Risky Woods is one of those early '90s platformers that looks way prettier than it plays. You're this warrior dude with a sword, jumping through jungles and ruins while dodging snakes, bats, and these weird floating skulls. The graphics actually hold up—lush greens, detailed sprites—but the controls feel kinda stiff when you're trying to line up jumps over bottomless pits.

First level throws you right into it: you'll be swinging at giant frogs within seconds, and the hit detection can be brutal. I died like three times before realizing you gotta stand just close enough for the sword to connect. There's a power-up system with different weapons (fireballs are OP), but good luck keeping them when the screen fills with enemies. Classic "Nintendo Hard" vibes, but without the polish.

Still, there's something satisfying about memorizing the enemy patterns and finally nailing that jump you kept missing. Just don't expect to beat it in one sitting.