Trojan

About

Trojan is a side-scrolling beat 'em up where you slash and block your way through six stages of foes. Control a warrior using an eight-way joystick and two buttons, one for swinging a sword, the other for raising a shield. Jumping requires holding the joystick up, a design choice that sets it apart from similar games. You’ll fight waves of enemies, dodge projectiles like arrows and magic balls, and take on mid-stage sub-bosses before facing a final boss in each level. Losing your weapon forces you into bare-knuckled combat, with the sword and shield returning after some screen time. The game lets you start at any stage but demands a full replay post-final boss to unlock the true ending. What makes Trojan stick out is its rigid control scheme and punishing optional mechanics. Blocking magic attacks without proper shield positioning can strip you of tools, forcing adaptive play. The lack of a dedicated jump button creates a clunky feel compared to later side-scrollers, but fans of retro arcade finesse might appreciate the challenge. With two-player alternating and adjustable difficulty settings, it holds up as a niche but testy throwback. Its influence on later Capcom titles is clear, though it’s rarely cited as a classic.