cross-posted from: https://sopuli.xyz/post/3558411
When you start playing Dragon Warrior you are given an important message by the king, the bad guy is back and you need to stop him. As you step outside the castle and are taken to the world map this is what you see.
That castle on the bottom right, surrounded by a poisonous bog, is your destination. If you could cross a few water tiles you could confront the Dragonlord right now. Unfortunately that cannot be done, and instead the game takes you on a journey through points 1 to 13 listed in the original image.
The effect is neat at the end of the game as well. As you approach the villain's lair you can see the castle where it all began.
Thanks Nintendo Power for this free game for subscribing. I must have played through 10+ times as a kid and a few times as an adult. One of my favorite games.
I remember the ad. I had no idea what a “Game Pak” was so I never took advantage of the offer. Seemed too good to be true if that meant an actual game.