Mugen Senshi Valis (Famicom)

This version of Mugen Senshi Valis for the Famicom is a reinterpretation of the original version created for popular Japanese home computers like the MSX and PC-88. It was published by Tokuma Shoten in 1987, a year after the original game was published. Although the Japanese title, 夢幻戦士ヴァリス translates to Valis: The Fantasm Soldier, the title screen displays The Fantastic Soldier instead for some reason.

This version of Valis is still primarily a side-scrolling platformer which stars a Japanese schoolgirl named Yūko Asou (麻生 優子). Yuko must a mystical sword called Valis to defend Earth, the spirit world and the dream world. Unlike the original version, Yuko must explore several different regions which are composed of intersecting streets and paths, many of which are not straight. While you may enter one path heading East, you may exit that path heading North, and there is no visual indication besides the map to let you know that your orientation has changed, making charting your progress through the levels extremely difficult. Therefore, finding the map is one of the most important tasks in the game so that you don't wind up completely lost and running in circles. Unfortunately, finding the location of many items is quite a difficult task as well.

This version was the first remake of the original game, but not the last. It was next remade for the Sega Genesis, where it reverted to a straightforward linear run and slash game with better graphics. After the final game of the series was published, it was released for the PC-Engine CD, which is generally considered the best remake of the game, as well as the best product in the series. The game spawned three sequels including Valis II, Valis III, Valis IV.

Although this game was only released in Japan, the game was fan-translated into English in 2007. The translation patch is available here. In addition to translating the game, the same team saw fit to address some of the more difficult aspects of the game that they considered less fun, and released an enhancement patch. The patch, known as Valis++, is available here.