《Faxanadu》（中文譯為沙那多或仙那度）的前身是由Falcom公司製作的PC動作RPG遊戲《雷諾尼都紀事》（日文名稱ザナドゥ/Xanadu）。Falcom公司之後還創作經典的伊蘇系列。Xanadu在當年的銷售量突破40萬套，之後更趁勝追擊，推出續作，包括Xanadu 2、Revival Xanadu、Legend of Xanadu、以及Legend of Xanadu的強化版，這些作品在Sega Saturn和PC等平台上推出，而3D立體化的Xanadu Next也有在PC和Steam上販售。

Faxanadu的"F"則代表著該遊戲被移植到Famicom（日本紅白機）平台上的版本。Hudson公司取得授權，並於1987年11月17日紅白機上發行，之後於1989年11月19日在北美上市。移植版於2010年10月5日在Wii的虛擬主機上重新推出。

遊戲的畫面主要以2D橫向捲軸移動為基礎，在戰鬥舞台和村莊之間進行探索。遊戲中有魔法和血量設定，當玩家打倒敵人時，不僅能累積經驗值，通常還會留下補血的食物或金錢。而後期的裝備、魔法和道具都需要消耗大量金錢。不同的是，遊戲中沒有時間上的限制，畫面右上方的"Time"是用於計算使用飛行靴的移動時間，而旁邊的空白道具槽則是用來選擇使用道具。

在累積一定經驗值後，需要到教堂找神父拿到新的頭銜，攻擊和防禦的數據無法提升。優點是當死亡或重新讀取檔案後可以保留應得的金錢，但飛行靴的移動時間卻會不斷減少。

Faxanadu中總共有16種不同的頭銜，包括初學者(Novice)、有志者(Aspirant)、戰鬥者(Battler)、戰士(Fighter)、熟練者(Adept)、騎士(Chevalier)、資深戰士(Veteran)、勇士(Warrior)、劍士(Swordman)、勇者(Hero)、士兵(Soldier)、忠臣(Mymidon)、冠軍(Champion)、超級英雄(Super Hero)、聖騎士(Paladin)、以及Lord(領主)。

在遊戲中，有各種不同的指令可以通過按Select鍵來查看，主要包括：

武器（Weapon）：有四種主要武器，包括初期可以入手的攜帶型小刀（Hand Dagger），缺點是攻擊距離短，無法對付地面移動的敵人。還有長劍（Long Sword），可以連續揮動並擁有擴大的攻擊範圍。巨人刀（Giant Blade）是長劍的升級版，而屠龍劍（Dragon Slayer）需要打倒躲藏的敵人才能取得，是最強的武器。

盔甲（Armor）：有四種不同的盔甲，包括皮甲（Leather Armor）、鑲嵌鎖子甲（Studded Mail）、全套盔甲（Full Plate）和戰鬥服（Battle Suit）。

盾牌（Shield）：有四種盾牌，包括小盾牌（Small Shield）、大盾牌（Large Shield）、魔法盾牌（Magic Shield）和戰鬥頭盔（Battle Helmet）。

魔法（Magic）：遊戲中有五種不同的魔法，包括洪水（Deluge）、閃電（Thunder）:比洪水的殺傷力大，但是消耗量也不小、火焰（Fire）:可將敵人吹飛，避免近身的損傷、死亡（Death）:適合攻擊較高的敵人。旋風（Tilte）:可造成高低位置敵人的傷害。其中最強大的終極魔法是旋風。

道具（Item）：最多可以攜帶九樣不同的物品，包括紅藥水（Red Potion）:可以補滿血量。飛行靴（Wing Boots）:可以在關卡內移動。沙漏（Hour Glass）:可以讓敵人停止移動，但對頭目無效。鋤頭（Mattock）用來敲碎岩石等，遊戲只會用到一次。還有各種鑰匙(Key)來開門。

玩家狀態（Player）：顯示現在擁有的所有裝備和特殊道具，如精靈戒指（Ring of Elf）、紅寶石戒指（Ring of Ruby）、矮人戒指（Ring of Dwarf）、惡魔戒指（Ring of Demon）、仙丹（Exlixir）、吊墜（Pendant）和黑曜石（Black Onyx）等。

在遊戲中，玩家可以沿路前進，收集各種道具，但也需要警惕陷阱，如毒汁，並要時刻注意血量和魔法值。通過十字鍵可以進行左右移動和攀爬，按A是攻擊，B是跳躍，按上可以與人交談或進入房間，上B施展魔法，下B使用物品。此外要注意切換畫面時可能會出現的時間延遲，如果被敵人擊回之前的畫面，原本可能已經消滅的敵人會再次出現。

故事描述主角回到家鄉，發現許多地方都開始沙漠化，人們紛紛離開。村民告知這是精靈居住的地方Eolis，位於世界樹的底端。主角首先前往教堂拿到代表身分的精靈戒指（Ring of Elf），然後前往城堡與國王交談，再進入主要關卡，如達爾姆（Dartmoor）、德瑞克（Darbreak）、法波（Forepaw）、馬斯康（Mascon）和彌克頓（Victim）。

最後的關卡稍微複雜，需要按S型的方式到達最底部，然後持續攀爬到頂部。在頂部，玩家會遇到一個巨型的看門怪獸，幸運的是不需要鑰匙就能進入房間。最終的頭目是撒旦，他的弱點在於頭部，最好使用魔法攻擊，但需要注意血量的流失。即使輸入最強的密碼，也不容易對付，需要強大的武器如屠龍劍。

遊戲的早期版本通常沒有存檔功能，但難度相當高，因此引入了密碼系統。玩家可以通過與教堂的神父（Guru）交談來獲得由一連串的字母、數字和標點符號組成的咒語（Mantra），下次想要挑戰時，只需輸入密碼即可重新開始。

除密碼以外，還有其他一些方法可以獲得獎勵：

開始遊戲後，首先與城堡最右邊的國王交談，獲得1500G。然後，花掉手上所有的金錢，將餘額變為0，再返回與國王對話，這時候可以再次獲得1500G。請注意，如果餘額不是0，國王將不會再給錢，所以在購物時要注意商品的價格。

遊戲一開始，可以故意被敵人殺死。當再次復活重新冒險時，會發現血量和魔法都已經恢復到滿格。

在彌克頓（Victim）鎮，進入酒吧後，與酒吧後面的男人交談。如果你還沒有購買所有的盔甲，他將免費贈送給你。

終極密碼:輸入後從最後關卡出發，擁有最強武器裝備跟需要全破的物品。y8f?8n?8YQSYzGhTkPhCEIQg。會擁有的道具有八個紅藥水，一個飛翔鞋(WING BOOTS)。

如果想要分別在不同的關卡進行挑戰，可以參考以下密碼:

1.達爾姆(Dartmoor): aLf?cv?,IJNJjMFukpYQhA

2.德瑞克(Darbreak): DL7,cv20SoWOx2XIbBL4PhA

3.法波(Forepaw): B4qMAPtkCEAYxzwhA

4.馬斯康(Mascon): zKPcAvt1iEQoFzwhAxjA

5.彌克頓(Victim): Raz8Mvu0CIUKLhsHwgWEA

"Faxanadu" is a classic action-adventure role-playing game (RPG) developed by Hudson Soft and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. The game is known for its unique blend of platforming and RPG elements, offering players an engaging and immersive experience.

In "Faxanadu," players take on the role of an adventurer who returns to their homeland, the World Tree, after a long absence. The World Tree has become corrupted, and its branches have been overtaken by monsters and decay. As the hero, your task is to explore the various areas of the World Tree and its surroundings, defeat enemies, gather equipment, and ultimately restore the World Tree to its former glory.

Key features of "Faxanadu" include:

Action and Platforming Gameplay: The game features side-scrolling action gameplay combined with platforming elements. Players will encounter enemies, jump across platforms, and navigate through various environments.

Role-Playing Elements: While primarily an action game, "Faxanadu" also includes RPG elements. Players can buy and equip weapons, armor, and items, and they can earn experience points from defeating enemies to level up their character.

Shops and NPCs: Throughout the game, players can visit towns and interact with NPCs (non-playable characters). Towns offer shops where players can purchase equipment and items to aid them in their adventure.

Atmospheric World: The game features a distinctive fantasy world with diverse environments such as forests, caves, and towns. Each area has its own challenges and enemies.

Storytelling: The game has a minimalistic but intriguing storyline that unfolds as players progress through the game. Players can learn about the World Tree's history and the events that led to its current state.

"Faxanadu" is often praised for its unique combination of genres and its atmospheric world. It's considered a cult classic and has left a lasting impression on NES gamers. If you enjoy action-adventure games with RPG elements and a fantasy setting, "Faxanadu" is definitely worth checking out.

Music and Sound: The game features a memorable soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere of the various locations and situations. The music is known for its catchy melodies that enhance the overall gaming experience.

Boss Battles: As you progress through the World Tree and its branches, you'll encounter challenging boss battles that require strategic thinking and precise timing to defeat.

Exploration and Progression: "Faxanadu" encourages exploration as you search for hidden items, secrets, and shortcuts within the World Tree's interconnected areas. Acquiring new equipment and upgrades is crucial for your character's growth and success.

Art Style: The game's visual style captures the essence of classic NES-era graphics, with detailed sprites and environments that create a visually appealing and immersive world.

Legacy: "Faxanadu" remains a beloved title among retro gamers, and its unique gameplay and nostalgic value have led to its inclusion in various classic game compilations and digital platforms.

Cultural Impact: "Faxanadu" has left a significant cultural impact on gaming and has gained a dedicated fan base over the years. Its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive world have contributed to its lasting appeal.

Metroidvania Elements: While not a traditional Metroidvania, "Faxanadu" does incorporate some of the exploration and backtracking aspects found in that genre. As you acquire new equipment and abilities, you'll be able to access previously inaccessible areas, enhancing the sense of progression and discovery.

Challenging Difficulty: The game is known for its challenging difficulty, especially during boss battles and in certain platforming sections. This adds to the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and progressing through the adventure.

Nostalgia and Retro Gaming: For players who enjoy retro gaming experiences, "Faxanadu" is a nostalgic trip back to the NES era. Its gameplay mechanics and visual style are a reminder of the early days of video gaming.

Speedrunning: "Faxanadu" has gained popularity among speedrunners who compete to complete the game in the shortest amount of time possible. The game's level design and mechanics lend themselves well to speedrunning strategies.

Digital Re-releases: Over the years, "Faxanadu" has been made available on various digital platforms, allowing new generations of gamers to experience this classic title. It's often featured in collections or as a standalone download.

In summary, "Faxanadu" is a unique and influential NES game that offers a blend of action, platforming, and RPG elements within a fantasy setting. Its challenging gameplay, atmospheric world, and nostalgic charm have contributed to its enduring popularity among gamers. Whether you're a fan of classic RPGs, retro gaming, or seeking a distinctive gameplay experience, "Faxanadu" is a title that has stood the test of time and continues to be remembered fondly by gamers worldwide.