Willow (arcade)

Willow is a 1989 arcade game by Capcom based on the movie by Lucasfilm. Capcom published two different games in 1989 based on the 1988 film of the same name. The arcade version is a platform game and it never received a release for a home console. Instead, Willow for the NES is an action RPG and an entirely different game.

The game was part of a broader strategy of Capcom at the time to appeal a wider audience by using established characters from other media, as director Yoshiki Okamoto stated that their original characters could be too niche, citing titles based on Area 88 and Destiny of an Emperor as part of this plan. A version for the Capcom Power System Changer was planned and previewed but never released. It has never been included in any Capcom Arcade collection or released in any other format, making this one of the few Capcom arcade games where emulating the game through MAME is your only option to play it today.

Story
Willow's story follows that of the original film. Willow Ufgood is a simple villiager who wants only to raise a family and dreams of becoming the apprentice to the town's wizard. He is sent on a journey to return a Daikini (human) baby to her own kind. He is soon reluctantly joined by the warrior Madmartigan. They find that according to prophecy, the baby is destined to end the tyrranny of the evil sorceress Bavmorda. In their quest, they must protect the baby and defeat Bavmorda to return peace to all.

Gameplay
The game consists of a side-scrolling action platformer. The player begins each stage as either Willow or Madmartigan. The choice is usually predetermined by the game, but some of the later levels allow the player to select which character to use. Each level ends with a dramatic boss fight.

Willow's main attack is a magic shot which he throws at enemies. Madmartigan uses a sword, which has a much shorter range but deals more damage. Around the middle of each level there is usually a merchant, who offers the player an opportunity to spend gold in the in-game store. The store features healing items, 1Ups, and other powerups, as well as upgrades for both Willow's and Madmartigan's abilities. Willow's upgrades are additional spells which allow him to do more damage or sheild himself from enemy attacks. Madmartigan receives buffs to his sword, also granting increased damage and range. It's advisable to buy as many of Willow's upgrades as possible, as he is always used in the climactic battle against Bavmorda.