Aquales

About

You’re piloting a hulking mecha through large underwater ruins and treacherous terrain in Aquales, a 1991 platformer from Exact. The grappling hook is your most essential tool, letting you swing between gaps and reach hidden areas. Start with a fist weapon and unlock chainguns, rockets, and wilder tools like a gravity flamethrower. Each stage is a maze of platforms with optional treasure chests holding health boosts and one-time attacks. Boss battles cap every level, and defeating enemies earns experience points to level up your character. Progress is saved after each fight, letting you tackle later stages with upgraded stats. The grappling hook’s constant use and the need to explore for upgrades make Aquales stand out. While its 16-bit visuals and design feel dated by modern standards, the tight controls and mix of action-platforming with RPG progression still hold up. Released on the Sharp X68000, a niche system, it remains a cult classic among retro fans for its ambition and variety. Optional paths and hidden rewards encourage multiple playthroughs, even if the mecha’s movements can feel a bit stiff in later stages.