Final Fantasy Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · RPG
Hydlide
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1989 (originally 1986) |
| Genre | RPG |
| Developer | FCI |
| Publisher | FCI |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Epic journey (20+ hours of adventure) |
| Series | Hydlide |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 2 |
Hydlide is a role-playing game released in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by FCI. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986.
It landed about 4 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1989 include Mother, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and DuckTales.
It is part of the Hydlide series. The series also appears on other systems with Virtual Hydlide (Saturn) and Super Hydlide (Genesis). FCI also made Ultima: Exodus and Ultima: Quest of the Avatar for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for an epic journey (20+ hours of adventure)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want instant action rather than menus, story and grinding
- you are looking for something to play with friends
- you only have a few minutes at a time
What playing Hydlide is like
Role-playing games trade reflexes for strategy and story. You build a party, level up, manage equipment and travel across a large world, usually through menu-based battles.
Tip for newcomers: Retro RPGs can require some level grinding and rarely tell you exactly where to go next. Talk to every townsperson, save often and use a guide if you get stuck: there is no shame in it.
Hydlide cheats & codes
33 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Boost Strength, Life, Magic | AZKAAVZE |
|---|---|
| Super Boost Strength, Life, Magic | GTKAAVZA |
| Don't Take Damage From Most Monsters | SXSGYYSA |
| Rapid Healing | AEUEKVIA |
| Rapid Magic Healing | AANOVZZA |
| Start With Full Life, Strength And Magic | YYKAAVZA |
Hydlide walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Hydlide.
If you like Hydlide, the Matrix also picks…
Final Fantasy II Classic
Final Fantasy III Classic
Dragon Quest Classic
Mother Classic
Faxanadu Classic
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Classic
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.
Hydlide FAQ
When did Hydlide come out on the NES?
Hydlide was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1986.
Who made Hydlide?
It was developed by FCI.
Is Hydlide multiplayer?
No. Hydlide is a single-player game.
How long does Hydlide take to play?
As a role-playing game, Hydlide typically falls into the "Epic journey" category: 20+ hours of adventure. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Hydlide 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.