Fudou Myouou Den is one of those weird, obscure NES games that never made it outside Japan—which is a shame because it’s actually pretty interesting. You play as a warrior monk (with a sick staff) fighting through feudal Japan, mixing martial arts with some light RPG elements. The combat feels stiff at first, but once you get used to the rhythm, smacking demons with your staff is oddly satisfying.

What really stands out is the atmosphere—dark temples, eerie music, and these creepy-cute enemy designs. It’s not as polished as, say, Ninja Gaiden, but there’s something charming about its rough edges. Just don’t expect an easy ride—this one’s got that classic NES difficulty spike.

If you’re into retro action games with a weird twist, it’s worth digging up.