Tecmo Knight

Gameplay

The protagonist Tecmo Knight is assisted by two creatures: Smokeman and a tiger. Pressing the change button lets the player switch between riding Smokeman or the tiger. Smokeman delivers powerful punches and kicks, while the tiger provides a spiked ball and chain with greater range but less power. When an enemy is slain, its head breaks off and may leave behind a skull bonus item. A special dragon skull appears randomly after defeating an enemy; collecting it summons the Flying Dragon, the most powerful mount. While riding the Flying Dragon, Tecmo Knight is immune to attack, and the dragon's breath kills any monster instantly, including bosses. The Access Attack maneuver allows Tecmo Knight to use Smokeman or the tiger to jump onto enemies and pummel them. If Tecmo Knight's life runs low, a weak monster's blow may kill only the mount, leaving him alone with a very frail short-ranged attack, making survival extremely difficult. All bosses appear in pairs except the final boss Deglomes. Two extra life bonus skulls are known to exist. Players can also use props such as bombs and stone-rollers placed around the map. Like the 1988 arcade beat 'em up Ninja Gaiden, Tecmo Knight is hard for beginners and requires patience rather than button-mashing. The continue screen shows Tecmo Knight about to be swallowed by an unseen monster; if the player does not continue within 10 seconds, a scream is heard as the monster swallows him, then the screen blacks out and a monster tears through it shouting "NO FUTURE!" with "Game Over" appearing below.