Pon Para

Chosen by the gods, you must battle the god of destruction to save reality!

Chosen by the gods, you must battle savage monsters, corrupt priests, and mad philosophers to save reality from the dark god of destruction!

"Pon Para and the Great Southern Labyrinth" is an interactive Bronze Age fantasy novel by Kyle Marquis, the first game in the Pon Para trilogy, where your choices control the story. It’s entirely text-based--430,000 words, without graphics or sound effects--and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.

Years ago, in the Behemoth War, the forces of evil tried to destroy the world with Raun, the dark axe of destruction. Your parents united with King Hyras to win the Behemoth War and save the kingdom, becoming legendary heroes.

You have been raised far from the intrigues and corruption of the great cities–and from the plots of the gods. But after twenty years of peace, the pirate king Lord Vankred has found Raun. Under the threat of war, the gods grant you their powers. You must find the mad King Hyras and defeat Vankred before he can assassinate the King and shatter the Three Nations.

But the gods have their own plans for you, and so does the secret master of the Great Southern Labyrinth.

• Play as male, female, or non-binary; gay, straight, bi, or ace.

• Defeat enemies with sword and spell, or make allies with diplomacy, deception, and the miracles of your god.

• Train your companions in alchemy, infiltration, diplomacy, or the arts of war

• Explore haunted forests, corrupt cities, and jungles littered with the remains of a fallen civilization.

• Find friendship, romance, or rivalry with an immortal nymph, a desert thief, or an ambitious monarch.

• Unlock secret magic techniques forgotten for centuries.

• Survive the wrath of the Emissary Beasts to open the labyrinth’s final door.

The labyrinth holds the key to untold mysteries. Once you know the truth, whose side will you take?

Pon Para is an action-packed, side-scrolling arcade game released by Konami in 1984. The game features vibrant, colorful graphics and addictive gameplay, making it a classic among arcade enthusiasts.

Gameplay

The player controls a character named Pen, a young boy with the ability to jump, shoot, and swing a yo-yo. Pen embarks on a mission to rescue his girlfriend, Puchi, who has been kidnapped by the evil sorcerer, Dr. Pon.

The game consists of six levels, each with its own unique set of challenges and obstacles. Pen must navigate through treacherous environments, including forests, caves, and underwater passages, while battling a variety of enemies.

Enemies range from small, bouncing creatures to giant, mechanical monsters. Pen can defeat them using his yo-yo, which he can swing to attack both close-range and distant foes. He can also collect power-ups that enhance his abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility.

Features

* Side-scrolling action: Players guide Pen through a series of side-scrolling levels, jumping, shooting, and swinging his yo-yo to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

* Colorful graphics: The game's vibrant, pixelated graphics create a visually appealing world with detailed backgrounds and expressive characters.

* Catchy soundtrack: The game's soundtrack features upbeat, catchy tunes that add to the overall atmosphere and excitement.

* Power-ups: Pen can collect various power-ups throughout the levels, including speed boosts, invincibility, and additional yo-yo abilities.

* Co-operative gameplay: The game supports two-player co-operative gameplay, allowing players to work together to rescue Puchi.

Legacy

Pon Para was a critical and commercial success upon its release, becoming a popular choice in arcades worldwide. It was later ported to home computers, including the MSX, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64.

The game's unique gameplay, charming graphics, and addictive nature have earned it a place among the classic arcade games of the 1980s. It remains a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts and continues to be enjoyed by players of all ages.