Trojan

Trojan is a side-scrolling action game for the NES, released by Capcom in 1987. Set in a bleak, ruined world, it sends a lone warrior through hostile streets and industrial-looking stages filled with soldiers, creatures, and heavily armed opponents. The objective is straightforward: move from left to right, survive each section, and defeat the powerful enemies waiting along the way.

Combat is built around the balance between attack and defense. Your sword is effective at close range, but enemies often approach from several directions, making timing more important than simply charging forward. The shield is just as important as the blade, allowing Trojan to guard against incoming attacks when a cautious approach is needed. Jumping, crouching, and positioning all play a part, especially when dealing with enemies placed above or below the main path. The game’s controls are direct, though its combat can become demanding when multiple threats appear at once.

Trojan has the punchy, arcade-influenced feel associated with Capcom’s action games of the period. Its stages are compact enough to learn through repeated attempts, while enemy patterns and tough encounters encourage players to improve their timing rather than rely on button mashing. A two-player mode adds another way to approach the game, with players taking turns through the action.

The NES version is a good fit for anyone who enjoys challenging 8-bit beat-’em-ups and sword-fighting platformers with a darker setting. It may not offer much story, but its responsive combat, defensive shield mechanic, and demanding pace give it a distinct identity among Capcom’s NES releases. RetroCloud provides a convenient place to play online on your browser and revisit this sharp-edged 1987 arcade-style adventure.