Overview
Pit rises from the Underworld. Kid Icarus mixed vertical scrolling stages with horizontal fortresses, layering RPG progression over demanding platforming. The angel protagonist earned hearts as currency, purchased items, and grew stronger—if players could survive the brutal early game before upgrades made Pit powerful.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
- Director: Yoshio Sakamoto.
- Engine: Shared with Metroid.
- Protagonist: Pit.
Level structure
| World | Style |
|---|
| Underworld | Vertical scrolling up |
| Overworld | Horizontal scrolling |
| Skyworld | Vertical scrolling up |
| Palace | Fortress/labyrinth |
Combat system
| Weapon | Acquisition |
|---|
| Bow | Starting weapon |
| Arrow upgrades | Strength increases |
| Sacred treasures | Final world power-ups |
| Protective crystal | Shield item |
Currency and shops
| Item | Function |
|---|
| Hearts | Currency (from enemies) |
| Shops | Buy items |
| Black market | Hidden merchants |
| God’s chamber | Strength upgrades |
Special items
| Item | Effect |
|---|
| Angel feathers | Save from pit falls |
| Bottles | Store health |
| Harp | Turn enemies to mallets |
| Pencil | Map fortress rooms |
Enemies and hazards
| Enemy | Threat |
|---|
| Eggplant Wizard | Turns Pit into eggplant |
| Reaper | Summons Reapettes |
| Pluton | Steals items |
| Grim Reaper | World boss |
Difficulty curve
| Phase | Challenge |
|---|
| Early game | Very difficult, weak Pit |
| Mid game | Upgrades help |
| Late game | Powerful but demanding |
Metroid connection
| Shared element | Detail |
|---|
| Engine | Same codebase |
| Password system | Similar format |
| Developer | Yoshio Sakamoto |
| Release timing | Same year |
See also