《倚天屠龍記》（Dragon Buster / ドラゴンバスター）由南夢宮（Namco）於 1987年1月7日在任天堂 Famicom（紅白機）推出，是改編自1984年同名大型電玩的家用版作品。在遊戲史上，本作佔有極其重要的地位，因為它是最早引入大地圖選擇關卡以及二段跳機制的動作遊戲之一。雖然中文譯名與金庸小說同名，但本質是一部純正的西洋奇幻英雄冒險劇，玩家將扮演肩負使命的勇者，深入充滿魔物的迷宮討伐邪惡巨龍。

在技術表現上，展現Namco對橫向捲軸與角色扮演元素結合的早期野心。遊戲畫面分為兩個層次：大地圖採用直觀的點陣風格，可以像玩大富翁或策略遊戲一樣選擇前進路線；進入關卡後則切換為典型側面視角動作模式。迷宮內部由簡潔的磚牆與石板構成，雖然發色數有限，但透過深色背景成功營造出地下遺跡的幽暗氛圍。背景音樂節奏急促、充滿中世紀戰鬥風格，配合主角揮劍的破空聲及擊中敵人的清脆音效，使遊戲節奏感十足，在當時的動作遊戲中非常突出。

故事劇情設定在一個被惡龍恐嚇的王國。邪惡巨龍四處肆虐，並綁架美麗的西莉亞公主（Princess Celia），將她囚禁於深山迷宮之中。玩家扮演王國中唯一的勇者克洛維斯（Clovis），手持家傳利劍踏上充滿陷阱與魔物的征途。在前往最終龍巢穴的過程中，克洛維斯必須突破森林、墓地與廢墟，擊敗守衛各處的副首領，獲取更強裝備與線索。整個故事是一段關於勇氣與力量的經典冒險，最終目標是斬殺巨龍、救回公主並恢復王國和平。

操作機制上，引入許多前衛設計，要求玩家具備靈活的手指反應與戰術判斷力。最著名的是二段跳與下墜攻擊，克洛維斯可在空中再跳一次，既能跨越地形，也能配合下鍵施展「兜割（兜割り）」——一種穿透性極強的下墜刺擊，是對抗高防禦敵人的關鍵手段。此外，大地圖提供自由路徑選擇，需依據剩餘體力規劃行進路線，決定是直衝首領或繞路尋找補給。戰鬥節奏則結合嚴格的碰撞判定與指令化操作，必須靈活運用反彈跳、滑步等技巧拉開距離，並透過魔法卷軸釋放火球或地震，增加操作深度與策略性。

市場評價方面，被認為是系統極具創意、難度高且耐玩度十足的經典作品。評論家讚賞Namco將大型電玩的流暢感成功移植到性能較弱的紅白機上，其大地圖關卡選擇系統也啟發後續無數動作冒險遊戲。雖然對新手而言，攻擊判定較短且迷宮地形複雜，容易產生挫折感，但其二段跳戰鬥邏輯吸引大量喜愛鑽研技巧的硬核玩家。市場普遍認為，本作是80年代動作遊戲的經典標竿，其許多操作邏輯至今仍可在現代橫向捲軸遊戲中看到深遠影響。

Dragon Buster (Dragon Buster / ドラゴンバスター) was released by Namco on January 7, 1987 for the Nintendo Famicom (NES). It is the home console adaptation of the 1984 arcade classic and holds a very important place in gaming history as one of the first action games to introduce a world map with selectable stages and a double jump mechanic. Although its Chinese title coincides with Jin Yong’s novel, the game itself is a purely Western-style fantasy hero adventure, in which players take on the role of a courageous hero venturing into monster-filled dungeons to defeat an evil dragon.

Technically, Dragon Buster showcases Namco’s early ambition to combine side-scrolling action with RPG elements. The game operates on two levels: the world map features a simple dot-matrix style, allowing players to choose their path like a board or strategy game; once entering a stage, the perspective switches to a typical side-scrolling action mode. Dungeon interiors are constructed from minimalist bricks and stone tiles, and though the color palette is limited, dark backgrounds successfully create the feeling of underground ruins. The soundtrack features fast-paced, medieval-style battle music, complemented by the swoosh of the hero’s sword and crisp hit sounds when striking enemies, giving the game a highly engaging rhythm for its time.

The story takes place in a kingdom terrorized by a fearsome dragon. The dragon has not only rampaged across the land but also kidnapped the beautiful Princess Celia, imprisoning her deep within a mountainous dungeon. Players control Clovis, the kingdom’s sole hero, who wields a legendary sword to navigate deadly traps and fight monsters. Along the journey to the dragon’s lair, Clovis must traverse forests, graveyards, and ruins, defeating sub-bosses guarding key items and gaining stronger equipment. The narrative is a classic tale of courage and strength, culminating in the defeat of the dragon, the rescue of the princess, and the restoration of peace to the kingdom.

Gameplay introduced several pioneering mechanics that require both dexterity and tactical thinking. The most notable feature is the double jump and downward strike: Clovis can perform a second jump mid-air, allowing him to clear obstacles and, when combined with the down button, execute the “Kaburi” downward stab — a powerful, piercing attack essential against heavily armored enemies. Additionally, the world map allows players to plan their route; depending on remaining health, players must decide whether to take the shortest path to the boss or detour to collect potions or magic staves to restore health and strengthen attacks. Combat also demands precision: enemy hitboxes are strict, so reckless rushing is deadly. Players must master techniques such as rebound jumps or sliding to control distance, and can cast fireballs or earthquakes with magic scrolls, adding depth and variety to the action.

In terms of reception, Dragon Buster was highly praised as a creative, challenging, and deeply replayable action game. Critics lauded Namco for successfully translating the fluidity of the arcade original to the less powerful Famicom hardware and noted that its world map stage selection inspired countless subsequent action-adventure titles. While newcomers might find short attack ranges and complex dungeon layouts frustrating, the game’s double-jump mechanics attracted a dedicated community of hardcore players. It is widely recognized as a classic benchmark of 1980s action games, with many of its gameplay innovations still influencing modern side-scrolling titles today.