The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a platformer released by Sunsoft for the Nintendo Entertainment System around 1991. It puts you in the role of Ariel, the mermaid princess from Disney's animated film, as she embarks on an underwater quest.

You guide Ariel through various underwater stages, from colorful coral reefs to shadowy caverns. Pressing the B button makes Ariel whip her tail forward, stunning or defeating common enemies like pufferfish and crabs. Picking up glowing shells grants temporary enhancements, such as a faster tail whip or a wider attack range. You'll also find items that protect you from damage or provide extra lives.

The main goal in The Little Mermaid is to locate and rescue Ariel's seven sisters, who have been scattered and captured by the sea witch Ursula. Each rescued sister typically leads to a confrontation with one of Ursula's larger minions or magical constructs. Navigating the often tricky currents and tight spaces while managing your attacks is key. The game challenges you to master Ariel's swimming controls to precisely dodge hazards and strike at the right moment.

Completing various underwater sections and overcoming these boss encounters brings you closer to confronting Ursula herself. The Little Mermaid on NES offers a distinct underwater adventure, focusing on fluid movement and timed attacks within its aquatic world.