data/claims/rygar-history.yamlRygar (history and reception)
Game: Rygar.
Tecmo released アルゴスの戦士 (Argus no Senshi) as an arcade game in Japan in 1986, under the overseas title Rygar. Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games dates the arcade release May 1986. rygar-history/arcade-japan
1986年 — the page's 1986 rows print the month labels 4月, 5月 and 7月 before their entries, and this entry comes before the Famicom Solomon's Key, so the month is May by the row order only業務用アクションゲーム『アルゴスの戦士』(海外版『RYGAR』)発売Our translationreleased the arcade action game Argus no Senshi (overseas version Rygar)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · p. 49 (leaf 0050), 国内編 (Japan), テクモ (Tecmo) (OCR text line 9498) — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0050 / PDF p. 51): the row sits between "86/01 ワールドカップ" and "86/07 ソロモンの鍵" under テクモ86/05 アルゴスの戦士 ( Rygar )Our translation86/05 (May 1986) Argus no Senshi (Rygar)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Neither source gives a day.
Cited by: Rygar
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games lists Rygar under Tecmo (US) in its overseas section at 86/06 (June 1986). rygar-history/arcade-us
p. 138 (leaf 0139), 海外編 (overseas), TECMO (US) (OCR text lines 36255-36259) — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0139 / PDF p. 140): the row follows the heading "TECMO (US)" and "86/06 World Cup", before "87/02 Solomon Key"86/06 RygarOur translation86/06 (June 1986) RygarRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Listed under Tecmo (US) in the overseas section, not a "North American release".The list gives year and month and names no source for its dates.
Cited by: Rygar
The same list also files an arcade Rygar, credited to Tecmo, under Nintendo of America in 1987, with no month and without the tags it uses for PlayChoice-10 or Vs. games, so it doesn't say which machine. rygar-history/arcade-nintendo
p. 128 (leaf 0129), 海外編 (overseas), NINTENDO of AMERICA (OCR text line 33664) — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0129 / PDF p. 130): the last row of the section, after "87/ R. C. Pro-Am [Rare]" and "87/12 Pro Wrestling", with no (PC10) or (VS) tag87/ Rygar [Tecmo]Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Nintendo of America's arcade lines at the time were the Vs. System and PlayChoice-10, and the list doesn't say which this entry is.
Cited by: Rygar
Tecmo's US service manual for the arcade kit describes Rygar as a warrior who throws his weapon in the direction he faces or swings it over his head, steered with an eight-way joystick and two buttons, attack and jump. Rock headstones appear from below ground; destroyed, they leave articles that bring out shields, which give powers such as a longer weapon reach, a strong overhead attack, invincibility for a time, and defeating enemies by trampling them. Rygar can bounce on enemies to knock them out for a while, leap onto tree branches and rocks, and climb ropes. rygar-history/arcade-play
How To PlayControl "RYGAR" using eight (8) way joysticl<.Our translationControl "RYGAR" using eight (8) way joystick.Rygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · How To PlayPush "ATTACK" button to use weapon.Rygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · How To PlayPush "JUMP" button to leap over enemies/or onto tree branchesRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · How To PlayAs rock " H EADSTO N ES " appear- destroy them with weapon!! Pick up articles that are left to bring out power "SHIELDS."Our translationAs rock "HEADSTONES" appear— destroy them with weapon!! Pick up articles that are left to bring out power "SHIELDS."Rygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Playthat appear from below groundRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Playcan project his weapon in the diieclion he faces as well as swing it arching above his headOur translationcan project his weapon in the direction he faces as well as swing it arching above his headRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Playextention of weapon reach; powerful overhead attack; ability to defeat multi-enennies within reach of weapon; indestructable for a certain time and ability to defeat enemy by trampling themRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Playcan "bounce" on his enemies to temporarily knock them out!!Rygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Playcan leap up onto tree branches as well as onto rock formationsRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Playcan also "climb" ropes to progress in the game playRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the headstones bullet; "invincibility for a time", not "a spell".Cited by: Rygar
The manual gives the arcade game 27 rounds. A lost life's replacement warrior appears where the old one died rather than at the start of the round, which Tecmo calls a new feature. With the buy-in feature switched on, when no spare warriors are left a countdown lets a player insert more coins and continue from the furthest point reached, up to round 20; with another switch on, a second player can start from round 1 while the first is in later rounds. The operator enables both on DIP switch #2, switch #8 for the buy-in and switch #7 for the second player. rygar-history/arcade-continue
Description of Game Play, New Featurehas twenty-seven (27) rounds of play unlike 6-10 rounds like many other gamesRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Play, New FeatureTECMO has included an interesting, new feature that many game players have told us they want.Rygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Description of Game Play, New Featurewarrior appears at exactly the point where the old one diedRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Buy-In FeatureWhen switch #8 on dip-switch #2 is in the"ON " positionRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Buy-In Featureno more spare' RYGAR' warriors, the game will display "continue" and will countdown 9, 8, 7, 6Rygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Buy-In Featureinsert more coins and continue playing from where the furthest progress wasRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · Buy-In Featureup to round #20 of 27 possible rounds of playRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · 2 Player Additional Playallows a second player the opportunity to begin play {from round #1 ) while the first player is deep into later roundsRygar service instruction manual (Tecmo, Inc., arcade conversion kit) · 2 Player Additional PlayTu rn switch # 7 to the " O N " pos ition on dip-switch #2 in order to use this special feature.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the coin-in continue lines; the operator enables continue and two-player play by DIP switch.The manual says the cap at round 20 is there so that players can't "buy through" the game.
Cited by: Rygar
Famicom Tsushin's release schedule of 28 November 1986 listed Tecmo's Famicom cartridge アルゴスの戦士 for mid-February 1987, price undecided. rygar-history/famicom-schedule
printed p. 96 (PDF p. 98), 発売日スケジュール表, 2月発売予定のゲーム — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0097 / PDF p. 98): the row prints "アルゴスの戦士〈テクモ〉 2月中旬/価格未定" in black, which the schedule's key gives for cartridges; the OCR reads 捻 for 戦アルゴスの捻士〈テクモ〉Our translationアルゴスの戦士〈テクモ〉 (Argos no Senshi, Tecmo)Famicom Tsushin, no. 12 (28 November 1986) · printed p. 96 (PDF p. 98), 発売日スケジュール表, 2月発売予定のゲーム — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0097 / PDF p. 98); the OCR's next line "価裕来定" is 価格未定 (price undecided) on the page2月中旬/Our translation2月中旬 (mid-February)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The release came later; no source read here gives the Famicom cartridge's date. The issue's index covers only p. 95.
Cited by: Rygar
In the Famicom booklet a hermit (仙人) gives the warrior a くさりガマ (kusarigama, chain sickle), where the NES booklet has a legendary God give Rygar a grappling hook weapon. Among the Famicom booklet's treasures are Indora's armor (インドラのよろい) and the flute of Pegasus (ペガサスの笛), which the NES booklet lists as Indora's suit of armor and the Flute of Pegasus. Its prologue, read on the page image, tells the NES booklet's story of Ligar, the five Indora gods, and the "Door to Peace". rygar-history/famicom-booklet
printed p. 12 (PDF p. 12) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 12)ある仙人は、くさりガマを授けてくれるOur translationone hermit gives you a kusarigamaアルゴスの戦士 はちゃめちゃ大進撃 取扱説明書 (Argos no Senshi: Hachamecha Daishingeki Famicom instruction booklet, TCF-AH) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 16)④インドラのよろいOur translation(4) Indora's armorアルゴスの戦士 はちゃめちゃ大進撃 取扱説明書 (Argos no Senshi: Hachamecha Daishingeki Famicom instruction booklet, TCF-AH) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 16), with the line "Ⓑボタンで使用する" (used with the B button)⑤ペガサスの笛Our translation(5) the flute of PegasusRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 12 (PDF p. 12)There is a legendary God who will give you a grappling hook weapon.The NES booklet tells the player first of all to seek wisdom from a legendary God, who gives Rygar a grappling hook weapon that lets him go up or come down from a tree or cliff. Then come the five Indora gods, imprisoned in Argool, whose treasures are a wind pulley that lets him walk a rope stretched between stakes, a crossbow that lets a rope be stretched, a coat of arms that qualifies him to receive the medicine for physical strength, Indora's suit of armor, and the Flute of Pegasus. Its map places them in Eruga, the Den of Sagila, Lapis, the palace of Dorago, and the tower of Garba. ManualIn the NES booklet's story, the holy land of Argool, founded by the five Indora gods, falls in a day to the cruel king Ligar, who takes its "Door to Peace"; the hero Rygar comes back from the dead to restore peace. ManualRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Dropped "items match the NES one's"; pairs only what both booklets show, citing nes-treasures and nes-premise.The booklet's OCR is poor, so its text wasn't compared with the NES booklet line by line. Its prologue (printed p. 7, PDF p. 7) was read on the page image by the scout: "しかもライガーは、五神インドラの創り出した平和の 象徴である「平和の扉」を奪い去った。" (moreover, Ligar took away the "Door to Peace", the symbol of peace the five Indora gods had made), and "戦士は今甦える。" (the warrior now returns to life). Its text layer, set vertically, holds no clean span to quote.
Cited by: Rygar
The Famicom booklet's controls match the NES booklet's: A jumps and B attacks, START brings up the sub-screen during play, and SELECT pauses. It adds that START starts the game and that the second controller isn't used. In ゲルロゼオ the warrior runs in four directions and moves in eight while jumping. The Famicom booklet alone says that his weapon, the Diskarmer (ディスカーマー), attacks only in the direction he faces. rygar-history/famicom-controls
printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), 戦士の操作 — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 8): "スタートボタン: 押すとゲームがはじまります。ゲーム中に押すとサブ画面が 出ます。" (pressed, it starts the game; pressed during the game, it brings up the sub-screen). The same page prints "Ⓐボタン: ジャンプします。", "Ⓑボタン: 攻撃します。" and "Ⅱコントローラーは使用しません。", which the text layer doesn't holdゲーム中に押すとサブ画面ガOur translationpressed during the game, it brings up the sub-screenアルゴスの戦士 はちゃめちゃ大進撃 取扱説明書 (Argos no Senshi: Hachamecha Daishingeki Famicom instruction booklet, TCF-AH) · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), 戦士の操作 — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 8): "セレクトボタン: ゲーム中に押すとポーズがかかります。" (pressed during the game, it pauses)セレクトボタンアルゴスの戦士 はちゃめちゃ大進撃 取扱説明書 (Argos no Senshi: Hachamecha Daishingeki Famicom instruction booklet, TCF-AH) · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 9) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 9): "戦士の武器は、ディスカーマーという。戦士の向いている方向にのみ攻撃が できるよ。" The same page prints "ゲルロゼオでは走るときは4方向、ジャンプ中は8方向に移動します。", which the text layer garblesのみ攻撃ができるよ。Our translationcan attack only (in that direction)The NES booklet makes Rygar a one-player game. A jumps and B attacks with the Diskarmer, which works on the run, crouching, climbing, and in the air; START shows the sub-screen and SELECT pauses. Rygar runs left and right, but in Garloz he runs in four directions and jumps in eight. ManualRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Cites nes-controls for the match; the facing-direction attack is the Famicom booklet's alone.The booklet's text layer is poor Japanese OCR set vertically; the statement rests on the scout's reading of the page images. The NES booklet's controls are nes-controls.
Cited by: Rygar
Nintendo's list of NES games dates Tecmo's Rygar to July 1987 in North America. rygar-history/release-nes
PDF p. 11 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayRygar Tecmo July 1987Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Rygar
Computer Entertainer's August 1987 review called the NES Rygar one of three games from Tecmo, the first releases of a new Nintendo licensee, and said it had already been available as a coin-op in the United States and on the Famicom in Japan. rygar-history/nes-licensee
scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwareis one of three games from Tecmo, the firstComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarereleases from a brand-new Nintendo licenseeComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarebeen available in the U.S, as a coin-op game and in Japan on the Nintendo Family Computer.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quote extended through "Nintendo Family Computer".The pinned copy's text layer is our own Tesseract OCR of the Atari Compendium scan.
Cited by: Rygar
Computer Entertainer's June 1987 issue, reporting on "the C.E.S. just completed in Chicago", said under the heading "Wealth of New Titles for Nintendo System" that Tecmo would introduce four titles, Rygar among them, each of which had sold at least 1/4 million in Japan; it described Rygar as an action and strategy adventure. rygar-history/tecmo-ces
scan p. 1the C.E.S. just completed in Chicago!Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · scan p. 11, CES reportWealth of New Titles for Nintendo SystemComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · scan p. 11, CES reportTecmo will introduce four titles, each of which has already sold at least 1/4 million in Japan.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 3 (June 1987) · scan p. 11, CES reportThe games are RYGAR (action and strategy adventure with outstanding graphics)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The quarter-million sales figure is Computer Entertainer's statement, not Tecmo's; the show is not dated.The newsletter gives the sales figure without a source; no sales source was found.
Cited by: Rygar
In the NES booklet's story, the holy land of Argool, founded by the five Indora gods, falls in a day to the cruel king Ligar, who takes its "Door to Peace"; the hero Rygar comes back from the dead to restore peace. rygar-history/nes-premise
printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), Game StoryOnce there was a holy place called Argool which was founded by fiveRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), Game Storyattacked by the troops of the cruel king called Ligar.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), Game StoryIn a single day, they established the kingdom of EVIL.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), Game StoryLigar took away the "Door to Peace"Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 8 (PDF p. 8), Game StoryRygar, the hero came back from the dead in order to restore peace to theRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quote extended to "the cruel king called Ligar".Cited by: Rygar
The NES booklet makes Rygar a one-player game. A jumps and B attacks with the Diskarmer, which works on the run, crouching, climbing, and in the air; START shows the sub-screen and SELECT pauses. Rygar runs left and right, but in Garloz he runs in four directions and jumps in eight. rygar-history/nes-controls
printed p. 9 (PDF p. 9)THIS GAME IS ONLY A (1) PLAYER GAME.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 10) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 10): "To make Rygar jump press Ⓐ button."; the OCR reads Ⓐ as "@"To make Rygar jump pressRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 10) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 10): "To make Rygar attack press Ⓑ button."; the OCR reads Ⓑ as "@"To make Rygar attack pressRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 10)Rygar can attack in many positions : on the run ; while crouching; while climbing ; and even while airborne .Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 10) — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 10): "The weapon used frequently by Rygar is called a Diskarmer."called a Diskarmer.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 9)to display a sub-screen.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 9)If you wish to PAUSE, or interru ptRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 10 (PDF p. 10)Rygar can run left or right . Also, in " Garloz" Rygar is able to run in four directions, and can jump in eight directions .Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Rygar
In the NES booklet, Rygar's physical-strength meter starts at 3 and rises every time he defeats an enemy, to a maximum of 12; if it comes down to zero, he dies. Defeated enemies also raise his Tone (striking power) and Lasting power (durability). rygar-history/nes-strength
printed p. 11 (PDF p. 11), Sub ScreensPhysical-strength meter : This value represents the physical strength of Rygar . If the value comes down to zero, Rygar dies.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 11 (PDF p. 11), Sub ScreensThe game starts with the value of 3, but it increases every time you defeat an enemy.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 11 (PDF p. 11), Sub Screensmaximum value is 12.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 11 (PDF p. 11), Sub Screensterms of Tone (striking power) and Lasting power (durabi lity).Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "Lasting power", as the manual says, not "Last"; quoted the meter's zero line.The sub-screen's own labels aren't read here.
Cited by: Rygar
The NES booklet tells the player first of all to seek wisdom from a legendary God, who gives Rygar a grappling hook weapon that lets him go up or come down from a tree or cliff. Then come the five Indora gods, imprisoned in Argool, whose treasures are a wind pulley that lets him walk a rope stretched between stakes, a crossbow that lets a rope be stretched, a coat of arms that qualifies him to receive the medicine for physical strength, Indora's suit of armor, and the Flute of Pegasus. Its map places them in Eruga, the Den of Sagila, Lapis, the palace of Dorago, and the tower of Garba. rygar-history/nes-treasures
printed p. 12 (PDF p. 12)First of all, seek wisdom from the legendary God,Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 12 (PDF p. 12)There is a legendary God who will give you a grappling hook weapon.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 12 (PDF p. 12)allows him to go up or come down from a tree or cliffRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 14 (PDF p. 14)In Argool, five fighting gods called lndora areRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 14 (PDF p. 14)imprisoned. Make every effort to find them.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 14 (PDF p. 14)You can make Rygar more powerful by receiving the five sacred treasures from them.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 14 (PDF p. 14)Rygar to walk a rope stretchedRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 15 (PDF p. 15)rope to be stretched by pressingRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 15 (PDF p. 15)qualified to receive the medicineRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · PDF p. 7, Map of Garloz• Eruga .. .. .. . Wind pulley •The palace of Dorago ••. . . lndora's suitRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · PDF p. 7, Map of Garloz• Lapis .... . . . Coat of arms •The tower of Garba . . . . Flute of PegasusRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · PDF p. 7, Map of Garloz•Den of Sagi la . ... CrossbowRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted each item's use; the grappling hook comes from a "legendary God" (p. 12).The booklet calls the giver of the grappling hook a legendary God on p. 12; on p. 13 it speaks of legendaries as hermits ("These hermits will help Rygar to be refreshed").
Cited by: Rygar
Some defeated monsters leave capsules of spiritual strength worth one or three units, up to seven. From the sub-screen, an operation consumes some of it to make one of three potential capacities available: Power-up (mind strength 3) lets the grappling hook weapon be stretched, to be used only once; Attack & assail (5) damages all the displayed enemies, up to ten times; and Recover of physical strength (7), which the booklet says recovers his physical strength "when the physical-strength meter indicates the maximum value allowed". rygar-history/nes-mind
printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16), Potential Capacities of Rygarhand will increase his spiritual strength by one unit and the capsule on the left hand by three units . Up to seven units can be added to his spiritualRygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)This operation consumes a certain amount of spiritual strength and causes his potential capacities to be available.Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)Power-up (Mind strength #3 used):Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)Allows the grappling hook weapon to be stretched . (To be used only once)Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)Attack & assail (Mind strength #5 used):Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)Pressing the@ button does damage to all the displayed enemies. (Can be used ten times)Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)3 Recover of physical strength (Mind strength #7 used):Rygar NES instruction booklet (Tecmo, US, 1987) · printed p. 16 (PDF p. 16)His physical strength will be recovered when the physicalstrength meter indicates the maximum value allowed .Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted each power's name, cost and the Recover line as written.The Recover line is ambiguous on whether it restores strength to the maximum, so the statement keeps its wording.
Cited by: Rygar
When Rygar dies, the NES booklet says, pressing START brings him back and restarts the game from where he left off. rygar-history/nes-resurrection
printed p. 20 (PDF p. 20), Resurrectionby pressing the start button you can bring Rygar back to life again, and restart the game from the last point where you left off.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quote starts at "by pressing the start button".Cited by: Rygar
Computer Entertainer's August 1987 review called the NES Rygar an action-adventure of many levels, viewed sometimes from the side and sometimes from overhead, with a single life lost all at once or by steps, and a restart at the beginning of the area where Rygar died. rygar-history/ce-review
scan p. 13, NINTENDO SoftwareIt is an action-adventure of many levelsComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwareside, sometimes from overhead.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarehaving the character possess just oneComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarepicks up at the beginningChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Rygar
The review rated the NES Rygar four stars of four for graphics and four for game play. It praised its graphics, which it counted among the best yet seen on the system, its "very good sound and music", and its variety, and ended "Recommended". Its one complaint was the spelling errors on screen and in the instruction booklet, translated from Japanese, and the booklet's oddly written instructions. rygar-history/ce-verdict
scan p. 13, NINTENDO Software — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 13): "RYGAR (★★★★/★★★★) is one of three games from Tecmo"; the OCR garbles the stars as "&xx&x/ kA"is one of three games from Tecmo, the firstComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 2, the rating system4 STARS = EXCELLENTComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 2, the rating system — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 2)(Ist set of stars=quality ofOur translation(1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwaresome of the best visual displays yet seen on this systemComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarevery good sound and musicComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO SoftwareWe really enjoyed playing RYGAR, mostly because of the greatComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarecorrecting spelling errors on the screenComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwareind inthe instruction booklet when they translated the written material omJapanese to English.Our translationand in the instruction booklet when they translated the written material from Japanese to English.Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Softwarethe instructions are written a bit oddlyComputer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · scan p. 13, NINTENDO Software — the OCR reads "Kecommended"; read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 13)Available for NES only. Recommended. (MSR $34.95)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "Praised", not "recommended it for"; quoted the sound and booklet lines.Cited by: Rygar
The NES Rygar appeared in Computer Entertainer's Top Ten Videogames, from telephone polls of retailers and distributors: sixth in August 1987 and seventh in October 1987. rygar-history/ce-charts
p. 1, Top Ten Videogames — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 1): "6. Rygar (Tec/NES)", after Zelda, Ikari Warriors, Castlevania, Rocky and Trojan; the OCR drops the rank numbersRygar (Tec/NES)Computer Entertainer: the newsletter, August 1987 · p. 1, Top Ten Videogames, footnotepolls with a selected group of retailersComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 1, Top Ten Videogames — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 1): "7. Rygar (Tec/NES)", after The Legend of Zelda, Ikari Warriors, Elevator Action, Gangster Town, Castlevania and Rocky; the OCR sets the rank numbers apart from the titlesRygar (Tec/NES)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Rygar is also in the September and November 1987 lists (issues 6-6 and 6-8, not pinned here), whose OCR drops its rank.
Cited by: Rygar
U.S. Gold published the Commodore 64 version under license from Tecmo, converted by Probe Software. Crash credits Probe Software as the Spectrum version's authors and US Gold as its producer, at £8.99. Sinclair User reviewed the Spectrum version in December 1987, and Crash in its January 1988 issue. rygar-history/uk-release
PDF p. 3, Loading InstructionsConversion by Probe SoftwareRygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, Loading InstructionsManufactured and distributed under licence from Tecmo Ltd by U.S. Gold Ltd.Sinclair User, issue 69 (December 1987) · p. 87, RygarI'm not impressed with RygarCrash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, RygarProducef: US GoldOur translationProducer: US GoldCrash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, RygarRetail price: £8.99Crash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19), with "Producer: US Gold" and "Retail price: £8.99"Authors: Probe Software, from a Tecino coin-opOur translationAuthors: Probe Software, from a Tecmo coin-opRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: U.S. Gold published the C64 version; Crash credits Probe for the Spectrum version.The C64 inlay prints only "© 1986 TECMO". Crash 48 is the Christmas 1987 issue, dated January 1988. Amstrad CPC versions weren't found in a source read here.
Cited by: Rygar
U.S. Gold's Commodore 64 inlay plays the game on a joystick in port 2 or keys (Z left, X right, SHIFT jump, SPACE duck). As Rygar the player fights through the many levels, picking up icons that change his power and status; they appear in the bottom panel of the screen. rygar-history/c64-play
PDF p. 3, Loading InstructionsPlug Joystick into Port # 2Rygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, Loading InstructionsZ = Left X = Right SHIFT = JumpRygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, Loading InstructionsSPACE BAR = DuckRygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, Objectiveyou fight your way through the many levelsRygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, Objectiveyou should pick up as many different icons as you can which will change your power and status.Rygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, ObjectiveThese appear in the bottomRygar (U.S. Gold, Commodore 64/128 cassette) instruction sheet · PDF p. 3, Objectivepanel of the screen.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the levels and bottom-panel lines.Cited by: Rygar
Crash's two reviewers of the Spectrum version split. Mike, who gave it 45%, found that it looked like a coin-op not written for the Spectrum, with dull graphics and a first level far too easy. Paul, who gave it 70%, liked its colorful parallax scrolling and counted it one of US Gold's better arcade conversions. The verdict called it acceptably playable, though its early levels were too easy and it fell further short of the arcade original than most conversions. rygar-history/crash-review
p. 19, Rygar (Mike's comment) — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19): "You can tell just by looking at Rygar that it's a coin-op conversion - it actually looks like it wasn't written to run on a Spectrum", with Mike's mark of 45%at Rygar that it's a coin- opCrash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar (Mike's comment)graphics are dull and uninterestingly coloured, the first level is far too easy and the others olfer no stimulation.Crash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar (Paul's comment) — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19): "the colourful parallax scrolling adds depth to the play area, making it a joy to play", with Paul's mark of 70%; the OCR garbles the restadds depth toCrash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar (Paul's comment) — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19)Rygar la one of Its Gold's better arcade conversions.Our translationRygar is one of US Gold's better arcade conversions.Crash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar, Comments — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19)acceptatily playable, ihough eany levels are too easyOur translationacceptably playable, though early levels are too easyCrash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar, CommentsRygar falls further short of its orig<nail than most ooln-op con vers<onsOur translationRygar falls further short of its original than most coin-op conversionsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The comments give first names only. The page's caption reads "Rygar: acceptable, if you don't know the coin-op".
Cited by: Rygar
Crash gave the Spectrum version 58% overall, with presentation 69%, graphics 53%, playability 62%, and addictive qualities 57%. rygar-history/crash-score
p. 19, Rygar, ratings — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19): "Presentation 69%, Graphics 53%, Playability 62%, Addictive qualities 57%, OVERALL 58%"; the OCR holds only the first and lastPresentation 69Crash, issue 48 (January 1988) · p. 19, Rygar, ratings — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0018 / PDF p. 19)OVERALt 58Our translationOVERALL 58%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash's May 1989 Oldies column repeats the 58% (crash-oldies).
Cited by: Rygar
Sinclair User's December 1987 review of the Spectrum version gave it 5. It found the hero a flickery little sprite with no facial detail and the game stunningly unoriginal, and summed it up as moderately entertaining but run-of-the-mill, a waste of what could have been a good game. rygar-history/su-review
p. 87, Rygar — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0086 / PDF p. 87)He's a ftickery, piddfy little [sprite with no facial details 'whatsoever.Our translationHe's a flickery, piddly little sprite with no facial details whatsoever.Sinclair User, issue 69 (December 1987) · p. 87, Rygarit's a stunningly unoriginal game to begin withSinclair User, issue 69 (December 1987) · p. 87, Rygar — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0086 / PDF p. 87), with the blurb "Although it's moderately entertaining, Rygar is strictly run-of-the-mill experience, and is not worth busting a gut for" and the mark 5 (star rows of 3 and 2 filled out of 5, and a large "5"), neither of which the text layer holdsRygar's a bit of a waste of what could have been $ damn good gameBOur translationRygar's a bit of a waste of what could have been a damn good gameChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The facts box, read on the image, gives "Label: Go! Author: Probe Price: £8.99 Memory: 48K/128K"; the OCR reads the label as "Co!". There is no printed byline; the handwritten signature appears to read Jim Douglas.
Cited by: Rygar
Your Sinclair's October 1988 review of U.S. Gold's Summertime Specials compilation (six games, £12.99) called the Spectrum Rygar "one addictive decimation game". Its diminutive hero was "totally unlike the buzz-saw blade skimming hunk of the advertisement", which had drawn complaints from "concerned parents". The review recalled that David Powell's debut review, in the January 1988 Screen Shots, had given the game 8. rygar-history/ys-review
p. 88, Summertime Specials, Rygarthis is one addictive decimation gameYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime Specials, Rygardespite the diminutive hero of this arcade coversion - totally unlike the buzz-saw blade skimming hunk of the advertisement, which led to complaints from 'concerned parents'Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime Specials, Rygaryou run along and kill everything, collecting bonuses whenever they appearYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime Specials, RygarDavid Powell's debut review in January's Screen Shots gave it 8, which sounds about right.Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime SpecialsUSGoid/£12.99Our translationUS Gold/£12.99Your Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 88, Summertime SpecialsHalf a dozen programs which first appeared around the end of last year and the beginning of this oneRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "The buzz-saw blade skimming hunk of the advertisement", as written.The compilation review is signed "Rachael". It says "January's Screen Shots", which in an October 1988 issue is January 1988; that review is ys25-review.
Cited by: Rygar
David Powell, new to Your Sinclair's Screen Shots, reviewed the Spectrum Rygar (US Gold, £8.99) in January 1988 and gave it 8. David Powell found all 27 levels of the arcade game there, with bonus points at the end of each for the creatures killed and for the time left on a 99-second clock, and noted that, unlike the arcade game, Rygar stops moving when he fires; pushing the joystick forwards swings the weapon in a half-circle. The review found the graphics weaker in this version but the scrolling smooth: "Differences aside, this is a great game." rygar-history/ys25-review
p. 95, Screen Shots, RygarUS Gold/£8.99Your Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 95, Screen Shots, Rygar27 levels (all the original arcade screens are here)Your Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 95, Screen Shots, Rygarawarded bonus points for the number of creatures you kill and the time remaining on a 99- second clockYour Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 95, Screen Shots, Rygarunlike the arcade when you fire, you stop movingYour Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 95, Screen Shots, Rygardestructive half-circle (not the full 360) by pushing the joystick forwardsYour Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 95, Screen Shots, RygarYou lose graphically on this version (not surprisingly), but everything moves well and the screen scrolling is excellently smooth. Differences aside, this is a great game.Your Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 95, Screen Shots, Rygar, YS Clapometer — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0094 / PDF p. 95), where the Clapometer's TOTAL is 8; the text layer drops the number. The page prints "Fair-ish"Fairish arcade conversion but an absolute cracker of a game in its own right.Your Sinclair, issue 25 (January 1988) · p. 51, contributors — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0050 / PDF p. 51): "David Powell - Another new Screenshotter ... This month he rampages through Rygar."Screenshotter, who blams his wayRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: No pronoun for David Powell; quoted the kill-bonus line.The review is signed "David"; the contributors page gives his full name. Your Sinclair 34's compilation review gives the same mark (ys-review).
Cited by: Rygar
Crash's Oldies column of May 1989 reviewed the Spectrum Rygar again as a £2.99 Kixx budget re-release, found it far too easy and soon tedious, a mediocre shoot-'em-up, and rescored it from 58% to 45%. rygar-history/crash-oldies
p. 32, Oldies, Rygar — read on the page image by the scout (leaf 0031 / PDF p. 32), under the heading "RYGAR £2.99 KIXX": "For a start the game is far too easy to play, and hence becomes tedious very quickly." and "Rygar is a mediocre shoot-'em-up game which probably won't keep you entertained for very long."; the column opens "a Tecmo coin-op converted by US Gold in Issue 48". The OCR garbles all but the marksThen: 58% Now: 45%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The column's text layer holds no clean span of the verdict, so the quotes are in the note.
Cited by: Rygar
Atari Corporation published a Lynx version under license from Tecmo; its booklet carries a 1990 copyright. rygar-history/lynx
PDF p. 3Copyright© 1986, 1990 Temco, Ltd. Licensed to Atari corporation.Our translationCopyright © 1986, 1990 Tecmo, Ltd. Licensed to Atari Corporation.Rygar, Atari Lynx instruction booklet (Atari Corporation, 1990) · PDF p. 3Copyright© 1990, Atari CorporationChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The booklet prints "Temco" for Tecmo. The year is the copyright year; no source read here gives a release month.
Cited by: Rygar