The Maze of Galious
1987 · Action-Adventure · MSX
Overview
The Maze of Galious (1987) is Konami's MSX exploration game, in which Popolon and Aphrodite search Castle Greek and ten hidden worlds to rescue their unborn child from the priest Galious.
Deep Dive
The second Knightmare game turns the series from a shooter into an open exploration game. Popolon and Princess Aphrodite must free their unborn child, Pampas, from the priest Galious. Castle Greek serves as an overworld with entrances to ten worlds hidden inside it, and new areas open as the player finds items. The player switches between the two heroes: Popolon can push stones, open heavy doors and vary his jump, while Aphrodite fires more shots and survives longer underwater. Each world ends with a Great Demon who can only be summoned by finding its name on a gravestone and typing it at the boss's door.
Developer Story
A team of seven led by designer Ryouhei Shogaki made the game in four to six months; an eleventh world was cut for lack of memory. It was released for the MSX on 18 April 1987, and a completely reworked Famicom version followed in Japan that August.
Did You Know?
- Plugging Game Master, Knightmare or Q*bert into the MSX's second cartridge slot unlocks extra content.
- It is cited as an influence on La-Mulana, and its exploration design fed into Castlevania II: Simon's Quest.
Sources & further reading
- The Maze of Galious — Wikipedia
