Faxanadu is a side-scrolling action-RPG where you explore a massive World Tree under siege. You're a wandering adventurer returning to find your hometown wrecked and elves battling corrupted dwarves. The elf king sends you to discover why their sacred fountain has dried up. Combat mixes melee strikes with magic spells you buy from shops using gold dropped by enemies. You'll navigate four distinct zones—tree roots, trunk interior, upper branches, and a dwarf stronghold—each with platforming challenges and tougher foes. Progress requires finding keys, upgrading gear, and talking to NPCs who dole out passwords for continues. The story involves a meteorite-borne evil that twisted peaceful dwarves into monsters. Your goal: recover a magic sword hidden inside the transformed dwarf king to stop the corruption. It's methodical rather than twitchy, with a password system instead of saves.
