Cowboy Kid (USA) ROM

Cowboy Kid is an action game that tried to dabble in RPG elements.

It looks so fun but it's so frustrating!

It uses the beat-em-up layout but didn't really fine-tune the controls or mechanics to match. Enemies on different, or even the same, 'level' of the field are sometimes impossible to hit and then get stuck inside you like most shoddy NES games. Graphics are cute and crisp, but a little aged in action. Sound is appropriately themed up beat cowboy/western tunes. It sounds pretty good, to be honest. There's a bit of a story, item shops, varied maps, etc all pointing to maybe an RPG but it just falls short. If gameplay was a bit better, this would be a fantastic game really.

This game is very loosely based on Legend of Zelda. That is where the similarity ends however. Loose controls and poor collision detection sabotage what could have been a refreshing addition to the action/RPG genre.