"Hydlide" was well-received and considered an innovator when released in Japan back in 1984. "Hydlide" was one of the first action role-playing games, along with "Courageous Perseus" and "Dragon Slayer". "Hydlide" was also an early open world game, rewarding exploration in an open world environment. It also had the ability to switch between attack mode and defense mode, quick save and load options which can be used at any moment of the game, and the introduction of a health regeneration mechanic where health slowly regenerates when standing still.