The Tower of Druaga/Gameplay

Controls

 * Joystick: Use the joystick to direct Gil in any one of the four cardinal directions. (Diagonals are not possible).
 * Attack: Press the attack button to draw your sword, displacing your shield to your left. Your sword stays drawn for as long as you hold the button down.  When you release the button, you sheath your sword and your shield returns to the front.  The Attack button is also used for items.  If you are standing in front of a wall while you possess the pickax, pressing the Attack button will utilize the pickax instead.  Use this button carefully.
 * In the arcade version, after you've lost a game you can continue it provided you insert more coins. To do this you must press and hold the Attack button while pressing the 1 Player Start button within 30 seconds of losing the previous game. Then the game will enter Continue Mode and let you choose which floor to start from, between 1 and the floor number where you've lost the previous game. Press the Attack button again to continue to your game.

Gil
Gil is the destined hero of this game. He has been charged by the goddess Ishtar to ascend the Tower of Druaga and rescue the maiden Ki from the demon Druaga. Not only must Gil use his sword and shield to navigate through the labyrinthine floors of the tower, he must use his wit and memory to reveal the locations of the treasures contained on each floor, some of which are absolutely necessary for Gil's success. Gil is patterned after the Gilgamesh of Sumerian legend.

Ki
The maiden Ki is actually a priestess in her own right, but has unfortunately been captured and rendered powerless by the demon Druaga in order to lure the greatest warrior in Ishtar's realm into his trap. Ki goes on to be a tremendous asset in Gil's future adventures, but first she must be rescued from Druaga's grasp.

Druaga
The demon Druaga kidnapped Ki in order to lure Ishtar's greatest instruments of good into his trap so he can dispose of them forever, and lay claim to the world. In order for Druaga's plan to succeed, Gil must die. Should Gil survive the climb through all 60 monster ridden floors of the tower, he must face Druaga himself. Without the proper equipment and enhancements, Gil will be no match for Druaga's brutal destructive strength.

Ishtar
Ishtar, unable to meddle directly in the affairs of mortals on earth, can only sit by helplessly and watch as Gil answers her call to service. Once she charges Gil with her instructions, the rest is in Gil's hands. But Ishtar will return to aid the reunited duo another time.

Monsters
Druaga has ordered his servents (various monsters) to attack Gil so Druaga's plan can succeed. Below is a list of these monsters. Should Gil touch one of them, he will fall straight away. Though most generate with the level, the Will'o Wisps also appear when the bonus timer runs out and turns red.

Slimes
Slimes are very basic monsters. They move slowly around the maze, and will kill Gil if he touches one without his sword drawn. Gil can kill any slime instantly if he crosses paths with one while his sword is drawn; however, it's still dangerous to cross a slime while it's moving towards you. Slimes are fairly predictable in that they will wobble just before they move.

Knights
Knights are the first enemies you will encounter that don't die in one hit. To defeat them, you must cross paths with them while your sword is drawn. They will kill Gil with one hit if his sword isn't out. You can inflict more damage by attacking from behind. Beware fighting multiple enemies at once! Gil has an invisible energy meter that depletes as he battles these enemies. If it runs out, he will die.

Magicians
Magicians will appear at a point at least two tiles away from where Gil is, cast a spell at him, then vanish. The spells will kill Gil instantly; however, he can defend himself by blocking them with his shield. He can also kill the magicians before they vanish, if he's quick enough.

Ghosts
Ghosts cannot kill Gil by touching him, which is just as well, seeing that he can't see them without a candle. They can kill Gil by casting spells at him, and they can also warp through the walls. An easy way to defeat a ghost is to wait for it to pass in front of you, then chase it with your sword drawn such that you continually inflict damage until it disappears.

Dragons
Dragons are very difficult to slay without special items. Additionally, they can breathe fire that will normally kill Gil instantly.

Will o' Wisps
These fly around the maze very fast and, as such, are difficult to avoid. Will o' Wisps will appear continually while the bonus timer is red, just to put the pressure on.

Ropers
Unlike most enemies, ropers can't kill you if you don't draw your sword. However, they will zap your energy down to 1, making it impossible to fight them or any knights. If your sword is drawn, they can finish you off just like knights can.