Faxanadu is a 1987 action RPG developed by Hudson Soft for the NES. Its name blends "Famicom" and "Xanadu", marking it as a Famicom spin-off of Xanadu. Set in a fantasy world held up by the World Tree, it once saw elves and dwarves live in harmony. But when an evil force invades, dwarves are turned into monsters that attack elves. Players take on the role of a nameless wanderer who returns to his hometown of Eolis to find it in ruins with few residents left. The king tasks the player with investigating and resolving this crisis.
The game uses a side-scrolling format, combining platform jumping and RPG elements. Players explore towns, dungeons, and wild areas, fight enemies, collect items and gear, and boost their character's abilities. It features an experience system: defeating enemies earns EXP to level up and increase combat power.
Faxanadu was beloved by players at the time for its rich story and unique mechanics. Its soundtrack was composed by Jun Chikuma, whose jazz background brought distinctive melodies to the game.
Overall, Faxanadu is a classic NES game that delivers an unforgettable experience with its deep story and rich gameplay.