Castlequest

Developer / Publisher: ASCII Corporation

Nov 1, 1985

Visual

8-Bit
pixel
side scroll

Structure

exploration
interconnected map
item gated
Semi-Linear

Themes

fantasy
medieval

Sub-Genre

puzzle heavy
proto-Metroidvania

Summary

The object of the game is to navigate through Groken Castle to rescue Princess Margarita. The player can push certain objects throughout the game to accomplish progress. In some rooms, the prince can only advance to the next room by aligning cement blocks, Honey Jars, Candle Cakes, and Elevator Controlling Block.

Last updated August 12, 2026

Where to play

Nintendo
- NES
Retro / Etc.
- MSX / MSX2
- PC-88
- Sharp X1

Resources

Maps

VGMaps

Romhacks

ROMHacking.net

Other

Montezuma's Revenge featuring Panama Joe

Developer: Parker Brothers

Publisher: BCI Software, Parker Brothers, Sinclair Research

1984

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- Semi-Linear
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- action
- contact damage
- equipment
Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns

Developer: Activision

Publisher: Activision, Tandy

1984

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- Semi-Linear
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- action
Rad Warrior

Developer: Palace Software

Publisher: Epyx, Erbe Software, Palace Software

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- action
- post apocalyptic
The Adventures of Captain Comic

Developer / Publisher: Michael Denio

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- non linear
- action
- Sci-Fi
Romancia: Dragon Slayer Jr.

Developer: Nihon Falcom

Publisher: Nihon Falcom, Tokyo Shoseki Co., Ltd.

1986

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- fantasy
- medieval
- puzzle heavy
- Semi-Linear
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- remake
- action
- timer
- discrete levels
Hero of the Golden Talisman

Developer: Mr Chip Software

Publisher: Mastertronic

1985

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

Developer / Publisher: Audiogenic

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- non linear
- stealth
- Sci-Fi
- procedural
QuackShot Starring Donald Duck

Developer: Ltd., Sega

Publisher: Ltd., Sega, Tec Toy

1991

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- item gated
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- Semi-Linear
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- boss gated
- Has Overworld
- action
Spiderbot

Developer: Addictive Games Ltd

Publisher: Addictive Games Ltd, Epyx

1988

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- ability gated
- action
- Sci-Fi
Dota

Developer: SystemSoft

Publisher: Eaglesoft, SystemSoft

1986

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

Developer: Sega

Publisher: Sega, Tec Toy

1987

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- Has Romhack
- exploration
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- puzzle heavy
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- non linear
- equipment
- multiple characters
- Sci-Fi
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue

Developer / Publisher: Konami

1993

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- 8-Bit
- pixel
- side scroll
- Semi-Linear
- proto-Metroidvania
- Differences
- ability gated
- boss gated
- action
- multiple characters

Castlequest

Summary

Where to play

Resources

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