[I’d recommend listening to this music while reading.](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD3QskeyWDSr4D9yhIvEKvoP9Yvx6ws-f&si=YYaUcoVG8AjH4Skr) 

STORY (9/10)   
Storytelling was fabulous for a 1989 game, with a nice presentation and awesome characters. After each level, you were given an awesome introduction to the characters you interacted with, as well as bosses and the overall story progression.   
You started with Willow, the same character based on the 1988 movie. Then proceeded to save Madmartigan who aided in your quest to save the baby, Elora Danan.   
While the Arcade version didn’t have an extensive plot, the core goal remained the same as in the movie.   
The game had a pretty long pacing, with 6 different levels which had additional sequences upon the final stages. The whole game could be beaten in under an hour, but it took me much more than that! 

GAMEPLAY (9/10)   
Starting with controls, which were unique for a platformer. You could jump normally or higher, fire magic spells as well as attack with your sword, duck, slide while killing enemies or get up or down by hanging on platforms.   
In combat, you had to time your attacks to stop enemy projectiles like arrows or thrown axes, as well as hold the attack button for charged powers like a magic sword slash, fiery hurricane, time freeze, turning enemies into gold and even an obliterating explosion attack. It was designed in such a way that you had to time your desired attack perfectly, leaving less room for errors!   
All that thanks to the upgrade mechanic, which was really good and reminded me of [Blue’s Journey](https://www.reddit.com/r/retrogaming/s/9kdu7ARtor). The whole upgrade was based on coins you collected throughout the journey, which were just right for almost all the upgrades.   
On top of the awesome perks, you could get health replenishers at Mage shops, armour, insights on how to fight boss battles, magic protections and more.   
The game also had a timer, and when it ran out, you used a continue to get back onto a checkpoint, because the game lacked a proper respawn mechanic. Same for boss battles, where if you died, you had to redo the whole boss fight from scratch.   
Speaking of enemy variety, they were awesome with insane attack patterns, unforgiving spawns and even crazier traps.   
The traps themselves were literally designed to suck you dry. Insanity incarnate on the final stages, but crazy even on the initial ones. You got chandeliers dropping on your head, enemies attacking you from above or within windows, spikes, snowballs and more!   
Boss battles were awesome with nice attack patterns between them. With a huge Rat, flying Wizards, fiery Dragons, fellow Warriors, a Hydra like Monster, General and the evil Queen herself!   
On some occasions, you could even get an ally familiar to help you, although I only got one at the start of the second level.   
Platforming was very good here, mostly because you had full control of where your character landed and could adjust directions while falling. There were some cool sections with retractable platforms, falling stones and platforms. While they weren’t too extensive, their placements were very good.   
Traversal was just right and provided an awesome experience through each level. But, at the end you had to pick the right doors to progress further, which ended in a loop where you had to redo the same sections again!   
Difficulty was very hard, to the point where you couldn’t even get ahead without dying multiple times. But, you had some I-frames during hits, as well as the checkpoint mechanic, which aided you in a continuous journey! 

AUDIO (10/10)   
Sound design had that awesome mono output which combined the amazing sound effects perfectly with the soundtrack.   
The music had fantastic vibes for 1989, with most having great beats!   
Hearing digitised voice acting was another cool feature which I didn’t expect, but was pleasantly surprised.  

VISUALS (10/10)   
Fidelity was truly something else for 1989. I was shocked at the level of detail, visual effects, particle explosions, animation work and character sprites!   
The characters themselves had amazing animations with most surprising you with a new move every once in a while. The block effects were super clean, as well as the sliding down a snowy mountain, cart effects upon rolling on water puddles and more. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, but that was truly magnificent!   
The same could be said about art direction, which changed sceneries and backgrounds on each level, providing tremendous immersion vibes! 

WORLD DESIGN (10/10)   
Level design had a fabulous progression which didn’t drag for too long, as well as magnificent animated landscapes, impressive world destruction and overall level depths!   
You started from the Village just to end up in the Armoury, where you took a Cart ride and crashed into the sunset. Then arrived into a magical Forest where a little boat helped you avoid those jumpy fishes. Ascended into the snowy mountains with deadly snowballs and Dragon caves, just to descend with a fun sled ride. Finally arriving at the Castle grounds while trying to infiltrate its absurd interiors!   
All that was amplified by the magical atmosphere with cool music, visual effects and gorgeous art styles! 

TL;DR -> A special experience which expanded on everything the more you played. It had a great story, diverse gameplay with both Willow and Madmartigan, cool audio, amazing visuals and fantastic world designs. I was under the impression that the game came from the future, as most animations, visual effects and overall attention to detail was truly mind blowing. A (9.6) game, GOATED in my book. Would absolutely replay it again, just so I can finally get good at the game! 

Willow on Arcade reminded you why the movie didn’t tell the actual brutal story!