Mega Man Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer
Kid Icarus
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 (originally 1986) |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Kid Icarus |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 7 |
Kid Icarus is an action game released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Nintendo. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986. It blends action and platformer elements.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.
It is part of the Kid Icarus series. The series also appears on other systems with Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (Game Boy). Nintendo also made Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES.
Kid Icarus is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Kid Icarus is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
Kid Icarus cheats & codes
25 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Small Hearts Worth 2 Energy Points | ZAKSXTPA |
|---|---|
| Small Hearts Worth 5 Energy Points | IAKSXTPA |
| Big Hearts Worth 20 Energy Points | GPKSSVZA |
| Small Heart Gives You 255 | NAKSXTPA |
| Big Heart Gives You 255 | NYKSSVZA |
| No Ordinary Damage | SZUIKLSA |
Kid Icarus walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Kid Icarus.
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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.
Kid Icarus FAQ
When did Kid Icarus come out on the NES?
Kid Icarus was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987; the original game dates back to 1986.
Who made Kid Icarus?
It was developed by Nintendo.
Is Kid Icarus multiplayer?
No. Kid Icarus is a single-player game.
How long does Kid Icarus take to play?
As an action game, Kid Icarus typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Kid Icarus 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.