Power Blade is a 1990 side-scrolling action game published by Taito for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Set in the New Earth Colony in 2191, players take on the role of Nova, the chief security officer tasked with protecting the main computer. When the main computer is attacked by aliens and malfunctions, Nova must travel through six distinct sectors to retrieve data tapes and restore the system to normal operation.
The gameplay is similar to the Mega Man series, allowing players to tackle the six levels in any order they choose. Nova’s primary weapon is a boomerang that can be thrown in eight directions, with power-ups available to increase its power, range, and quantity. Additionally, the game features a Power Suit; when collected, Nova equips metal armor that lets him fire powerful energy waves called Power Blades, which can pierce most obstacles.
In each level, players must find an agent to obtain a key card for accessing the sector’s database, then enter the security room to defeat the boss guarding the data tape. After completing all six levels, players proceed to the main computer’s control center to face the final enemy and fully restore the system.
Notably, Power Blade is a heavily adapted version of the original Japanese game Power Blazer. The original featured a cartoon-style robot protagonist, while the US version redesigned the lead as a tough, Arnold Schwarzenegger-like action hero, with significant improvements to level design and controls.
Overall, Power Blade is a beloved classic action game on the NES, praised for its rich level design, varied weapon system, and smooth gameplay.