Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Europe) (Alt)
About Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Europe) (Alt)
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle is an action platformer for the Sega Genesis, originally released in Europe in 1990. It is the fifth game in the Alex Kidd series and the only one to appear on Sega's 16-bit console. Published by Sega, this entry continues the adventures of the titular hero as he explores a mystical castle. The "Alt" in the title likely denotes a minor revision or alternate release, but the core experience remains the same.
Players control Alex Kidd as he runs and jumps through side-scrolling levels, punching enemies and collecting coins and other items. A key mechanic is the rock-paper-scissors (Janken) mini-game, which appears when encountering shopkeepers or certain obstacles - winning grants useful items or money. The levels are linear but contain hidden areas and multiple paths, encouraging exploration. Alex can also power up by collecting special items like the Peticopter, which allows limited flight.
This game holds a special place as an early Genesis title that shows off the system's capabilities with colorful graphics and a memorable soundtrack. It's simpler compared to later platformers, but its unique charm and distinct mechanics make it worth a try for retro enthusiasts. The difficulty can be punishing, especially with limited continues, but the password system helps you resume progress. If you enjoy classic 16-bit action games with a quirky protagonist, this is a solid pick.
How to Play Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Europe) (Alt) Online
Getting Started
When the game loads, press Enter to bypass the title screen and you'll start in the first area outside the Enchanted Castle. Your goal is to move to the right, defeating enemies with punches (press S to punch) and collecting money bags and food. Keep an eye out for ? blocks that give items when punched. The basic loop is: clear enemies, gather coins, and reach the door at the end of the stage to progress.
A distinctive feature is the Janken rock-paper-scissors battles. You'll encounter shopkeepers who offer to play for items - winning gets you a useful power-up, losing costs you coins. You can also play Janken with certain statues to open passages. Spend coins wisely; food restores health but money is needed for the Janken games and bonus items. Use the pause button (Enter) if you need a breather.
New players should be careful with spikes and pits, which cause instant death. Alex can take a few hits but loses a life if his health runs out. Collect extra lives from 1-up icons or by earning enough points. If you get stuck, remember you can backtrack in some areas or try a different approach. The password system (shown after beating a boss) lets you continue from the start of that world, so write down the code if you want to resume later.
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Europe) (Alt) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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