Xanadu
About Xanadu
Xanadu, also known as Dragon Slayer II, is an action role-playing game that hit Japanese computers in 1985. Nihon Falcom developed it, and it saw release on a bunch of systems, including the MSX 1. It's the second entry in the Dragon Slayer series, though each game stands alone. If you got your hands on an MSX copy back then, you were playing a PC-88 port that pushed the hardware.
Gameplay is real-time dungeon crawling. You guide your character through maze-like levels, fighting monsters by colliding into them or using weapons. You gain experience and gold, level up, and find better gear to take on tougher areas. The core loop involves exploring, combat, and managing your resources. Unlike turn-based RPGs, everything happens in real time, so quick reflexes matter.
For retro gamers, Xanadu is a milestone in early action RPG design. It's not as polished as later Falcom titles like Ys, but it shows the foundation. The MSX port runs well for its era, though menus are in Japanese. If you enjoy digging into the roots of the genre, it's worth a look. Just come with patience for its age.
How to Play Xanadu Online
Getting started: When you boot Xanadu on the MSX, you'll see the title screen then likely a short intro before entering the main town. The game is entirely in Japanese, so you may need to experiment with menu options. Start by talking to townsfolk to get hints - usually you need to buy a sword and shield from a shop before heading to the first dungeon.
The core loop is exploring dungeon floors, fighting enemies in real time, collecting treasure and experience points. Leveling up increases your stats and lets you survive longer. You'll find keys that open new areas, and eventually face boss monsters. Keep an eye on your health gauge and use save states often, as the game has no built-in save function on the cartridge.
If you get stuck, remember that older RPGs often required grinding for levels or mapping the maze manually. Use the MSX keyboard mapping described above to move and attack - pressing S swings your weapon. Don't expect hand-holding; this is a game from an era where discovery was part of the challenge.
Xanadu Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
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