Released by Nintendo in 1990, StarTropics is an action-adventure game that sends you to the tropical C-Island on a quest to rescue a missing archaeologist. Blending overworld exploration with dungeon-crawling action, it stands out in the NES library for its grid-based movement and unique island setting where your primary weapon is a trusty yo-yo.
How to play
Your objective is to navigate the island’s towns and dungeons to locate Dr. Jones. In dungeon sections, movement is strictly grid-based: press the D-pad once to turn in place, or hold it to walk forward. Jump over water or lava hazards, and attack enemies using your yo-yo (Island Star) or other sub-weapons.
| Gamepad control: | ||
| Player 1: | Player 2: |
| โ | โ | – |
| โ | โ | – |
| โ | โ | – |
| โ | โ | – |
| A | X | – |
| B | Z | – |
| SELECT | Shift | – |
| START | Enter | – |
Tips
- Master the grid movement early. Since you cannot walk diagonally, you must stop to turn before attacking enemies approaching from a different direction.
- To reveal the secret frequency for your submarine, the original physical game included a letter you had to dip in water. The code you need is 747.
- Conserve your health items. Stars replenish health, but the tougher dungeons have very few safe zones, making every heart crucial.
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