AIGameGuides.com v4/27/2025

"Micro Mages" is a nostalgic NES platformer by Morphcat Games, where up to four players guide mages through 26 levels of magical challenges, from enchanted forests to demonic fortresses. The game, squeezed into just 40 kilobytes, combines classic gameplay with modern multiplayer dynamics, allowing cooperative play where even as ghosts, players can help their team.

 

 

Micro Mages Information & Credits:

•TITLE: Micro Mages

•GENRE: The game falls into the Hack and Slash genre, specifically as a side-scrolling action game.

•DEVELOPER: Morphcat Games | Web | X (Twitter) | facebook

•PUBLISHER: Morphcat Games

•RELEASE DATE: The game was released on April 30, 2019, for digital platforms (Itch.io, ROM). It was released on Steam on May 1, 2019, and the physical cartridge release was on June 19, 2019.

•Originally for: Sega Genesis/Mega Drive

•Ported to: Ported to: "Black Jewel Reborn" has been or is being ported to several retro consoles: Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, NES/Famicom, SNES/Super Famicom, Game Boy

Micro Mages Story:

Setting:

The game is set in a world that combines elements of fantasy and horror, with environments ranging from forests, towers, deserts, to demonic fortresses. This setting suggests a mystical or magical realm where mages are significant figures.

Mages:

The playable characters are four mages, each with a distinct color (purple, orange, green, blue), which might imply different magical affinities or personalities. However, the game doesn't delve deeply into their individual backstories.

Artifacts:

Throughout the game, players can collect four magical artifacts - the Elephant, Beer Mug, 4-leaf Clover, and Bat Ears. These items could be interpreted as tokens of power or symbols of the mages' journey through various challenges and realms. Each artifact is associated with a specific level or challenge, hinting at a lore where these items are either part of a ritual, a test of courage, or a quest for magical supremacy.

Development Innovations:

•"Micro Mages" is notable for its technical achievement on the NES, fitting into just 40 kilobytes (8 KB for graphics and 32 KB for code), adhering to the cartridge size limitations of early NES games like "Super Mario Bros."

•It was developed using 6502 assembly language, showcasing how modern developers can create expansive multiplayer games within severe hardware constraints.

•The game reuses graphics across levels and animations to save space, demonstrating innovative asset management.

General Tips Before Starting:

•Each player controls one of four mages (purple, orange, green, or blue), each with unique traits.

•The game supports up to four players, where teamwork or competition for score can change gameplay dynamics.

•Learn to use the normal shot (B button) for quick attacks and the Mega spell (hold then release B) for more damage.

•Utilize the charge jump (charge a shot, jump, aim down, and release) for higher jumps.

Micro Mages Walkthrough:

Here's a detailed step-by-step walkthrough for "Micro Mages" based on the information available in the web results:

World 1 - Forest:

•Level 1-1: Practice basic movements, jumping, and shooting. Learn the wall jump which is key for progression. Collect coins for points but prioritize survival.

•Level 1-2: Toward the end, look for a seemingly unreachable spot with one lit and one unlit torch. Use a charge jump to access it. Shoot the lit torch to reveal the Elephant Artifact.

•Level 1-3: Boss fight. Focus on avoiding attacks while shooting the boss.

World 2 - Valhalla Tower:

•Level 2-1: Master the use of pipes for quick vertical movement.

•Level 2-2: Explore to find hidden paths or items behind destructible blocks.

•Level 2-3: Boss fight with vikings throwing barrels. Shoot vikings to access pipes where the Beer Mug Artifact is hidden.

World 3 - Desert:

•Level 3-1: Watch out for traps and quicksand pits.

•Level 3-2 (Hard Mode): The 4-leaf Clover Artifact is here; search carefully, especially in hidden or less obvious areas.

•Level 3-3: Boss fight. Use the environment to your advantage.

World 4 - Demon Fortress:

•Level 4-1: More complex platforming with traps. Use charge jumps to reach high places.

•Level 4-2: Look for secret areas by shooting out torches or breaking seemingly solid blocks.

•Level 4-3: During the boss fight, if you let all the bats destroy themselves, the Bat Ears Artifact appears.

•Level 4-4: The final boss. Use the bird item if available to reach unusual places for extra advantages or secrets.

Additional Walkthrough Points:

•Ghost Mode: If you die in multiplayer, you turn into a ghost, allowing you to help by freezing enemies. Use this to your team's advantage.

Artifacts:

•Elephant (1-2): Shoot upwards near the center of the screen to reveal false blocks, then charge jump to get there.

•Beer Mug (2-3): During boss fight, shoot and jump into pipes behind vikings.

•4-leaf Clover (3-2 Hard Mode): Explore all areas, especially those hidden or high up.

•Bat Ears (4-3): During boss fight, wait for all bats to destroy themselves.

•Hard Mode: Levels are rearranged, making navigation and strategy slightly different.

Secrets:

•Use charge shots for higher jumps, shoot out torches, and look for hollow/false blocks.

•Passwords: Use passwords to continue from specific points, which is crucial for Hard and Hell modes.

Boss Strategies:

These strategies should help you navigate through the boss fights in "Micro Mages." Each fight requires a combination of patience, pattern recognition, and quick reflexes.

World 1 - Forest Boss:

•Strategy: The first boss is relatively straightforward. It moves horizontally across the screen, occasionally jumping.

•Attack Pattern: It will swing its weapon down, attempting to hit you.

•Tactic: Stay at the opposite end of the screen from the boss when it's not jumping. When it jumps, move under its trajectory to shoot it from below. Use your normal shot to chip away at its health, but if there's an opening, use the Mega spell for more damage.

World 2 - Valhalla Tower Boss:

•Strategy: This boss involves dealing with vikings throwing barrels.

•Attack Pattern: Barrels roll down from the sides, and vikings can throw them at you.

•Tactic: Quickly eliminate one viking to create space. Use the pipes on the sides to dodge barrels and get behind the boss. Shoot the boss while avoiding the barrel throws. The Beer Mug Artifact can appear during this fight if you manage to access the pipes.

World 3 - Desert Boss:

•Strategy: A multi-part boss fight where you face several enemies, including a large armadillo or similar creature.

•Attack Pattern: The boss might roll or charge at you, and there could be additional enemies to manage.

•Tactic: Prioritize clearing out smaller enemies first to give yourself space. For the main boss, stay on one side, shoot when it's not rolling, and jump over it when it charges. The 4-leaf Clover Artifact in Hard Mode is near the middle of this level, so be thorough in your exploration.

World 4 - Demon Fortress Boss:

•Strategy: This is a multi-phase fight with different enemy patterns, culminating in a bat invasion.

•Attack Pattern:

▪Phase 1: You might face flying enemies or other hazards.

▪Phase 2 (Bat Ears Artifact): Bats fly around and crash into blocks. For the Bat Ears, do not shoot the bats; let them destroy themselves by hitting the blocks, and the artifact will appear.

▪Final Phase: The boss itself, possibly with a combination of attacks from previous phases.

•Tactic: For the bat phase, stay patient and avoid shooting until they've all collided with blocks.

•For the main boss, keep moving to avoid its attacks, shoot when you have a clear shot, and use the environment or any items collected to gain an advantage.

General Tips for All Bosses:

•Wall Jumps: Use wall jumps to stay above the boss or to quickly reposition if needed.

•Mega Spell: Use the Mega spell when you have a clear shot or when the boss is in a predictable pattern.

•Ghost Mode (Multiplayer): If you die, you can still contribute by freezing enemies as a ghost, which can be crucial in boss fights.

•Charge Jump: Sometimes, using a charge jump can help you reach higher or safer positions during the fight.

•Conserve Energy: Don't waste shots; aim carefully, especially with the Mega spell, which can knock you back if used mid-air.

Micro Mages Game Tips:

•Wall-Jump Mastery: Learn to master the wall-jumping mechanic, crucial for navigating the game's vertical scrolling environments.

•Teamwork: When playing multiplayer, coordinate with teammates to avoid traps and defeat enemies more efficiently. Remember, even as a ghost, you can freeze enemies to help your team.

•Item Collection: Always open crates and chests for potential revival items like the Fairy or Feather.

•Password Use: Use the password function to continue your game, saving your progress in classic NES style.

•Speed and Precision: The game requires quick reflexes and precise movements; practice makes perfect.

This walkthrough provides a general path through the game, focusing on key elements like artifacts and boss strategies. Keep in mind, "Micro Mages" encourages exploration and repeated plays to master its mechanics and secrets.

Audio Sound Track Sample:

Additional Game Resources:

•Official Developer Website: morphcat.de

•Purchase and Download: Itch.io:jonnymanjiro.itch.io/micro-mages

•Purchase and Download: Steam:store.steampowered.com/app/1065020/Micro_Mages

•Physical Cartridge: Broke Studio for NES/Famicom Cartridges:www.brokestudio.fr

•Documentation and Guides: Fan-made guides or walkthroughs might not have dedicated URLs but can be found on platforms like:

•Reddit: Search for "Micro Mages" in subreddits like r/nes or r/retrogaming.

•GameFAQs: Search for "Micro Mages" on www.gamefaqs.com.

•Videos and Tutorials: Look for the documentary on YouTube by searching for "How @morphcat fit their #NES platformer 'Micro Mages' into 40 Kilobytes" or similar phrases or click here.

Please note, URLs for social media posts or community discussions might change, so it's always good to check the developer's official site for the most current links.