The MSX version of Lucasfilm Games‘ The Eidolon was published in Japan only – on cartridge – by Pony Canyon in 1986, and it is on-par with the original Atari 8-bit and Commodore C64 originals of this classic cave exploration game.

The game was adapted by P.A.W. Software, who – it must be said – did an excellent job of replicating the simple, atmospheric gameplay of the original. The controls work perfectly and the graphics and sound are almost identical to the originals. And having the game available on cartridge is probably a Unique Selling Point of the MSX version (I don’t think it was released as a cartridge on any other system), and this of course negates any loading time.

While The Eidolon will not be for everyone (the game does have its detractors), in my opinion it is a classic. It’s an unusual and interesting game, and a solid challenge, and is still worth playing on the MSX today.

More: The Eidolon on Wikipedia