Usas

Konami never skimped on colors or ideas on the MSX, and Usas is a shining example – an action platformer that takes you on an adventurous quest for treasure in a spirit that not even cinematic seekers of lost arks would shy away from. It is a title that bets on brisk action, exploration, and the visual richness typical of the studio's best output of the time.

Mechanically, you get a platformer with an emphasis on movement, jumping, and combat, interspersed with searching for paths and items across various exotic environments. You progress through levels, face enemies and bosses, and collect what moves you forward – a combination typical of the action platformers of the era, but Usas dresses it in an above-average attractive coat thanks to vibrant graphics and a catchy soundtrack that Konami was renowned for on the MSX.

What stands out in the game is precisely that craftsmanship. Konami knew how to pull colorful, detailed worlds and dynamic music out of the MSX at a time when many other titles on home computers felt modest. Usas thus ranks among the titles that helped define how „luxurious“ an MSX game could look and sound, reinforcing the platform's reputation as a home of quality Japanese action gaming.

For the European player, this type of game was often more of an exotic curiosity – the MSX never spread as widely here as elsewhere, and titles like Usas remained the domain of enthusiasts and collectors. All the more magical, then, is discovering them today, when they can be reached more easily and one can see with their own eyes what treasures were hidden on this platform.

Usas is thus a game for those who want to enjoy honest retro action with a touch of adventure while also tasting the characteristic signature of Konami from its MSX era. It is not a title chasing revolution, but it is a polished piece of craftsmanship that represents its time with honor.

Why play: A colorful and brisk action platformer with an adventurous atmosphere that shows just how great MSX games from Konami could look and sound.