talk about ~The Maze of Galious~(MajouDensetsuII DaimaShikyouGariusu) A prototype for "Metroidvania"

• A 1987 Konami action-adventure/RPG for MSX and Famicom, evolving from a shooter into a pioneering exploration-based game.

• Popolon and Aphrodite invade Castle Greek to rescue their unborn son, Pampas, kidnapped from the future by the evil priest Galious.

• Players switch between Popolon (stronger, variable jump) and Aphrodite (swimmer, 3-shot projectile) to overcome obstacles.

• A "Metroidvania" prototype where finding items expands the map and specific rituals are required to summon world bosses.

• MSX version reached Europe as Knightmare II, but the Famicom version stayed in Japan despite overseas advertisements.

• Renowned for its strategic character swapping, deep exploration, and an iconic soundtrack by Kinuyo Yamashita.

• Extremely high difficulty, long passwords, and "soft-locks" if a necessary character dies before completing their unique tasks.

• Influenced La-Mulana and Castlevania II; followed by the adventure-style sequel Shalom: Knightmare III.

• This game is a masterpiece that can be considered a prototype of the modern "Metroidvania" genre, centering on the exploration of a vast world and the ability to switch between two protagonists.