Black Magic

Developer: Action Software, Datasoft, Inc., Peter Ward

Publisher: Datasoft, Inc., Pixel Games UK

Dec 31, 1987

Visual

pixel
side scroll

Structure

interconnected map
item gated
non linear

Sub-Genre

proto-Metroidvania

Summary

In this side-scrolling fantasy game, originally released in 1987, take on the role of a lone hero, fighting to defeat an evil warlock. Utilise a wide range of magical spells. Collect experience points to upgrade your character, until you are ready to face Zahgrim!

Last updated August 17, 2026

Where to play

- Windows
- Steam
Retro / Etc.
- Commodore 64
- ZX Spectrum

Resources

Links

IGDB

Maps

VGMaps

Other

MyAbandonware

Hero of the Golden Talisman

Developer: Mr Chip Software

Publisher: Mastertronic

1985

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- 8-Bit
- equipment
- fantasy
The Great Work

Developer / Publisher: Damascus

2013

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- non linear
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
Draconus

Developer: Zeppelin Games

Publisher: Cognito, Zeppelin Games

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- fantasy
Brain Breaker

Developer: Hiroshi Ishikawa

Publisher: Enix

1985

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- ability gated
- equipment
- isolation
- post apocalyptic
- Sci-Fi
Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns

Developer: Activision

Publisher: Activision, Tandy

1984

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- item gated
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- 8-Bit
- action
- Semi-Linear
The Adventures of Captain Comic

Developer / Publisher: Michael Denio

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- Sci-Fi
- puzzle heavy
Knightmare II: The Maze of Galious

Developer / Publisher: Konami

1987

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- fantasy
SpellCaster

Developer / Publisher: Sega

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- fantasy
Cyborg Hunter

Developer: Sega

Publisher: Activision, Sega, Tec Toy

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- Sci-Fi
Link: The Faces of Evil

Developer: Animation Magic

Publisher: Philips Interactive Media

1993

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- exploration
- action
- fantasy
Dota

Developer: SystemSoft

Publisher: Eaglesoft, SystemSoft

1986

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- ability gated
- 8-Bit
- action
- equipment
- fantasy
- medieval
- isometric
The Goonies II

Developer: Konami

Publisher: Konami, Nintendo

1987

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- Has Romhack
- exploration
- 8-Bit
- action
- equipment
- first person

Black Magic

Summary

Where to play

Resources

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