The Return of Ishtar is an arcade action-adventure game released by Namco in 1986. Conceived as a direct sequel to *The Tower of Druaga*, it picks up the story immediately after Prince Gilgamesh has rescued the maiden Ki. However, victory does not mean the danger is over; the pair must find their way out of the tower while its inhabitants—bent on avenging their former master—pursue them.
One of the game's most interesting features is that it is designed for two simultaneous players. One controls Gilgamesh, a sword-wielding warrior representing strength and melee combat, while the other controls Ki, who can cast various magic spells. This division of abilities turns every encounter and movement through the tower into a cooperative effort, as the two characters fulfill different roles and must constantly support each other to overcome threats.
The combination of swordplay and magic adds variety to the action. Gilgamesh can engage enemies directly and clea...
The Return of Ishtar is an arcade action-adventure game released by Namco in 1986. Conceived as a direct sequel to *The Tower of Druaga*, it picks up the story immediately after Prince Gilgamesh has rescued the maiden Ki. However, victory does not mean the danger is over; the pair must find their way out of the tower while its inhabitants—bent on avenging their former master—pursue them.
One of the game's most interesting features is that it is designed for two simultaneous players. One controls Gilgamesh, a sword-wielding warrior representing strength and melee combat, while the other controls Ki, who can cast various magic spells. This division of abilities turns every encounter and movement through the tower into a cooperative effort, as the two characters fulfill different roles and must constantly support each other to overcome threats.
The combination of swordplay and magic adds variety to the action. Gilgamesh can engage enemies directly and clear a path, while Ki uses her powers to attack from a distance or handle situations where physical strength isn't enough. Coordination between the two players is essential, especially in an environment teeming with adversaries and hazards trying to block their escape. Rather than simply advancing individually, the adventure encourages players to make shared decisions, cover one another, and leverage each character's unique capabilities.
To facilitate progress, The Return of Ishtar offers passwords that allow players to resume the game from where they left off. This system is particularly useful in an adventure with a demanding structure, where making headway may require multiple attempts and a solid familiarity with the layout. The setting retains the series' fantasy tone—featuring a tower filled with enemies, magic, and challenges—but adds the appeal of a narrative centered on the protagonists' escape.
In addition to its arcade release, the game was ported to Japanese computers such as the FM-7, MSX, PC-8800, and Sharp X68000, and later appeared on Windows. Its cooperative gameplay, direct link to the previous adventure, and the contrast between the styles of Gilgamesh and Ki make it a unique title within Namco's classic catalog and an interesting example of arcade action designed for shared play.
