Kid Icarus

A classic mythic adventure where Pit battles monsters to rescue Angel Land

gamePlatformers shooter platform adventure

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Our Verdict

Best for

Hardcore retro platformer fans craving mythic challenge and multiple endings

Skip if

Players who prefer easy difficulty or modern control schemes

What is Kid Icarus?

Kid Icarus is an action platform video game originally released for the Family Computer Disk System in Japan and the Nintendo Entertainment System in Europe and North America. Players guide the young angel Pit through side‑scrolling levels, fighting monsters, collecting items, and confronting bosses to retrieve three sacred treasures and save the goddess Palutena. The game’s Greek‑mythology inspired world, multiple endings, and challenging gameplay have made it a beloved retro title. Its blend of shooter mechanics, platforming, and adventure creates a timeless experience for fans of classic fantasy action games.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

developerNintendo R&D1

publisherNintendo

age ratingESRB E, PEGI 7

multiplayerSingle player

release date1986-12-19

Key Features of Kid Icarus

Players control Pit with a bow and arrow, navigating vertically scrolling levels while avoiding hazards.

Each stage culminates in a unique boss that guards one of the three sacred treasures.

Collecting the Mirror Shield, Light Arrows, and Wings of Pegasus upgrades Pit’s abilities for the final showdown.

The game offers five distinct endings based on player performance, adding replay value.

A simple yet deep scoring system rewards skillful play and efficient monster defeats.

Retro 8‑bit graphics and chiptune music create an authentic 1986 NES experience.

Use Cases for Kid Icarus

Retro Gaming Sessions

Play Kid Icarus for a nostalgic 8‑bit platforming experience.

Speedrun Practice

Master the levels and boss patterns to achieve fast completion times.

Game Design Study

Analyze classic level design and boss mechanics for modern development.

Mythology-Themed Events

Use the Greek‑mythology setting as inspiration for themed parties or streams.

Pros & Cons of Kid Icarus

Pros

Challenging yet rewarding gameplay
Iconic mythological setting
Multiple endings increase replayability
Memorable retro graphics and sound

Cons

High difficulty may deter casual players
Limited save options; requires long play sessions
Controls feel dated by modern standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms can I play Kid Icarus on today?

Kid Icarus is officially available on Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Do I need any special hardware to play?

No special hardware is required; the game runs on any Nintendo Switch console.

How many endings does the game have?

The game features five different endings depending on your performance.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

Kid Icarus is a single‑player only experience.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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