由 Hudson Soft 於 1990 年 3 月 23 日在任天堂 Famicom（紅白機）上推出的《魔神英雄傳外傳》（Majin Eiyuuden Wataru Gaiden / 魔神英雄伝ワタル外伝），改編自 1980 年代風靡亞洲的同名動畫 魔神英雄傳，是一款融合動作與角色扮演元素的經典作品。

不同於 PC Engine 平台上的純動作版本，在紅白機上採用類似 薩爾達傳說 那樣的動作角色扮演（ARPG）模式，讓玩家能更深入地體驗「創界山」的冒險旅程。在技術呈現上成功還原動畫的 Q 版風格，角色採用可愛的二頭身比例，畫面在俯瞰式的大地圖探索與橫向捲軸的戰鬥場景之間切換，節奏明快且富有變化。音樂方面則以 8 位元形式重現動畫原聲，尤其戰鬥時的旋律節奏感強烈，令人印象深刻。

雖然標題為「外傳」，但玩家操作的依然是熟悉的主角 戰部渡。故事發生在創界山，核心仍是對抗邪惡勢力 多亞達 的統治。小渡在旅途中與 錫巴師傅 和 火美子 一同行動，逐步尋找失落的神力，目標是喚醒魔神 龍神丸 的真正力量，擊敗各層守護者，讓創界山重現彩虹光芒。

在操作系統上，最大的特色是「人與魔神的切換」。在城鎮與地圖中探索、對話與解謎，進入戰鬥場景後則以劍進行近戰攻擊，操作靈活流暢。而在戰鬥過程中，可透過累積能量或達成條件召喚龍神丸，一旦成功召喚，戰鬥便轉為氣勢十足的魔神對決，甚至能施展招牌必殺技「登龍劍」，在當年的紅白機平台上展現出極具衝擊力的演出效果。同時具備典型 RPG 成長系統，需要透過升級與購買裝備來應對逐漸提升的難度。

市場評價方面，被視為一款誠意十足的授權作品。評論普遍肯定其在動作與 RPG 之間取得良好平衡，迷宮設計具有挑戰性，而魔神戰鬥的臨場感更是讓人投入。對當年看過動畫的玩家而言，能親自操作小渡呼喊「龍神丸！」並擊敗敵方魔神，是一種極具代入感的體驗。本作也被認為是 Hudson Soft 在紅白機末期的重要代表作之一，並進一步帶動後續多平台相關遊戲的發展。

對許多玩家來說，這款遊戲最深刻的回憶，往往是在 BOSS 戰中體力見底時，龍神丸突然現身逆轉戰局的那一瞬間。那種緊張與熱血交織的感覺，也成為紅白機時代難以取代的經典記憶。

Released on March 23, 1990, by Hudson Soft for the Nintendo Famicom, Majin Eiyuuden Wataru Gaiden (魔神英雄伝ワタル外伝) is an action RPG adaptation of the hugely popular 1980s anime Mashin Hero Wataru. Known across Asia as Mashin Hero Wataru, the game transforms the series’ vibrant world into an interactive adventure, offering a deeper, more exploratory experience compared to the action-focused adaptations on other platforms.

Unlike the more straightforward action titles of its time, this Famicom version adopts an action RPG structure reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda, blending overworld exploration with side-scrolling combat and dungeon traversal. Technically, the game does an excellent job recreating the anime’s super-deformed (SD) aesthetic, presenting characters in charming chibi proportions. The gameplay alternates between a top-down overworld for exploration and horizontal stages for combat and platforming. One of the most memorable visual highlights is the dramatic appearance of the mecha Ryujinmaru, which captures the spirit of the anime with surprising intensity for an 8-bit system. The soundtrack further enhances the experience, featuring energetic chiptune arrangements inspired by the original series’ music.

The story takes place in the familiar setting of Soukaizan (the Divine Mountain), though it is presented as a side story rather than a direct retelling of the anime. Players once again take on the role of the young hero Wataru, who, alongside companions like Shibaraku and Himiko, embarks on a journey to restore balance to a world under the control of the evil overlord Doakudar. As Wataru progresses through the different layers of Soukaizan, he must recover lost powers and ultimately awaken the true strength of Ryujinmaru to defeat powerful guardians and bring back the mountain’s lost harmony.

At the core of the gameplay is the dynamic interplay between Wataru and his mecha. In exploration mode, players control Wataru directly, navigating towns, interacting with characters, and solving light puzzles. During side-scrolling combat sections, Wataru can engage enemies with sword-based attacks, offering responsive and fast-paced action. The defining mechanic, however, is the ability to summon Ryujinmaru. Under certain conditions or after building enough energy, players can call forth the iconic mecha, shifting the battle into a more powerful and dramatic confrontation. These moments often culminate in the use of signature attacks like the “Ryuujinken” (Dragon Sword), complete with impactful visual presentation.

The game also incorporates traditional RPG elements such as leveling up, purchasing stronger weapons and armor, and gradually preparing for more difficult encounters. While companions like Shibaraku and Himiko are not directly controllable, their presence in events and dialogue adds personality and reinforces the anime-like atmosphere throughout the journey.

Critically, the game was praised for its balance between action and RPG mechanics, as well as its high level of fidelity to the source material. Unlike many licensed games of the era, it offers a well-designed gameplay loop and engaging progression system rather than relying solely on brand recognition. For fans of the anime, the experience of shouting “Ryujinmaru!” and summoning the mecha in battle provided a strong sense of immersion and emotional payoff.

In retrospect, Majin Eiyuuden Wataru Gaiden stands as one of Hudson Soft’s more polished late-era Famicom titles and helped pave the way for future adaptations of the franchise across multiple platforms. Its most enduring memory lies in those clutch moments during boss fights—when all hope seems lost, and Ryujinmaru descends dramatically to turn the tide. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the heroic fantasy that defined an entire generation of anime fans.