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Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami (Japan) (Rev 1)

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Famicom Disk System Adventure Revision Ver Rev 1 1987 Japan 1 Player 5 (0) 19

Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami (Japan) (Rev 1)

Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami (Japan) (Rev 1) on FDS

Compiled by the Retro Games Online Editorial Team · Updated June 26, 2026

Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami is a top-down action-adventure game that originally hit the Famicom Disk System in Japan back in 1987. Published by Nintendo, it's one of those early titles that borrowed the exploration and dungeon-crawling formula from The Legend of Zelda but put its own spin on things. This particular version is labeled Rev 1, meaning it's a revised release with some tweaks - likely bug fixes or balance adjustments - though exactly what changed isn't widely documented. If you're looking for a piece of FDS history that didn't leave Japan, this is it.

You take control of a young hero tasked with saving a goddess from a dark overlord. The gameplay is split between an overworld view from above and side-view platforming segments inside caves and dungeons. Your main tools are a sword for hacking at enemies and a shield for blocking projectiles, plus you can find items like keys, potions, and special weapons to progress. It's not super deep by modern standards, but the mix of exploration, combat, and item usage keeps you moving. The menus are entirely in Japanese, so some trial and error or a guide helps if you don't read the language.

For retro fans, this game is a neat slice of FDS history that rarely gets talked about. It doesn't have the polish or fame of Zelda, but its mythological setting and unique blend of perspectives make it worth a look if you're into early action-adventures. The revision version offers a slightly more stable experience than the original. Just go in knowing it's a niche title from a specific era, not a hidden masterpiece. If you enjoy digging through Japanese-only FDS games and want to see how Nintendo experimented with the formula, this one's worth an afternoon.

How to Play Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami (Japan) (Rev 1) Online

Getting Started When you power up the game, you'll see a title screen in Japanese. Press Start to begin a new game. The opening scene gives a brief story setup, then you're dropped into the overworld. Your first goal is to explore the area immediately around the starting village. Talk to townspeople (approach and press the A button) to get hints, but all text is in Japanese, so you'll need to either recognize a few kanji or rely on an online translation guide. The core loop is straightforward: wander the overworld, enter caves, dungeons, and towers, fight enemies with your sword and shield, and collect items. Enemies drop hearts for health and sometimes keys needed to open doors. The game saves progress automatically when you visit a save point (those look like a glowing tile on the ground). If you die, you restart at the last save point. Be methodical - try to memorize dungeon layouts and enemy patterns, because the Famicom doesn't have a map screen.

Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami (Japan) (Rev 1) Keyboard Controls

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button (jump / confirm)
S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
Enter: Start / Pause
V: Select

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami considered easy to pick up or challenging?

It leans toward the challenging side, especially because everything is in Japanese and the game gives few hints. Combat requires careful timing, and some dungeons have tricky layouts that test your memory. A first-time player should expect to die a few times before getting the hang of it.

Is there anything iconic or memorable about Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami?

The game stands out for its Greek mythology setting, which was unusual for a Famicom action-adventure at the time. The mix of top-down overworld exploration with side-view platforming in caves is also a distinctive touch that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

Is Hikari Shinwa - Palthena no Kagami exclusive to Famicom Disk System or did it appear on other systems?

It was released only on the Famicom Disk System in Japan, with no official port to other platforms. The Rev 1 version is one of two known disk builds, but neither left Japan, so emulation is the main way to play it today.