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Hydlide 2

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Inside Hydlide 2

MSX 1
RPG
5· 0 votes

Hydlide 2 is a follow-up to the 1984 action RPG Hydlide, developed and published by T&E Soft for various Japanese home computers. This MSX 1 version arrived around 1985, continuing the series that helped define the action RPG genre on early 8-bit systems. It builds on the original's real-time combat and open-world exploration, moving away from the turn-based model common in role-playing games at the time. Like its predecessor, Hydlide 2 places you in a top-down fantasy world where you control a knight battling monsters in real time. You slash with your sword, collect items, and gain experience points to level up. The game also includes a magic system and more complex dungeon layouts than the first Hydlide, though the core loop of fighting, looting, and progressing through areas remains straightforward. There are no random battles; enemies are visible on the map and you engage them directly. Today, Hydlide 2 is worth a look if you're curious about the roots of action RPGs. Its controls and graphics feel primitive by modern standards, but it represents a pivotal moment when Japanese developers were experimenting with blending action and role-playing elements. Players who enjoy retro gaming history will appreciate it as an early example of the genre, even if it lacks the polish of later titles. It's a simple, honest game from an era when home computer RPGs were still finding their footing.

GAME INFO

Platform: MSX 1
Genre: RPG
Publisher: T&E Soft
Developer: T&E Soft
Released: 1985
Players: 1

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How to play Hydlide 2 online

Getting started: When you begin Hydlide 2 on MSX 1, you will see a title screen followed by the main game world. Since this is a Japanese import, all menu text and dialogue are in Japanese. You can navigate menus using the D-Pad and confirm with X (A button). The game starts with your character in a field near a town; your first goal is to explore the area and fight weak enemies to gain levels. Combat is real-time: press S (B button) while facing an enemy to attack. Watch your health meter and retreat if needed. The core loop involves moving between towns and dungeons, defeating monsters, collecting gold and items, and increasing your level to become strong enough to tackle tougher areas. You can equip weapons and armor found in chests or purchased in shops. Magic spells require finding scrolls and spending magic points. Saving is not built into the original MSX version, so you must rely on save states in the emulator. Take time to learn the map layout, as there is no in-game minimap. New players should start by fighting the easiest creatures outside the first town to grind a few levels before entering the dungeon. Experiment with the controls to get comfortable with the responsive but slightly stiff movement. If the Japanese text is a barrier, look for a translation guide online. The game rewards patience and careful exploration.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: Trigger 1
S: Trigger 2
Enter: Start

Hydlide 2 FAQ

Who developed Hydlide 2?

Hydlide 2 was developed by T&E Soft, a Japanese software company that also created the original Hydlide and other early action RPGs. They handled both programming and design for this title.

Which regions was Hydlide 2 released in?

The game was first released in Japan, where it appeared on multiple home computer platforms. Later ports and re-releases saw limited distribution in other regions, but the MSX 1 version is primarily associated with the Japanese market.

Is Hydlide 2 exclusive to MSX 1 or did it appear on other systems?

Hydlide 2 was not exclusive to the MSX 1. It also launched on systems like the NEC PC-8801, Sharp X1, and Fujitsu FM-7, among others. The game even received a Famicom adaptation titled Hydlide Special in Japan.

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