Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters delivers a quintessential side-scrolling platform experience tailored for the Game Boy’s hardware. You take on the role of Pit, a courageous angel sent by Goddess Palutena to retrieve three ancient treasures scattered across Angel Land. Each level is packed with varied terrain—from crumbling temples to wind-blown peaks—challenging you to time your jumps, dodge traps, and engage in combat against mythic creatures.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The heart-collection system serves as both currency and resource, encouraging exploration of hidden alcoves and branching paths. As you gather hearts, you can upgrade Pit’s strength at shrines or stock up on additional flight energy. The flight mechanics introduce brief but exhilarating vertical stretches: holding down the button drains your limited wing power, requiring strategic use to reach high platforms or bypass perilous sections.

Boss encounters punctuate the end of each world, demanding mastery of enemy patterns and precise movement. From clashing with multi-headed hydras to dueling gargoyles, these battles test your upgraded abilities and remaining flight reserves. The difficulty curve strikes a balance—early stages ease players into Pit’s arsenal, while later levels push reflexes and planning to the limit, making each victory feel earned.

Graphics

Despite the Game Boy’s monochrome screen, Of Myths and Monsters showcases impressively detailed sprite work. Pit’s figure is instantly recognizable, and each enemy sports distinct silhouettes that communicate threat levels at a glance. Backgrounds—though rendered in shades of gray—convey depth through layered foreground objects and cleverly designed platforms.

Animation sequences bring life to every leap, stab, and wing flap. Pit’s jump arc feels weighty and responsive, while enemy motions, such as a wyvern’s swoop or a cyclops’s charge, are smooth enough to telegraph attacks. Subtle visual flourishes—like flickering torches or cascading water—add atmosphere without overtaxing the handheld’s limited processing power.

Environmental variety keeps visuals fresh: sunlit ruins transition to misty caves, and lava-lined chasms contrast with airy cloud palaces. Developers leveraged simple palettes to maintain clarity during fast-paced action, ensuring that foreground elements stand out against the background. For a 1991 Game Boy release, the art direction remains both charming and functional.

Story

The narrative framework in Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters revolves around an impending invasion upon Angel Land. Palutena, the benevolent goddess, tasks her warrior Pit with recovering three legendary treasures that will save the realm. Though the story is delivered primarily through brief interstitial text screens, it provides enough context to invest players in the quest.

Each treasure location is tied to ancient mythologies, offering bite-sized lore about the powers contained within. While dialogue is sparse, the presentation of each stage’s objective—paired with iconic imagery of Greek-inspired architecture—immerses you in a world where gods and monsters clash. This minimalistic approach to storytelling ensures the focus remains on gameplay while still rewarding those curious about the setting.

Character development is minimal but effective: Pit’s determination shines through his energetic sprite animations, and Palutena’s guidance bookends your adventure with divine gravitas. The absence of lengthy cutscenes keeps the momentum high, appealing to handheld gamers seeking quick bursts of action without sacrificing thematic coherence.

Overall Experience

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters encapsulates the spirit of classic Nintendo platformers in a portable package. Its challenging level design, balanced with flight segments and upgradeable abilities, offers hours of engaging gameplay. The reliance on exploration and resource management elevates it beyond a simple run-and-jump affair, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path.

While the Game Boy’s hardware imposes visual and audio limitations, the title’s crisp sprites and melodic chiptune soundtrack ensure the experience remains memorable. The game’s moderate difficulty—punctuated by tough boss battles—provides a satisfying sense of progression without dipping into frustration for most players.

For retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike, Of Myths and Monsters stands as a testament to inventive design under technical constraints. Its blend of platforming, combat, and light RPG elements creates a cohesive experience that still feels fresh today. Whether you’re revisiting this gem or discovering it for the first time, Pit’s airborne adventure is well worth embarking upon.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10