The Legend of Zelda Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action-Adventure / RPG
Crystalis
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, RPG |
| Developer | SNK |
| Publisher | SNK |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Weekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours) |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 8 |
Developed by SNK, Crystalis arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990 as an action-adventure game. It blends action-adventure and RPG elements.
It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Mega Man 3. Among the 68 NES action-adventure games in our database, it ranks #22 by legacy score.
SNK also made P.O.W.: Prisoners of War, Alpha Mission and Baseball Stars for the NES.
Crystalis is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a game you can finish in one short session
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Crystalis is like
Action-adventures blend real-time combat with exploration, puzzles and item collection. You open up a larger world gradually as new tools let you reach places you couldn't before.
Tip for newcomers: Keep a mental (or paper) map of locked doors and unreachable ledges; most action-adventures expect you to come back once you find the right item.
Crystalis cheats & codes
154 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Start With Some Gold | VVOGUOSE |
|---|---|
| First Pupil Gives You More Gold | NYVSPZGV |
| Magic Doesn't Use Up M.P. | SXNOVXSE |
| Immune To Poison | AASVVNYA |
| Immune To Paralysis | AEKTSNYA |
| Stronger Poison | TEOTVYGA |
Crystalis walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Crystalis.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Crystalis FAQ
When did Crystalis come out on the NES?
Crystalis was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
Who made Crystalis?
It was developed by SNK.
Is Crystalis multiplayer?
No. Crystalis is a single-player game.
How long does Crystalis take to play?
As an action-adventure game, Crystalis typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Crystalis on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.