Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors II (2) - Nintendo NES (Very Good, Loose)

Game Description

Brace yourself for peak '80s fantasy with Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors II, the sequel to Rare’s cult classic action-adventure on the Nintendo NES. You take up the sword once more as the knight Kuros, battling the elemental forces of evil across fire, water, earth, and wind domains. With intense side-scrolling combat, non-linear level design, and some seriously magical loot to collect, Ironsword delivers a nostalgic blast of high fantasy that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.

But let’s be real—half the legend comes from that unforgettable box art. There’s no mistaking the flowing locks and steely glare of Fabio, shirtless and brandishing a broadsword like a heavy metal album cover come to life. It's the kind of gloriously over-the-top presentation that could only happen in 1989, and it helped this game carve out a place in NES history.

Gameplay Features

• Epic side-scrolling action across four elemental realms
• Dynamic inventory system with magic spells, keys, and weapons
• Non-linear level progression encouraging exploration
• Challenging enemy encounters with screen-filling bosses
• Signature Rare-style soundtrack and detailed pixel artwork

Historical Trivia or Fun Fact

Ironsword is perhaps as famous for its cover art as its gameplay, with Fabio Lanzoni posing as Kuros despite having no connection to the game’s content. According to interviews, the marketing team wanted a “power fantasy” icon for shelves—and what better icon than a romance novel cover model turned NES hero?

Developed by UK-based Rare Ltd., this sequel continued the studio’s early legacy on the NES before they exploded in the ‘90s with games like Donkey Kong Country and GoldenEye 007. The game’s quirky mix of medieval grit and cheesy glam rock presentation has made it a cult favorite among collectors.