Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer / Adventure
The Astyanax
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 (originally 1989) |
| Genre | Platformer, Adventure |
| Developer | Jaleco |
| Publisher | Jaleco |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 3 |
The Astyanax is a platformer released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Jaleco. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Astyanax. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1989. 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.
Jaleco also made City Connection, Field Combat and Ninja JaJaMaru-kun for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
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 The Astyanax 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.
The Astyanax cheats & codes
57 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Spell Energy | AUEKGUAP |
|---|---|
| Infinite Life Energy | SZUGTISA |
| Double Life And Spell Energy | AZKAVZGO |
| Start With Blast Spell | PAKEKZAA |
| Start With Bind Spell | ZAKEKZAA |
| Start With Extra Weapon Power | GPKAXZGA |
The Astyanax walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Astyanax.
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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.
The Astyanax FAQ
When did The Astyanax come out on the NES?
The Astyanax was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990; the original game dates back to 1989.
Who made The Astyanax?
It was developed by Jaleco.
Is The Astyanax multiplayer?
No. The Astyanax is a single-player game.
How long does The Astyanax take to play?
As a platformer, The Astyanax 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 The Astyanax 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.