Sword Master NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer / Adventure

Sword Master

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1990
GenrePlatformer, Adventure
DeveloperAthena
PublisherAthena
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Developed by Athena, Sword Master arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990 as a platformer. It blends platformer and adventure 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.

Athena also made Castle of Dragon for the NES.

Sword Master is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Sword Master is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Sword Master gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Sword Master cheats & codes

23 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Infinite ContinuesSZNTVUSE
Infinite EnergySXSKNXSE SZSGNXSE

See all Sword Master cheats

Sword Master walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Sword Master.

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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.

Sword Master FAQ

When did Sword Master come out on the NES?

Sword Master was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.

Who made Sword Master?

It was developed by Athena.

Is Sword Master multiplayer?

No. Sword Master is a single-player game.

How long does Sword Master take to play?

As a platformer, Sword Master 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 Sword Master 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.

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