Krakrox the Barbarian

Making light of the typical barbarian themes of revenge and redemption, this tile-based game puts our sinewy hero (you have to use your imagination though—all game sprites are rendered as stickmen) on a quest to avenge his despoiled village by traversing the lair of the Knob Goblins and ending the cruel regime of Queen Rainbowdrop.

The player moves around on the map grid by using the directional keys on the keypad; combat is conducted by walking into enemies, who, when slain, hopefully leave behind sacks of cash… which (if it’s not found growing in the wild) can be redeemed at vending stalls for supplies of the healing heart-shaped fungus this world uses to ease its ailments.  Every screen has an exit (helpfully marked “EXIT” with a flashing sign), leading through 16 levels.  Upgrading his arms and armour with magical and monstrous objects found over the course of his quest, our hero will meet Queen Rainbowdrop and obtain as a trophy the Emerald Ampersand (presumably a nod to roguelikes.)