Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters

"Oh, no! I've been turned into an eggplant!" If you've ever uttered that phrase, then you probably can relate to our bow-totin' hero, Pit, in Nintendo's Kid learns for the Game Boy. He must protect Angel Land from the vile Orcus and his army of Serpents, Shadows, Golems, Grim Reapers, and Eggplant Wizards.

Like the top- notch '87 NES version, GB Icarus is a solid, multi-directional scrolling, side-view, action/adventure cart. As Pit, you face four feisty stages. You must claw your way out of prison in the Underworld, dash madly through the Overworld, and hop from cloud to cloud in the Skyworld. Along the way, you'll secure the Three Treasures of Angel Land, which you'll need during the final confrontation with Orcus in the Palace area. You can score helpful items, such as Hammers, Recovery Potions, Feathers, and a Credit Card, to give you a fighting chance. A battery backup saves your progress.

Kid Icarus challenges your skill with plenty of tricky, platform leaping and trap dodging. Don't worry, Pit's moves are in top form. Your small screen gaming interaction is precise and accurate, with no squinting required.

Sometimes NES classics are worth another look on the Game Boy. The Kid's graphics are fine in black-and-white with large sprites and nice backgrounds. The music sets the mood, too. Most kids can't fly, but on the Game Boy Icarus sure does!

• PROTIP: To defeat the Level 1 boss, the Minotaur, stand directly underneath Its platform. Walt for It to Jump to the ground, then blast away and avoid its fireball attacks.