Published by Activision for the NES in 1992, Sword Master is a challenging action platformer that focuses on deliberate melee combat over fast-paced running and jumping. Playing as a solitary knight on a quest to defeat an evil wizard, you must carefully manage high and low sword strikes while using your shield to block incoming attacks. Progressing through the game’s fantasy stages also unlocks different magical forms, allowing you to cast spells and shift your tactical approach.
How to play
Your objective is to battle through seven levels of monsters to reach the dark wizard’s castle. The controls are:
- Arrow keys: Move, block high (Up), and crouch or block low (Down)
- X: Jump
- Z: Attack
- Shift: Cycle through available magic forms
- Enter: Pause or confirm
Tips
- Your shield automatically blocks attacks when you are not swinging your sword. Watch enemy animations carefully and wait for their strike to bounce off your shield before countering.
- Many heavily armoured enemies leave their legs exposed. Use crouching attacks to slip under their high guard.
- Experience points dropped by defeated enemies increase your maximum health, making it worthwhile to clear screens rather than rushing past encounters.
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