offered a challenging experience for fans of action games on the handheld platform.

Mega Man ZX Advent is a side-scrolling action-platformer game released for the Nintendo DS in 2007. It serves as a sequel to the 2006 game Mega Man ZX and continues the story set in the distant future of the Mega Man universe. One of the game's standout features is its expansive and interconnected world map, which allows for non-linear exploration and backtracking. Players can choose between two playable characters, Grey and Ashe, each with unique abilities and storylines that intersect at various points. The game introduces a new gameplay mechanic called the "A-Trans" system, which allows players to temporarily transform into powerful biometal forms, granting them access to different abilities and weapons. This system adds depth to combat and puzzle-solving, encouraging players to strategically switch between forms. Mega Man ZX Advent features a diverse array of challenging bosses, each with unique attack patterns and weaknesses. Defeating bosses and retrieving their biometal allows players to permanently acquire their abilities, further expanding their arsenal of skills. The game's level design is praised for its complexity and attention to detail, with intricate platforming challenges and hidden areas that reward exploration. Additionally, the game features a robust New Game+ mode, which carries over player progress and unlocks additional content, providing incentive for multiple playthroughs. Mega Man ZX Advent received critical acclaim for its impressive graphics, which pushed the technical capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and its engaging gameplay that blended traditional Mega Man elements with fresh mechanics and a compelling narrative set in the post-apocalyptic world of the ZX series.