Welcome, dear readers, to an unprecedented, evil-icious interview! Today, we have a most sinister guest who goes by the alias anonymous-villain from the NES game, Rygar. Get ready for a rollicking ride through the land of Argool, seen through the eyes of its primary menace. Good evening, anonymous-villain!

Good evening? Is it truly a good evening when villainy roams free? Ah, but let’s not dwell on semantics. I’m thrilled to be here, ready to throw shade faster than Rygar can hurl his Discarmor!

First off, how would you describe your role in Rygar?

Oh, where to begin? I am the very essence of evil, the ruler of Argool, the creator of nightmarish creatures and incessantly tricky obstacles. My raison d’être is to ensure that Rygar’s path is anything but a walk in the park. Quite frankly, if the land weren’t littered with my clever traps and minions, it’d look like one of those saccharine RPGs where everyone is best pals. Ugh!

Speaking of Rygar, what do you think of him as a hero?

Ah, Rygar, the so-called legendary warrior. Is it just me, or does he always come back from the grave with a bigger chip on his shoulder? (Laughs) His talent for whacking my minions is commendable, I suppose. Though, if we’re being honest, the real hero here is his Discarmor—it’s doing all the work while he prances around like a resurrected boy scout.

Rygar can hurl his Discarmor

The game transitions between side-scrolling and overhead views. What’s your take on those mechanics?

Ah, yes, the developers really outdid themselves there, didn’t they? One minute, you’re jumping and bopping like a standard action-platformer, and the next minute, you’re top-down and swarmed from all angles. If you ask me, it’s a delightful way to keep the player on their toes. Plus, it gives me more avenues to launch sneaky attacks!

Are there any power-ups in the game that you particularly despise?

Oh, those accursed power-ups. I have nightmares about Rygar stumbling upon the Indora Gods statues. Strength, attack and defense boosts—who designed this nonsense? It’s like handing on-the-job training and promotions to a ghostly intern. Without them, he’d be nothing more than a flea on the back of my Beasts of Argool.

The game is known for its challenging nature. Do you think that’s fair to the players?

Fair? Fairness is for lesser beings. Life’s a labyrinth, and so is Argool! My monsters and traps aren’t there to make friends. They’re there to remind players that vigilance is essential and persistence is key. Frankly, anyone who braves my territory earns my reluctant respect—mostly because they dodge my minions better than Rygar dodges a barber.

RYGAR

Can you share any secrets or tips for players struggling to defeat you?

Well, seeing as you asked, one could find hidden health potions in the unlikeliest of places. Smash every suspicious block, and look in every nook. Also, remember to revisit areas once you’ve acquired new tools; certain blessings—like the Grappling Hook—change the very nature of the landscape. Plenty have given up forgetting that Argool is all about retracing and discovering new pathways.

The multiple viewpoints can be disorienting. Any advice for traversing smoothly?

Ah, the disorienting shift from side-scrolling to overhead—my pièce de résistance. In these transitions, always stay observant for landmarks that might indicate pathways, and those vile bushes? Slash them! Often key items are hidden beneath. Keeping notes and mapping doesn’t hurt either; I’ve seen many a brave soul wander endlessly in circles.

Game design quirks sometimes create unintended challenges or advantages. What’s your take on this?

Oh, the beautiful chaos of game design! When Rygar gets stuck in a sprite-glitch or a pixel-perfect leap? Delicious. But I must tip my evil hat to those who exploit these quirks to their benefit—using unintended shortcuts or glitches to defeat me sooner. Annoyingly clever, some might say. But I grudgingly admire their cunning.

RYGAR in Japan

Any thoughts for the players who’ve managed to defeat all the odds and you?

To those who conquer me and my labyrinth of horrors, I say this: Congratulations. But beware! Keep your wits sharper than Rygar’s ceremonial blade. Beating me once is a feat—and those who do it bear the mark of exceptional gamers. Enjoy your victory while it lasts, for whispers from the shadows have it that I might return… But let’s save that for another stormy night.

Thank you, anonymous-villain, for this truly devilish deep dive into Rygar. Any parting words for our readers?

Just this: Keep your enemies close and your save points closer. Argool never rests, and neither should you. Until we clash again!

You can also read the Classics conversation of Rygar here!

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