Finally beat ‘Castlevania’ and other classic games with the Nintendo Power Line

By Gabe Gurwin November 4, 2016

Nintendo NES Classic Edition — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is only one week away, and with it comes the return of classic ’80s video games like Super C and Ghosts ‘n Goblins, perhaps to players who have never experienced them before. But video games were much, much more difficult 30 years ago, and Nintendo has brought back its classic “Power Line” service to help frustrated players out.

Beginning on November 11 and running until November 13, from 9 a.m. ET to 10 p.m. ET each day, the Nintendo “Power Line” will offer players tips for several of the included games, as well as extra behind-the-scenes information from the Nintendo Game Play Counselors, who ran the service as a traditional phone line back in the ’80s. The number for the line is (425) 885-7529.

Unlike the original phone line, the Nintendo Power Line offered next weekend will be automated, so there’s no use asking for tips on Battletoads. The NES Classic Edition doesn’t even have Battletoads.

The Power Line will certainly be helpful for some of the NES Classic Edition’s inclusions, however. Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Ninja Gaiden are routinely considered to be among the hardest games of all time, while Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest features several cryptic sections that can easily leave players scratching their heads in frustration. We’re guessing you’re not going to need any tips for Kirby’s Adventure or Balloon Fight, but we’re not here to judge.

If you’re in New York City (or plan to visit), you’ll also have the opportunity to check out the NES Classic Edition’s library of games on November 10 during a special ’80s-themed event, which features a Nintendo costume contest as well as “the ultimate retro Nintendo game show.” The console will be available in the store at midnight. During November 10 and 11, Nintendo will also be taking its social media accounts “to a time when ‘social media’ involved trading passwords and game tips on the school bus,” whatever that means.

The NES Classic Edition will be available next Friday, November 11, for $60. Stay tuned for our full review next week.

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Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

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