Hi no Tori Houou-hen: Gaou no Bouken

Hi no Tori: Houou Hen: Gaou no Bouken is a Konami platformer based primarily on the fifth volume of Osamu Tezuka’s Phoenix manga, known as Hō-ō. Released for the Family Computer and Nintendo Famicom on January 4, 1987, it follows Gaou, a bandit who turns toward sculpture after an encounter with a monk.

Gameplay

Gaou must collect 16 pieces of a picture card, with one piece found in each stage. Completing the card reveals an image of the Phoenix. He attacks enemies with a chisel and can create makeshift platforms using gargoyle head statues that he chisels.

Stages and Setting

• 16 stages are divided across three time-period-inspired terrains.
• Eight stages take place in Feudal Japan, around 720–752.
• Five stages take place in a Future World.
• Three stages occur in Prehistoric Times.
• Some stages connect directly, while others are accessible only through secret warps.

The game ends when Gaou loses all three lives or completes the Phoenix picture card.