Classic Nintendo characters like Mario and Link have seen their share of games over the years (especially Mario), but one seemed to be thrown off to the side until recently. Pit, from the classic NES Kid Icarus game, is back in the spotlight after a long, long hiatus. Despite a Game Boy sequel, Pit was featured in the popular Wii game Super Smash Bros. Brawl and more recently in the 3DS game Kid Icarus: Uprising.

Kid Icarus was never a big hit like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda, but it gained a cult following. Now for the price of $5.99, you can purchase the NES game as part of the 3D Classics lineup on the 3DS eShop. Playable in 2D or 3D, players can control the young angel with his trusty magical bow and arrow to defeat the evil goddess Medusa, who has stolen the Three Sacred Treasures and imprisoned Palutena, the goddess of light.

This 2D action platformer is filled with all kinds of enemies and mayhem. Back in the day, it was known for its level design, but got points knocked off for high difficulty.

I'm currently playing Kid Icarus: Uprising and am enjoying blasting my way through levels with all kinds of weapons, even though the control setup puts a hurt on my hands and arms after long periods of playing. I never played the original NES game, so since I got some eShop cash in hand I may just have to buy this and see what the fuss is all about.

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