Welcome to Azthengar

When one thinks about embarking on a quest, an adventure, or a journey, it is often in search of something greater than oneself. Perhaps it is a missing relic, a lost soul in need of rescue, or an evil force that has cast its shadow over the land. These are the kinds of experiences that truly make me feel alive. To venture into the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on your back and a sword at your side, to travel across a vast and uncertain world in pursuit of justice against the unholy creatures that have risen from the underworld, is a feeling unlike any other. The act of wandering, exploring, and discovering is something I believe many of us long for in some way.

Recently, I found myself listening to a podcast from 2019 discussing Fatal Labyrinth. Hearing them talk about how impactful that game was growing up brought back a wave of memories. I remember playing it on my Sega, alongside Space Harrier, a game that absolutely kicked ass. Those moments are burned into my mind. Sitting there with Pizza Hut on my birthday, sometime around 1996 or 1997, playing those games without a care in the world, it felt like everything was perfect. The look and feel of those game cases, with their razor-sharp corners and bold designs, carried a kind of magic that is hard to replicate today.

Now, fast forward to 2026, and Azthengar stands before you. This is a project I have poured a great deal of time and passion into, and I genuinely hope that those who play it can feel even a fraction of the excitement I once felt. If you are interested, you can find the latest version on my itch.io page. I should also mention that the videos I post, unless otherwise stated, often reflect versions that are still evolving, as I continue to add, remove, and refine elements to improve the overall flow of the game.

To me, Azthengar represents the game I always wanted to play as a kid. It is the kind of experience that feels right at home on an old CRT monitor, or even on a modest television with a plastic controller in hand. Honestly, I imagine it best on a Sega Genesis, if only because that boomerang-shaped controller was something special. Pair that with some pizza and soda, and you have a perfect moment. That is the dream. Even knowing that someone, somewhere, is playing the game is enough to make it all worthwhile. When I visited the itch.io page and saw that a few people had already downloaded the first release, it felt incredible. It reminded me that there are still people out there who appreciate a good game.

Lately, I have been working relentlessly on the next release. Being a team of one, it is surprising to see how much progress can be made with enough determination. As for what lies ahead in future updates, that is something I prefer to leave to fate. For now, I invite you to step into the world, take up your sword, and enjoy the peace that has settled over the land… while it lasts.