Battle Princess Madelyn (v2019.02.23)

Madelyn’s quest pairs old-school arcade action with a surprisingly warm fairy-tale heart. As a knight-in-training, she crosses haunted graveyards, murky swamps, open countryside, and hostile castles to rescue her family and kingdom from a sinister wizard. Her most memorable companion is Fritzy, a ghostly dog who remains at her side even after death and turns the adventure’s darker imagery into something more affectionate than grim. The result is a colorful, hand-drawn pixel-art platformer built for players who miss the demanding spirit of 16-bit action games.

Combat revolves around precise jumps, projectile weapons, and learning the behavior of monsters before they overwhelm the screen. Madelyn collects armor, finds area-specific weaponry, and visits a blacksmith in Story Mode to improve her loadout, while Fritzy provides support powers that help uncover secrets and deal with threats. The campaign uses portals to connect its broad set of locations, encouraging players to return with new tools and search for hidden collectibles, alternate routes, and rewards. Difficulty adjusts to player performance, making the story more approachable than its inspirations, but Arcade Mode strips away much of that safety net for players who want a tougher score-chasing challenge.

Its clearest strengths are its lavish animation, enormous bestiary, and sincere commitment to the feel of games such as Ghouls ’n Ghosts and Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap. Each region has its own visual identity and musical treatment, with two soundtrack options helping players tailor the atmosphere between modern and retro-flavored arrangements. Progress is structured across ten major levels with multiple stages, and replaying areas never requires wiping an entire save, which softens the frustration of difficult sections. Battle Princess Madelyn suits retro-platform veterans who enjoy deliberate, sometimes punishing action, while its flexible Story Mode gives newcomers a reasonable way to enjoy its charming world.