tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49469166418501788172024-03-18T04:25:59.231-07:00The RPG ConsolerPlaying through console RPGs from end to end.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-68125080230797645932018-07-10T20:26:00.004-07:002018-07-10T20:26:47.886-07:00Game #74: Sorcerer's Kingdom (Genesis) - Understandably Forgotten (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXBHnZgQvArV0LZvyBYp0-2TAnTG51ClLiXdQyycLAtg7ZTK2hJzWQ6XaOcfaJGo3E5_TmzYHbVOFybHFofc9Mzug32q8vA9EBhAtQSctVyyQSXKtURuk91v6nZUuB3fg10TFQ73CBmqC/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXBHnZgQvArV0LZvyBYp0-2TAnTG51ClLiXdQyycLAtg7ZTK2hJzWQ6XaOcfaJGo3E5_TmzYHbVOFybHFofc9Mzug32q8vA9EBhAtQSctVyyQSXKtURuk91v6nZUuB3fg10TFQ73CBmqC/s320/Image_080718_110431_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game 74</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Sorcerer's Kingdom</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>June 1993 (February 1992 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>Genesis</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>NCS/Masaya (& Technical Wave)</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Treco</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Turn based (strategic)</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Standalone</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyIPyu0AqXk18STu1bC4C6lEfINW_QqN6pw89ZGWQ2jej_rYDfbi8cDP1EQvBE4XF41NcLMlqtk16vd_1UwXM0_GFQ6fBr5U2QByeeDUlWdEOFWnjcQgFYvCOK3RG6IEVTDhHYAhTzN-S/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyIPyu0AqXk18STu1bC4C6lEfINW_QqN6pw89ZGWQ2jej_rYDfbi8cDP1EQvBE4XF41NcLMlqtk16vd_1UwXM0_GFQ6fBr5U2QByeeDUlWdEOFWnjcQgFYvCOK3RG6IEVTDhHYAhTzN-S/s320/Image_080718_110431_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's difficult to pin down a development company for this one even though they received full credits -- as best I can tell they were a bunch of contractors or part of the original publisher</i></td></tr>
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This game is no grand epic. It's about as middle of the road as a game can be while still being above a threshold of good. The story is run of the mill -- a land filled with adventurers, a new young warrior is finally of age and seeks to follow in his father's (who has been missing for some time) footsteps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_I_gcw4o4AQHkMkt7d6udXchMzAWUm46ZACJewG5JHvygkGA5KR2ZtY7vpmrGzwlElvwOncNe9j_eMqGpR-58WVBGwXuy40UNi_zV9vCDuSNefjAMV1jKFGHzGiYdsn6bie9ZsAnGsmF/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_I_gcw4o4AQHkMkt7d6udXchMzAWUm46ZACJewG5JHvygkGA5KR2ZtY7vpmrGzwlElvwOncNe9j_eMqGpR-58WVBGwXuy40UNi_zV9vCDuSNefjAMV1jKFGHzGiYdsn6bie9ZsAnGsmF/s320/Image_080718_110431_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selecting a name is almost as difficult as picking the 'right' combination of starting classes</i></td></tr>
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Kanan, the hero's father, left some years ago and hasn't been heard from since. Now Norick, the name I gave him, has requested the king to permit him to do the same. Of course he does; there wouldn't be much more if the king denied him. The title of Adventurer was granted to young Norick. He was also provided a magic map that allows for quick travel and indicates completed quests.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKhR9QW4ZRxSzh_KTDH8TqXW4MC6a6whdp_fSADNYCdSqgGFei1LAqn1SCvKgY-2JQEt854o3iOlPgSafC05vUToCywnyDs75rO5bTiu56jUOnchEMVw0ZTU8m9cTiCiL5Paq2_yIfdJi/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKhR9QW4ZRxSzh_KTDH8TqXW4MC6a6whdp_fSADNYCdSqgGFei1LAqn1SCvKgY-2JQEt854o3iOlPgSafC05vUToCywnyDs75rO5bTiu56jUOnchEMVw0ZTU8m9cTiCiL5Paq2_yIfdJi/s320/Image_080718_110431_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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Speaking with the people in the courtyard outside the castle, and in the town beyond, I learned of a wizard to the west that I should visit for important information. The hero's mother stands outside the inn to wish him luck throughout the game, and she offers some starting money. Now with 100 gold to my name I picked up a hand axe that cut my attack speed in half, but increased my attack power by more than four times. I didn't have enough for armor, but it also has a trade off: slower movement in battle to offset increased defense.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreZYkdUvf77b6OjIA4ByscEE4ohiSKSK-v1U5xISDGfmNnA9w6LKvUVHWILJGNc3zuuMwTMoH3Y6uvi6oPQ7JpUxhB8rOoSH7uxUL1P8wKkYYbd_Nk_yQ92wdigt9PzHPLUv9PPD6MOaw/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00025.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreZYkdUvf77b6OjIA4ByscEE4ohiSKSK-v1U5xISDGfmNnA9w6LKvUVHWILJGNc3zuuMwTMoH3Y6uvi6oPQ7JpUxhB8rOoSH7uxUL1P8wKkYYbd_Nk_yQ92wdigt9PzHPLUv9PPD6MOaw/s320/Image_080718_110431_00025.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The first combat of the game introduces how deadly it is without some additional equipment -- I'm moving into position after initiating battle</i></td></tr>
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Combat is about the only unique aspect of the game. Enemies wander around on the same screen as the characters in real-time. When an enemy gets within striking distance, or any time the player chooses from the menu, battle commences. Pulling enemies away from each other, getting only a single opponent on screen, is typically the best way to take them out. There's no visible experience. As characters act in battle they will eventually get stat boosts based on their actions. The Wizard appears after defeating all the goblins on the hill west of town, and he thrust a magic stone into my possession. It contained some password that opens the kobold king's secret hideout.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3MSQdCbFZbTz9rIsVw-f_J_yWzDVKR3Mr_tcK_GRW-MtbVtk8_PM7-pgqSPEnkgfqHtHukaQv5KiW0R2BTe2X3OCyq04EJoR1MP1JeJW8U4TYfUTPvrSDIo7gyXhGWn9tIv6aLmrvhv0/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00028.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3MSQdCbFZbTz9rIsVw-f_J_yWzDVKR3Mr_tcK_GRW-MtbVtk8_PM7-pgqSPEnkgfqHtHukaQv5KiW0R2BTe2X3OCyq04EJoR1MP1JeJW8U4TYfUTPvrSDIo7gyXhGWn9tIv6aLmrvhv0/s320/Image_080718_110431_00028.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Early game overs -- I pushed my luck a little too far at the first boss battle</i></td></tr>
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The kobold area is fairly easy when taken at a moderate pace. I grinded up a few levels to beat the kobold king and his four lackeys. Surrounding myself with trees on all but one side proved necessary. With the kobold hoard dealt with, Crale Village was able to harvest lumber once again. Gott, the woodcutter went to work right away, clearing a path to the elf village. In the meantime, I visited with the mayor of Crale, received my first sword marker on the map for an area completed, and advanced to the next title given by the king.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEW3eYRjf1d2851I7m5kiwkLF2DIVxPn-VZDDXbBQ8ln0HR8pGJIroYMlOQH3JCsa4CSAyPOB9qOrfVzKrb3_hECHjaR3pK9YUtyolQqis7FfhVhr83k8syXyxrNzY3T1UU68YlNo571hH/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00029.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEW3eYRjf1d2851I7m5kiwkLF2DIVxPn-VZDDXbBQ8ln0HR8pGJIroYMlOQH3JCsa4CSAyPOB9qOrfVzKrb3_hECHjaR3pK9YUtyolQqis7FfhVhr83k8syXyxrNzY3T1UU68YlNo571hH/s320/Image_080718_110431_00029.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Most NPCs will change their dialogue as the story advances</i></td></tr>
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The elf village elder directed me to the dragon rock they guarded. It had just been hit by a large lightning bolt. There I found a strange person named Elrad fending for his life from kill hounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWy3xogoVzExRCbNkiSJmeluqjtq9_GpItHVTZj3OeKBbTPCdVbxniWWjL6fXpx4hIGDwV1kGgtXl_D8CfIwN3qGic_4-auL0cBu5muayyTmCQn746Hueqnp0bjqsBga-_RnUtbQe6uDY/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00039.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWy3xogoVzExRCbNkiSJmeluqjtq9_GpItHVTZj3OeKBbTPCdVbxniWWjL6fXpx4hIGDwV1kGgtXl_D8CfIwN3qGic_4-auL0cBu5muayyTmCQn746Hueqnp0bjqsBga-_RnUtbQe6uDY/s320/Image_080718_110431_00039.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maybe next time come a little more prepared</i></td></tr>
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Back in the elf village we learned that something called the elf orb had been stolen, and the elder's daugther, Astina, led the charge to retrieve it. Hearing this Elrad ran off after her before he had the chance to join the party. So, I was forced to fight solo. The basilisk at the end seemed doable until it spewed some gas turning the hero to stone. Astina and Elrad showed up just in time to save the day, and clinch the victory. So joined Elrad, but Astina left to return the orb to the village.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q2mnNbr84JdcZLJUHOqphEQHVUJ9qKhsSp2D9KnNCk-PQoA__7Uw2SXeT0Sk-MnPAoENEH4hWovbqLrMAWcPNkcnoZa51vrpTGUJST_sOSRxKrFM1DQDC5ILar4iugXH6llBbaWEYy4O/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00040.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q2mnNbr84JdcZLJUHOqphEQHVUJ9qKhsSp2D9KnNCk-PQoA__7Uw2SXeT0Sk-MnPAoENEH4hWovbqLrMAWcPNkcnoZa51vrpTGUJST_sOSRxKrFM1DQDC5ILar4iugXH6llBbaWEYy4O/s320/Image_080718_110431_00040.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Just one little quest needs to be done before she'll consider us worthy</i></td></tr>
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The king bestowed new titles before we made our way south to get some iron for a blacksmith to repair the east bridge. Elrad's powerful magic made quick work of the enemies in the plains. Too bad his MP is so limited. A deserted village appeared after we cleared them. There we met Midi who opened a path further south into the mountains. You'd think having an extra character would be beneficial, but combat is funny in this game. Nearly every enemy gets an action when any character takes a turn. Luckily you can choose any one to act each turn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphUOu51KR4oQlpGW0k2XEXss5noxPwvJDAVBePgWgx4uEtov3bXGKvAS0lAfrU33YA4rrEZcEoSJIODInX4ATKQQwRSjNBir7KW3QshbC1pMDj-reHX3JJCECQ4Wde9IajVySFx4nrDbC/s1600/Image_080718_110431_00043.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphUOu51KR4oQlpGW0k2XEXss5noxPwvJDAVBePgWgx4uEtov3bXGKvAS0lAfrU33YA4rrEZcEoSJIODInX4ATKQQwRSjNBir7KW3QshbC1pMDj-reHX3JJCECQ4Wde9IajVySFx4nrDbC/s320/Image_080718_110431_00043.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you to whoever placed these regeneration points in the enemy dungeons, they're great at restoring all HP and MP</i></td></tr>
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After some grinding off the restore point (because it was easy), I headed deeper into the volcano. A wizard lay waiting, one that I supposed served the Warlock on mount Serbia. The wizard spawned some mirror images, but their damage was rather pathetic, so I ignored them as I easily beat down the original. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJt7B5n_qGVZNbGGu2aiAA3sFuLBdRPeqcxEIWdDegn4fUm1hkEXULfmi3_7_FBO0qdV-GnJ8gzcJQ5_f3e5biBWZdBvU_lIcYlbpOWB_Ocz8UOs88Z4mp4gb-IfKPzx7VWy_uKDtLLuu/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJt7B5n_qGVZNbGGu2aiAA3sFuLBdRPeqcxEIWdDegn4fUm1hkEXULfmi3_7_FBO0qdV-GnJ8gzcJQ5_f3e5biBWZdBvU_lIcYlbpOWB_Ocz8UOs88Z4mp4gb-IfKPzx7VWy_uKDtLLuu/s320/Image_080718_225421_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well how about that, wasn't expecting to find this game using the four elements shtick as well</i></td></tr>
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When I exited the volcano Astina showed up to join the party, informing me that was Mount Serbia and the wizard was the warlock. The king advanced out titles, and the story once more. With the bridge repaired we headed east. Midi was at the end of the bridge, and decided she was going to join as well. With a full party (I could tell from the menu), Norick had a full three people to watch him be awesome. Most often it wasn't worth spending MP to cast magic, and Norick had the strength to take enemies out in a hit or two. Midi did okay as a secondary fighter, but better as a backup healer. Astina was the main healer. I hung out around another restoration point in the next dungeon to make sure the other characters didn't fall behind too much in their stat gains.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKo3s2YB3jzROjmo5ou-8g8f92272-DkaVgQBwsTFf5Dr61sPADGzYKFNn8VYOXDY3WIDRVF1-vKPP9D7ParGhG30HpWI9IefYk_SdUUU4785AbycBFALiKciNJWFp2SOyNelXJzfgXFW/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKo3s2YB3jzROjmo5ou-8g8f92272-DkaVgQBwsTFf5Dr61sPADGzYKFNn8VYOXDY3WIDRVF1-vKPP9D7ParGhG30HpWI9IefYk_SdUUU4785AbycBFALiKciNJWFp2SOyNelXJzfgXFW/s320/Image_080718_225421_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Astina buffing Norick as we faced a hydra guarding the water spirit</i></td></tr>
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Another area cleared, and another new title. Title changes aren't just for show. Each one grants new spells (to all except the hero, who can't cast magic). While most new spells cost more, the extra punch they provide is usually worth it. At the end of the previous dungeon, I learned that I had to release all the spirits to gain a special power to defeat the great evil plaguing the land.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnVDfZaRRV1m76uuITJPuv8eFqJ4gOibgsLdLtJGzV3onkHTAu2SdwmBmbgqUoVjN4yXxaKo0NvLIPN38YiZabg4OleM0ymaRfsevp0M9wk3nykBuq6zDkSnE6o6_39swL8knFj2j8zsd/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00024.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnVDfZaRRV1m76uuITJPuv8eFqJ4gOibgsLdLtJGzV3onkHTAu2SdwmBmbgqUoVjN4yXxaKo0NvLIPN38YiZabg4OleM0ymaRfsevp0M9wk3nykBuq6zDkSnE6o6_39swL8knFj2j8zsd/s320/Image_080718_225421_00024.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bartender is probably the most useful NPC for pointing the party in the right direction to progress the story</i></td></tr>
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Taking his advice, and checking out a snow-covered village named Argel, I found the townspeople there had all become shades. All except the shop owners and innkeeper luckily. One dungeon later, with another restoration point I used to its full extent, I left behind the bodies of three dead giants and removed the town's shadow form, as well as released the wind spirit to boot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksO7jXZIHgMS4tJKj1nh48teMTAV3qN-np9YTAkiNdjmpTbBSoZUEClb2BuYEyvpuaz1FlaF8ZcIOaWRHw0hckbk_MB8jVfZJ4FRBfRh-c5P9w2IBiVuKIPur-dPm3aZIKqNf_phZeR-7/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00027.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksO7jXZIHgMS4tJKj1nh48teMTAV3qN-np9YTAkiNdjmpTbBSoZUEClb2BuYEyvpuaz1FlaF8ZcIOaWRHw0hckbk_MB8jVfZJ4FRBfRh-c5P9w2IBiVuKIPur-dPm3aZIKqNf_phZeR-7/s320/Image_080718_225421_00027.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The map fills with another sword to indicate a completed area, but sadly can't be used to escape dungeons quickly</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By this last dungeon though, Midi had learned the escape spell that allowed quick exit. I returned to the king for a new title. We heard tale of something called wind wings that would allow the party to fly far to the east. We gathered leather from the Argel village (not sure what animal they came from), lumber from Crale, and had the wizard on the hill magic them to make us the wings. I also took this opportunity to make sure everyone was outfitted with the best equipment I could purchase. We flew from the east of Argel, landing in a new area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbEE5j_vh2HAgQWfHkoCufBGN50lRFaOs4fc1aQjHYG1fzGM79_cuDcrzCLJH6sPfPLHGL6pCbZCKPyhKMZ0UQQXKoGR8eR9UozFAVp8w1ou0U7VX-8JQ_CkzisfZkA39ufqsRD-ez3rA/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00058.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbEE5j_vh2HAgQWfHkoCufBGN50lRFaOs4fc1aQjHYG1fzGM79_cuDcrzCLJH6sPfPLHGL6pCbZCKPyhKMZ0UQQXKoGR8eR9UozFAVp8w1ou0U7VX-8JQ_CkzisfZkA39ufqsRD-ez3rA/s320/Image_080718_225421_00058.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This scene lasted much longer than was necessary; if it wasn't animated I might have thought the game froze</i></td></tr>
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While there was no town, we found a restoration point, and used it as a base to explore some nearby ruins. It was a maze of twisty passages, hidden corridors, and pitfalls that dropped us to floors below. There was a lot of treasure to find. Good equipment upgrades that rewarded as much exploration as I was willing to take on. I'm not sure I found everything, but I found enough to press forward towards the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSC0Gt17SrHLn5WdH1CEWLxRLCTK52zHQOQ4O6fg1Qyd0cGH3eMAudMeRwv0o3OZEnHWz0CU5goGxCGaE-AxmNchCs0t2mtsrCSCPEj9_mCK17EAznAUl-cqI3HcHAnd9zOyd8yPc7MdD/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00094.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSC0Gt17SrHLn5WdH1CEWLxRLCTK52zHQOQ4O6fg1Qyd0cGH3eMAudMeRwv0o3OZEnHWz0CU5goGxCGaE-AxmNchCs0t2mtsrCSCPEj9_mCK17EAznAUl-cqI3HcHAnd9zOyd8yPc7MdD/s320/Image_080718_225421_00094.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Each character has their own inventory, which is limited</i></td></tr>
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At the end of the ruins, the party found themselves in the middle of an audience with the king, advisor, and fanfarers all. The king, about to bestow a title, decided that DEATH was more fitting. Of course, this was all an illusion as they all turn into enemies and a battle begins. I had Elrad cast spark to take down the skeletons, and afterwards Norick cleaned up first the wizard, and second the boss (a lich), with Astina spot healing as necessary. Even at this late stage there aren't any group healing spells.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixgCdSfEx02h7WpguoQ1OCt7LG__4_sAm8VUlAnG31H9FqqzaTc7LxSf8DFpAUNQUuoKZSapNDHh_jrE_3dDhzOO6lj6Z5c6iC5Uno0CiMLptAqTLUHHSP1MuSiKOOsMqrmu6rkur00W-/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00109.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixgCdSfEx02h7WpguoQ1OCt7LG__4_sAm8VUlAnG31H9FqqzaTc7LxSf8DFpAUNQUuoKZSapNDHh_jrE_3dDhzOO6lj6Z5c6iC5Uno0CiMLptAqTLUHHSP1MuSiKOOsMqrmu6rkur00W-/s320/Image_080718_225421_00109.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A dragon... you don't say? Go to Dragon Rock? Okay!</i></td></tr>
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The end game came quickly as the king received a letter from Kanan detailing his banishment to Blood Island. The king and all his soldiers left to rescue him. The Legendary Sword, passed from from king to king since ancient times was given to me by the Minister. On Dragon Rock, I invoked the spirits with the sword, and received the Elemental Sword, which was now equippable by the hero, and made my attack power jump from 160 to 500. I don't think I missed any upgrades in between, but it's possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DMVmEoWJNopkSIo-kgeTAQcZG4aX0k8Axy2pqizL97N17Tnry1L-4r418u2qQbbtDanJyzAR85oSR7L19yzhvxH7gRXlp7JLyvFrwwbYdYWD5Fh4FK3CjpdM8s4IUVxiDopYfjqIChtn/s1600/Image_080718_225421_00110.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DMVmEoWJNopkSIo-kgeTAQcZG4aX0k8Axy2pqizL97N17Tnry1L-4r418u2qQbbtDanJyzAR85oSR7L19yzhvxH7gRXlp7JLyvFrwwbYdYWD5Fh4FK3CjpdM8s4IUVxiDopYfjqIChtn/s320/Image_080718_225421_00110.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wondering how to get to Blood Island was unnecessary as Dragon Rock formed a cave that took me straight there</i></td></tr>
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The cave path was filled with easily defeated pyrohydras, which were exactly like the hydra boss except purple. I found the king's men all lain about in a short passage with the king on his last legs. He dropped a heavy amount of exposition before giving me a medallion and telling me Kanan was actually heir to the throne, which probably means Norick will be king by the end. Further in the cave we found Kanan. He healed the party with the last of his medicine, without realizing there was a restoration tile next to him. He handed us the other half the medallion before we faced off against the black dragon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSXffWDO1UdH5PGpPjFnEX0K5btn0H8LIL0CAiOFklrJo5_S642neocLs5ASDgzakm5ug7-wr-p6TymvnGO2IzJJfvUrsU4lN7G2ooCIpM7BRT_adtRtkfsjfCIdC-O-fsDVm1BJ8y3C9/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSXffWDO1UdH5PGpPjFnEX0K5btn0H8LIL0CAiOFklrJo5_S642neocLs5ASDgzakm5ug7-wr-p6TymvnGO2IzJJfvUrsU4lN7G2ooCIpM7BRT_adtRtkfsjfCIdC-O-fsDVm1BJ8y3C9/s320/Image_090718_214402_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In case it wasn't obvious whenever you enter battle mode</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally Astina had a group heal spell, and it's a good thing too as the dragon has a lightning attack that severely damages the under leveled majority of the party. They lasted just long enough to maintain their health as they buffed Norick, and burned through their MP. Elrad dropped first after unleashing his ultimate spell, Explosion. Once the dragon fell, the spirit of the sword withdrew, and thanked the party after restoring the fallen members to life. We returned to Landale to find Kanan was now king.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFQJmNADGZ4ItofsMAjJq4x5LETTM6JiBNZI5B7uIOvwL6VdnidNSAcCHSmk8sMTvr5GK3DKqq6Q_W-HCfCxlQl0mVDZUjn93R1iKVPPsLj0hu-xhtlkvA4dWDpbQTASpxKN3Gp-XEAKv/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00034.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFQJmNADGZ4ItofsMAjJq4x5LETTM6JiBNZI5B7uIOvwL6VdnidNSAcCHSmk8sMTvr5GK3DKqq6Q_W-HCfCxlQl0mVDZUjn93R1iKVPPsLj0hu-xhtlkvA4dWDpbQTASpxKN3Gp-XEAKv/s320/Image_090718_214402_00034.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Especially Astina and Midi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone on the dais poured accolades on the party. When asked what they would do now Norick admitted his wanderlust filled heart, and committed to further adventures. Astina and Midi wanted to return to their people. Elrad wanted to seek out awesome powers. I foresee a sequel where Elrad ends up becoming corrupted by ultimate power drawn from the black dragon. Of course, no sequel exists, so we'll never know what plans, if any, were thought up to continue the story.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 7<b>h</b>26<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 7<b>h</b>26<b>m</b>) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4mJJenFcO3FlxI2m756iBddpJktEuoWJEMdwvrt-7FtSjSzK114mCjTjCcEViUmx7CDcsk8snnfHRtWhTfBoKT5MIhFa-TusTREwKkghEcCANveOmyLa-0zWDpWRMAukYl3wr2HD69lc/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00056.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4mJJenFcO3FlxI2m756iBddpJktEuoWJEMdwvrt-7FtSjSzK114mCjTjCcEViUmx7CDcsk8snnfHRtWhTfBoKT5MIhFa-TusTREwKkghEcCANveOmyLa-0zWDpWRMAukYl3wr2HD69lc/s320/Image_090718_214402_00056.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The credits are a nice sequence of revisiting areas and bidding farewell to the party</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- Combat is fairly straightforward with very little challenge overall. Having said that, it is easy to overextend in the first few areas when it's just the hero. Stats play a big role in battle, and reduce the penalties of higher tier equipment. Unfortunately grinding stat increases isn't feasible for all characters, and I didn't quite see the potential of Midi as a fighter. The enemies themselves have two modes: melee fighters or offensive magic-users. There's little strategy in fighting other than bashing their faces in, and maneuvering the more squishy party members away from melee range.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBnYB561jXzEue7wdF-SGwnGiQmVbxKusnFbc3naual90qCkzXshRy-m5fWfPBe9B_3Q4TgnuaaqNyPveoIEGezcmka1Lfr8T4OTWx9ul81RQ-uWUmdzltPXYDjGu3baRGZrSP9O1ogcx/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00057.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBnYB561jXzEue7wdF-SGwnGiQmVbxKusnFbc3naual90qCkzXshRy-m5fWfPBe9B_3Q4TgnuaaqNyPveoIEGezcmka1Lfr8T4OTWx9ul81RQ-uWUmdzltPXYDjGu3baRGZrSP9O1ogcx/s320/Image_090718_214402_00057.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Full credits like these are becoming more common in the 16-bit era</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- There's no customization, although like most stat based grinding games, I suppose it's possible to spec out Astina as a fighter. Everyone has powerful weapons, but most of the mid to late range weapons prevent magic use in combat. Appearance of the characters don't change with equipment, but that's rarer than I thought was the case when I started these ratings. There aren't any advancement options per se, only a single path. Character control is intuitive, and focusing on a single character's development is easily accomplished.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGVaBGj8TXVBHYMjfcow-UOx2MGskrba4cgiJxCOGTCOvXuKMm2xJ55mT0lniueCkZ5Rt509aj6a3B0bcOV-sDVFFct_EWpC2NnfgNcwLDAWPMlcuSAhXo21SkW5SCU4Qr6d980NhdLY/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00058.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGVaBGj8TXVBHYMjfcow-UOx2MGskrba4cgiJxCOGTCOvXuKMm2xJ55mT0lniueCkZ5Rt509aj6a3B0bcOV-sDVFFct_EWpC2NnfgNcwLDAWPMlcuSAhXo21SkW5SCU4Qr6d980NhdLY/s320/Image_090718_214402_00058.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That's a lot of graphics work</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- There's never a chance of losing sight of the main quest. From the obvious sword placed on the map when an adventure is completed to the NPCs in town helpfully pointing out what needs doing next, especially the bartender, there's no losing your way. No side quests, no puzzles, and only a single solution to the problems the game presents bring this rating down a bit.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6skWCwzv3PH08pV-F1yfjMnOQEz7UQ3qP9twx2UxJ9Df13OtAkPV1J94z9eHyky4Bj72kYQmsPOgY1cRuc9J5-DzhUw_2sZEDR5mfuhUl-f61GcZ4j9i4omer7WhyYWW8j5ol5KuxwVa/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00059.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6skWCwzv3PH08pV-F1yfjMnOQEz7UQ3qP9twx2UxJ9Df13OtAkPV1J94z9eHyky4Bj72kYQmsPOgY1cRuc9J5-DzhUw_2sZEDR5mfuhUl-f61GcZ4j9i4omer7WhyYWW8j5ol5KuxwVa/s320/Image_090718_214402_00059.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't remember much about the music, except for the credits theme, which seemed rather experimental</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- It's a simple premise. Go off to follow in your father's footsteps fighting evil. Find some orphaned elemental spirits. Draw on their power to defeat a black dragon bent on regaining its power to terrorize the land once again. The world is detailed, and the changing NPC dialogue as the story goes gives a good sense of progression. In a small game world like this it works well, but I have reservations about such a system when it gets too large. Having to go back to each character to possibly get new information seems like a chore that's better handled in other games by introducing a new town.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>6</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZGJnRAnyAoBtAa9ABWCRB_rz0BmTkorhkTQjWTGSS_pVB-SmeIGEkK01Xypn0x5p6YK54u0pGWFG7gyixEvngjzmNcjAjsTcyY8p58W17_ADWYQHtuyEzHR2UDoUXp0AUTmStlvejgAE/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00060.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZGJnRAnyAoBtAa9ABWCRB_rz0BmTkorhkTQjWTGSS_pVB-SmeIGEkK01Xypn0x5p6YK54u0pGWFG7gyixEvngjzmNcjAjsTcyY8p58W17_ADWYQHtuyEzHR2UDoUXp0AUTmStlvejgAE/s320/Image_090718_214402_00060.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wonder what the difference is between a 'thanks' and a 'special thanks'</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There are a good number of items, mainly equipment, but there's too much to fit in all the inventory slots of four characters. Without a vault I was forced to sell some of it off, though it didn't have much use beyond equipping, even the magic items. The economy does well to maintain its usefulness through to the penultimate dungeon where better equipment is found in the dungeon than is purchasable. The strength of each item is readily available, although there are hints of magical effects that remain a bit of a mystery. With no indication of a complete list , the treasure seeker will have to be ever vigilant for secret passages.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfZZCPCS2uE3e9ARjoBwk-4_-KoZsyuGxP7LSbbFxtRoRQ5xHA2vpw_GYo-SrY_mhdd_mp5O137X7Vi655OL1TM6DbyWOi1PWL-7WHtbwq-W577gnE4pHyQL1bc5eOv41w6BUqqizCqd4/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00061.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfZZCPCS2uE3e9ARjoBwk-4_-KoZsyuGxP7LSbbFxtRoRQ5xHA2vpw_GYo-SrY_mhdd_mp5O137X7Vi655OL1TM6DbyWOi1PWL-7WHtbwq-W577gnE4pHyQL1bc5eOv41w6BUqqizCqd4/s320/Image_090718_214402_00061.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>By this point we've said farewell to Midi, and we're now headed to the elf village to drop off Astina</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- Compared to most games of the era, the world is small. There are no more than two screen transitions between areas of interest. The graphics are well made, with enemies doing well to standout from the background. It's the normal high fantasy fair with goblins, wolves, and golems, as well as wizards, lizardmen, and skeletons. There are a few palette swaps, but most are unique sprites. The dungeons are simple, but not bland. The sound and music is a bit forgettable. There aren't any Easter eggs, at least that I found, although secret areas do exist in the dungeons. While past areas don't become boarded off, the world doesn't open up until the current quest is completed.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>25</b> [42%]<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCGWrBCFVUPJ3ri16ek3Ubjnef90VbnMojYlGC-JbqMdEBMpNxo0T38MXnbb6Sw_wlj1fsEENotnCMDgcB1oYYyNDlClD4a1UvpmjzTCKeU0ES98cgmTT9FOqYxuYWZvz77Me_aBTPW6H/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00062.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCGWrBCFVUPJ3ri16ek3Ubjnef90VbnMojYlGC-JbqMdEBMpNxo0T38MXnbb6Sw_wlj1fsEENotnCMDgcB1oYYyNDlClD4a1UvpmjzTCKeU0ES98cgmTT9FOqYxuYWZvz77Me_aBTPW6H/s320/Image_090718_214402_00062.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>See those tiny pointy ears, that's what makes her an elf</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall it's a fun little diversion. It doesn't hold a candle to other deeper experiences like Phantasy Star or Warsong, but it is also short enough to fit into a weekend. I wonder what I'll remember of it down the road. Probably that it was easy, had an interesting battle system, and miles ahead of similar games like Traysia. Though, I don't really recommend it today. It doesn't do enough new that hasn't been done better before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONCcEjqEveeKJHm5Or09iWqtCoTYwCBWTtqq854nXdrBGBmMOhv6ObvUJy0-0hKcDxYOwLsvwcJtze3r4uXv6JEkGN0MEzj5lRgYrqRQryI4KbO5I4Wwe0H-M7EQhfBEhQbN70P_urd4J/s1600/Image_090718_214402_00063.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONCcEjqEveeKJHm5Or09iWqtCoTYwCBWTtqq854nXdrBGBmMOhv6ObvUJy0-0hKcDxYOwLsvwcJtze3r4uXv6JEkGN0MEzj5lRgYrqRQryI4KbO5I4Wwe0H-M7EQhfBEhQbN70P_urd4J/s320/Image_090718_214402_00063.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Time to look towards the next adventures</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up next we have another Dungeon Master game, Theron's Quest for the TG-CD. Not quite a port of the first game, it seems to be a bit of remixed version, but we'll see how much it really differs next time. Posts are still going to be off the regular weekly schedule (since when has that happened?) through the rest of summer probably, but I hope the delays don't trouble anyone too much. After Theron's Quest, what I'm really looking forward to is Shining Force. A series of games I've heard only good things about, but never really played for myself.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-12350040704239955752018-06-18T19:49:00.003-07:002018-06-18T19:49:31.001-07:00Game #73: Dungeon Master (SNES) - All Things in Moderation, Including Moderation (Finished)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGWTsBpB3esSZed_RIcXCAk_e6EsBLAYPLhZGyTqMw05y4IlqZh8h3LTOX6JMivXsxt4pMUME9VzKLJXc5eOsU67Vb7NtZgRClErgj36eqlYa7W30cMqN7FxHbTF2d50gjatnfY0_5S9i/s1600/Image_270218_230252_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGWTsBpB3esSZed_RIcXCAk_e6EsBLAYPLhZGyTqMw05y4IlqZh8h3LTOX6JMivXsxt4pMUME9VzKLJXc5eOsU67Vb7NtZgRClErgj36eqlYa7W30cMqN7FxHbTF2d50gjatnfY0_5S9i/s320/Image_270218_230252_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thanks for the game, too bad it wasn't better</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After this and Might & Magic III, I have the opinion that the SNES was never intended to support a first-person perspective. The amount of lag from such basic commands as opening a menu gives me some dread for similar games, Eye of the Beholder specifically. At least we made it through this one. I'll be happy if I stop running into save-wiping bugs. A dead battery is one thing, and I fully anticipate having trouble with that (although it has only happened with a single game so far), but my qualms over the stability of PC games seem less substantial when something like this happens on console ports. In any case, we start again from the first floor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZWchpnomsD4dQylmJjzyqD-8elB9oEt5tyqdwxaeJRMVphc1ZJlalgGJNvMZ-rpQ3x3r_7MbYFir6TltBSXnRIJ4kiQ5kQvaTfiX9iSR35sjL2hsr6FoZLcCAETjIfp5JszG8Ml3_bsO/s1600/Image_280518_093859_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZWchpnomsD4dQylmJjzyqD-8elB9oEt5tyqdwxaeJRMVphc1ZJlalgGJNvMZ-rpQ3x3r_7MbYFir6TltBSXnRIJ4kiQ5kQvaTfiX9iSR35sjL2hsr6FoZLcCAETjIfp5JszG8Ml3_bsO/s320/Image_280518_093859_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Knowing I could bash down doors, I was able to get this chest beyond the door that said none shall pass</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Going through the floors a second time allowed me to find alternate ways to some of the mysteries I came across. It was easily redone, but the game moves so slowly that it still took hours to get through the first few floors. I hadn't noted where items were, so I still explored nearly every square. In addition to the new chest on the first floor, I found a shortcut on the third, but still explored it fully.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F6qhCQQp6GiX97i-t3wVnUGioJqvYDT5bEaha4B88m48NpHvjlHGSfFbcYGsEPOpXVUQQll4r_veQuPrcqjqBU_WDR_hwg8Ka9CMGFeqtl4XNlWyHsh4kSJx5PV4EbUQV0iVy07jHE7q/s1600/Image_280518_093859_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F6qhCQQp6GiX97i-t3wVnUGioJqvYDT5bEaha4B88m48NpHvjlHGSfFbcYGsEPOpXVUQQll4r_veQuPrcqjqBU_WDR_hwg8Ka9CMGFeqtl4XNlWyHsh4kSJx5PV4EbUQV0iVy07jHE7q/s320/Image_280518_093859_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This teleport field appeared after a gold coin was placed in a slot, but it didn't teleport anything... not sure what use it had</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sound in the game is rather sparse consisting mainly of ambient water
drops along with combat sounds from monsters, attacks, and spells. Music
is only activated by stepping on set tiles. Any time they're
activated the keyed music is played once (unless it's already playing).<br />
<br />
I'm still unsure what a series of small buttons did on the walls south of the main room on the fourth floor. On the fifth, I managed to find an extra key I had missed. It allowed me to pick up an extra magic box; I still hadn't used a single one. I also dived into all the pits I could find, now that I knew some hid secret areas. There were some extra items, but nothing extraordinary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7d226cA-2-VvGlSegLlhqKtZ02kBXT5VLmiE5vG3l08YVvxdjkwtqlRDSRf9teaWq2n2R9I3KG0wgzw2Dr3uVSVYW4eykWfFi9q61oozlqvAAPq69jSSisQb31upKeU6oi6sXH29Xxwf/s1600/Image_120618_230959_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7d226cA-2-VvGlSegLlhqKtZ02kBXT5VLmiE5vG3l08YVvxdjkwtqlRDSRf9teaWq2n2R9I3KG0wgzw2Dr3uVSVYW4eykWfFi9q61oozlqvAAPq69jSSisQb31upKeU6oi6sXH29Xxwf/s320/Image_120618_230959_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Healing up after a fight</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the above screenshot I'm drinking a potion to heal HP, and restore some lost strength due to a
body injury (shown by the red highlight). The lost strength has temporarily caused some severe encumbrance, which makes recovery after actions take longer. I'm also poisoned (red
highlight around mouth icon), and have leveled up (blue highlight around
eye icon). Leveling up increases character stats related to the class that increased. By the time I recovered all my lost progress I also regained my levels, and then some.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySOaFlOVO2D4kSacdqQnaq7DCF425PYSpeR1mTarwbC9J7wuSbnGqLpP4LW8sj7N8dEFYYSPfg_vkh_wiQqVQvuni5Ej7iWFbXZaFZarJ6RKLS3FBkiuyNZ3QBIOc-0A0ykKcEZu4CkW1/s1600/Image_120618_230959_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySOaFlOVO2D4kSacdqQnaq7DCF425PYSpeR1mTarwbC9J7wuSbnGqLpP4LW8sj7N8dEFYYSPfg_vkh_wiQqVQvuni5Ej7iWFbXZaFZarJ6RKLS3FBkiuyNZ3QBIOc-0A0ykKcEZu4CkW1/s320/Image_120618_230959_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The use of the Skeleton Keys should have dawned on me earlier</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The skeleton keys I'd found starting on floor 7 opened up a quick staircase that granted fast access from 7 all the way to 10. This gave me the idea that floor 10 was final floor to explore. I would find it was just the beginning of the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURYrLbwMVwojfpE-0oiswbhWinKTBp3H-SxNZyOQvUX95eFx2vIMRzRgcgiBudMIr5S6rIJ8C8M9HV9wYNXJuJkZDlVCMBUf2HUk36DhokxcwZpF_F6u7K5XwmCvImYWJO-EKy7tNAJz/s1600/Image_120618_230959_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxURYrLbwMVwojfpE-0oiswbhWinKTBp3H-SxNZyOQvUX95eFx2vIMRzRgcgiBudMIr5S6rIJ8C8M9HV9wYNXJuJkZDlVCMBUf2HUk36DhokxcwZpF_F6u7K5XwmCvImYWJO-EKy7tNAJz/s320/Image_120618_230959_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It began with an innocuous message on the wall</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm44f4n01zNx5UqxWWPTrrm18v4fqT1CA59BuCo1inhS-BmFS4QRFZ_i1tX-P3QQHaaG9ecQj2gCN2240zDlOHBLzBQ3y2QqsymjKPyO4JvHf-bzGAXALtAyGU3x6uQndvfc1URuzaxNDM/s1600/Image_120618_230959_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm44f4n01zNx5UqxWWPTrrm18v4fqT1CA59BuCo1inhS-BmFS4QRFZ_i1tX-P3QQHaaG9ecQj2gCN2240zDlOHBLzBQ3y2QqsymjKPyO4JvHf-bzGAXALtAyGU3x6uQndvfc1URuzaxNDM/s320/Image_120618_230959_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Followed by another... wait, this is where the stairs up just were</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Without much announcement, the tenth floor was filled with squares that teleported the party between very similar 4x4 rooms. The squares triggered based on the direction they were entered. To track these changes I used items on the floor to tell when I'd been transported to a different room. There wasn't any danger, at first, except for the possibility of running low on water without a way to replenish it. Eventually I stumbled into a third look-a-like room where a keyhole fit an iron key I picked up earlier, and this led to a solid key in a chest that fit into a key hole in a fourth room. Using that unlocked a path beyond the chest. The rest of floor 10 was a bit more straight forward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tMSyGzSNzT991vXZS7F2e12Jk700g0JFmscH74kpVKeE3-WcPDa6D5tky4X3KEMeqPMSo8ocmFO1pzltf-dQknRoHF4aDjsPqFdXTUf3hgkoS9dCzcqL0URI8yOrXkfY26-Xz31M8fXs/s1600/Image_130618_223123_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tMSyGzSNzT991vXZS7F2e12Jk700g0JFmscH74kpVKeE3-WcPDa6D5tky4X3KEMeqPMSo8ocmFO1pzltf-dQknRoHF4aDjsPqFdXTUf3hgkoS9dCzcqL0URI8yOrXkfY26-Xz31M8fXs/s320/Image_130618_223123_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well, aside from these non-corporeal slimes that were a pain to fight</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Down a poison filled hallway I swiped a sword called diamond edge. In a side room I picked up a sword capable of firing fireballs (at an unknown power level). After a series of passages with crossed keys, I found a small riddle that asked for an enlarged view where I used a magnifying glass on an eye in the wall. This opened a passage to a ruby key. The final skull was there as well, which allowed for quick backtracking once I located the final key of Ra.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYI_XoOjVYwtPSX3XbLqrSxM0ESKIS3ELdRK79jEgypGrnnDD7oSyEpTh9AaV1OeGzthgKjdeypm8VnqanH2viaHwA04FqxztHMQcCWPKNY8B6mvtz1LqmEbpH5CPwXS5XHhXDc_twNUd/s1600/Image_130618_223123_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYI_XoOjVYwtPSX3XbLqrSxM0ESKIS3ELdRK79jEgypGrnnDD7oSyEpTh9AaV1OeGzthgKjdeypm8VnqanH2viaHwA04FqxztHMQcCWPKNY8B6mvtz1LqmEbpH5CPwXS5XHhXDc_twNUd/s320/Image_130618_223123_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Make sure to save before using coins in this area as you can lock yourself out of some exploration and items (not necessarily from the end of the game though)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I delved into the eleventh floor still anticipating having to backtrack to the sixth. Dashed were my hopes that I'd find the end on the 10th. Damn you Wizardry for setting up my expectations of dungeon crawlers. The 11th was fairly simple, though I missed an enemy on my first pass that made me feel like I was stuck. Eventually I found it; it dropped a topaz key, and everything else fell into place. I found the last key of Ra, picked up a master key that I don't remember using, and found another skull passage that I wasn't expecting (which connected the one I thought ended on the 10th floor with this one, and an additional staircase down to the 12th).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCZgJ0eeaNH_TRXAS0Z-1mLvnKYecbjqLcED73fCaEbVhiWZqX3IYTxMfRWFrDcmfxECK5k_hK_3d6hF2ejtZNEKYq3HgkCZ-t2H6PseMj76IK2lGd9kfhhmplrDR2fOYOeb3LBedcfhn/s1600/Image_130618_223123_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCZgJ0eeaNH_TRXAS0Z-1mLvnKYecbjqLcED73fCaEbVhiWZqX3IYTxMfRWFrDcmfxECK5k_hK_3d6hF2ejtZNEKYq3HgkCZ-t2H6PseMj76IK2lGd9kfhhmplrDR2fOYOeb3LBedcfhn/s320/Image_130618_223123_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I think these were by far the most annoyingly tedious enemy, dodging most attacks while doing a good chunk of damage</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I went too deep, I thought it best to go back to the sixth floor for that staff that seemed ever so important. The sixth floor was filled with rock golems capable of doing half my HP while I swung for single digits. Magic seemed like the way to go. The ruby key was necessary to open up the rest of the level. Clues spread throughout led quite blatantly to the idea of using the firestaff to seal away chaos, not destroy him. I'm not even sure if the SNES version of the game has an option to end the game any other way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyABrFZvtMwbI5MTVRYO4dp3l79CV0hppMv7TFTHn9cUWfrS7sXjXKeQG3N_dJA2wNsUl10Y68aqoon4NfTj2VgsDmAxYDy8CDin9BdqEfI7OPWmaF8Me0GZnd9-H0s0x_eS9OhB2VnW1/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyABrFZvtMwbI5MTVRYO4dp3l79CV0hppMv7TFTHn9cUWfrS7sXjXKeQG3N_dJA2wNsUl10Y68aqoon4NfTj2VgsDmAxYDy8CDin9BdqEfI7OPWmaF8Me0GZnd9-H0s0x_eS9OhB2VnW1/s320/Image_140618_225536_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bringing balance to the force</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlPsqLZVj1kGsEBtstLziIuZLlqpHSkV6Ltnnuqw2FYudoZQRIavJsaahRH_K6fH3a31E2BMSxabF6a6jWuGvQ7ns6Kf_DPaIQTr-8QjTeUPS6iWKhys8iLFYBPFHu5MJ2jFzCGtqOYBO/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlPsqLZVj1kGsEBtstLziIuZLlqpHSkV6Ltnnuqw2FYudoZQRIavJsaahRH_K6fH3a31E2BMSxabF6a6jWuGvQ7ns6Kf_DPaIQTr-8QjTeUPS6iWKhys8iLFYBPFHu5MJ2jFzCGtqOYBO/s320/Image_140618_225536_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anyone know if these scrolls are in the PC version as well?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, there were about 8 scrolls that detailed how to get a power gem, and finally seal away Chaos. Among the debris in that area I found another key of Ra that took me around to the firestaff as well as another staircase that led to a different area of the 12th floor. Before getting lost in that area though I found a switch that quickly connected both of the shortcut staircases together on the 7th or 8th floor. I decided the original set of stairs was best to explore first. They dumped me in an area that had pits open under my feet, taking me to a 13th floor. I almost loaded my save as my map already seemed a bit piecemeal. I stuck with it.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUFdi9kLa565wui6mURctrpaCISnBL3wN2OoiC3q_7I3XpAp8tnQjo8xTdX8OCiIzLiIqf1ZZUC5Dz-JSu2V12J9yhUQyozf8DKbGakV5Yt4LCSspSh0FdhtF-mYGP8xsFjof6AUd5PnX/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUFdi9kLa565wui6mURctrpaCISnBL3wN2OoiC3q_7I3XpAp8tnQjo8xTdX8OCiIzLiIqf1ZZUC5Dz-JSu2V12J9yhUQyozf8DKbGakV5Yt4LCSspSh0FdhtF-mYGP8xsFjof6AUd5PnX/s320/Image_140618_225536_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finding dragon meat all game, and finally finding a dragon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dragon was actually fairly easy as the room I dropped into allowed for a lot of maneuvering. Still, it took a lot of damage, and a good amount of fire protection to overcome. Defeating it probably wasn't necessary, but it felt like a big achievement. The dragons lair held the power gem I needed to fit into the firestaff in order to power up the flux capacitor, the key to which was hidden under a pile of ashes. The power gem was released using a spell I learned from a scroll, or the only odd spell spelled out in the back of the manual.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw0KnvKupfjpwPBp4zJoVwl-gKTU7GUf5OVwl_k71mwvoyAEsoXqNQaet9UqvzI7NS_OlOS3fPLDwX2wzmF1-QepogulwXEslA94E3cLS8tc0UhFZxqL4Qz4MEFaGTrKyM3l2zOjMVJ2q/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw0KnvKupfjpwPBp4zJoVwl-gKTU7GUf5OVwl_k71mwvoyAEsoXqNQaet9UqvzI7NS_OlOS3fPLDwX2wzmF1-QepogulwXEslA94E3cLS8tc0UhFZxqL4Qz4MEFaGTrKyM3l2zOjMVJ2q/s320/Image_140618_225536_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The stairs up from the dragon room brought me face to face with what I assumed was Chaos</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had to defeat a number of lesser fire demon looking enemies, and set past some black pyres that hurt me when I stood next to them for too long. Actually surrounding him took a of trial and error as I figured out how the flux cages worked. They wore out, disappearing quickly, so I needed to place them down while chasing Chaos around the small area I decided as the best place to trap him. The lag inherent in the game really showed why the SNES was the wrong console to put this game on. The magic boxes I had been saving up freezes enemies, but they don't work on Chaos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueahBCMvAzON38UPnQlqBvnWCpaxSYkQMG7pTLrrgDI7j9QXDBikcggB29NqBXuUADV8lnNrmiegNL3RoUpn-C7VZZOxbsbUaSzDYLg09hPJ93kSqohtKdQxq1j9toKYrCVi-43Kd1dT3/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueahBCMvAzON38UPnQlqBvnWCpaxSYkQMG7pTLrrgDI7j9QXDBikcggB29NqBXuUADV8lnNrmiegNL3RoUpn-C7VZZOxbsbUaSzDYLg09hPJ93kSqohtKdQxq1j9toKYrCVi-43Kd1dT3/s320/Image_140618_225536_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Once surrounded, using the fuse command completes the game</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Somehow Chaos automatically fuses with his good half and returns the Grey Lord to his former glory. Again, I'm not sure there's another ending, even a bad one for killing Chaos and having Order rule all. As curious as I was, I didn't bother trying to find it as I couldn't damage Chaos with any of the attacks I initially tried when I first encountered him.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C05shJuyoOQdC-HyE7nLX-oSVf5SyJIXxILiVr90MFBZvoVKv7i7eEIR_HzX4Iuei2wNGUWHliCD8nGxKp9edoJwmeIVpT1lWlqCQipiiz94uqCQcn5Nds2JiGIGTM1d4cFExDmcuVnn/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C05shJuyoOQdC-HyE7nLX-oSVf5SyJIXxILiVr90MFBZvoVKv7i7eEIR_HzX4Iuei2wNGUWHliCD8nGxKp9edoJwmeIVpT1lWlqCQipiiz94uqCQcn5Nds2JiGIGTM1d4cFExDmcuVnn/s320/Image_140618_225536_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, the sinister plans of hiding out in a dungeon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 18<b>h</b>34<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 37<b>h</b>12<b>m</b>) [9<b>h</b>13<b>m</b> replaying]<br />
<br />
<b>Combatant </b>- Combat is easy, except when it's suddenly not. In most cases, as long as there's room to move around and side step, picking the enemy apart is a battle of attrition. There's also no cost for resurrection that I noticed. It's not exactly the most thrilling, but the small amount of stat increases do well to keep it interesting. The spells add some strategy, although I tended to ignore the defensive ones as they don't last long.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IFN1IM9y_2rTyibM2Ev9N5ebmyKO96y2e_c2SMbJoNlaLtXboOcHO7DMlQB48fULYx7nggKMALycxIhgUsUZWC9KqQ3Rx41GMh3-KPXg8GI0r6ZUNgt-cF3Gx231qvdmDpvFaAXMzas/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00095.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IFN1IM9y_2rTyibM2Ev9N5ebmyKO96y2e_c2SMbJoNlaLtXboOcHO7DMlQB48fULYx7nggKMALycxIhgUsUZWC9KqQ3Rx41GMh3-KPXg8GI0r6ZUNgt-cF3Gx231qvdmDpvFaAXMzas/s320/Image_140618_225536_00095.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maps flew by during the final scenes of the ending... here I see an area in bottom left of the fourth floor where the buttons are that I never unlocked</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- Skill use increases class levels even outside of battles, which allows for some grinding. I came in way under max level, so it's completely optional. Each character has their inherent strengths, but optionally customized for however you play (except for the character that starts with 0 MP--I'm fairly sure that character can never gain mage or cleric levels). There's a large cast of characters for the party. Controls are bad, and appearance doesn't really change.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE07eydKccFaeMC41gfuEvwNXWPRb3Fq1TFec_OwtLO6MQpRpoxYlOSWKNw8pA1BUUE2_0HDTG-qh7hRG_4i4JKL_mYhauOhkT99jBbeRqTyRHg69gqgFpsLpOwswS2uZbMdbZaj5HtOd/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00071.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE07eydKccFaeMC41gfuEvwNXWPRb3Fq1TFec_OwtLO6MQpRpoxYlOSWKNw8pA1BUUE2_0HDTG-qh7hRG_4i4JKL_mYhauOhkT99jBbeRqTyRHg69gqgFpsLpOwswS2uZbMdbZaj5HtOd/s320/Image_140618_225536_00071.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strangely, the shortcut isn't shown for the third floor</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- The main quest is spelled out eventually, but can be overlooked if the party keeps pressing forward. Puzzles and riddles are easy enough that I don't think anyone would have trouble with them, and I don't believe there's a way to get stuck in a position where the game is unwinnable. There's nothing that I'd call a side quest, and all steps essentially have a single path to follow.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YNAxZw0E7AVoRIq-Y9R5piC-K3Y9J4Plcsx7m7YvRfA8gWE-D0T-jVEUqsOM0q39DadElYhnzhrPyWknXB2BERRSSRrkKE2d2om_pX5RHdp1_4mGxwZMUnrHIKWJB8iFdklNdGTQFIA2/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00208.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YNAxZw0E7AVoRIq-Y9R5piC-K3Y9J4Plcsx7m7YvRfA8gWE-D0T-jVEUqsOM0q39DadElYhnzhrPyWknXB2BERRSSRrkKE2d2om_pX5RHdp1_4mGxwZMUnrHIKWJB8iFdklNdGTQFIA2/s320/Image_140618_225536_00208.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The top right portion shows the teleport maze on the 10th floor</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- The story is light, but ever present. There aren't any NPCs to discuss the state of the world, and there's no real lore in the game to speak of aside from how to beat the boss. What was there was enough to keep me going though, and slowly uncovering it was interesting. I added a point for the possibility of multiple endings based on maybe doing something different in handling Chaos; it was a thing on the computer versions, so maybe if I slogged off back to the beginning of the dungeon even though there was no indication that was a possibility I would have found something.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikEgAG5MVyPzq3L0kUEoLQPwPgLjGDPthwxJoFGkmNZFr2D1ASkYGo6Sk2F-29FyHdAJfqhbHbBjCub8ofQJac4HX-S7bijOJL9laIXQ4RBfMbvoiHCB3nTQxnvvR0k1RY8FVa4563Xad/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00251.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikEgAG5MVyPzq3L0kUEoLQPwPgLjGDPthwxJoFGkmNZFr2D1ASkYGo6Sk2F-29FyHdAJfqhbHbBjCub8ofQJac4HX-S7bijOJL9laIXQ4RBfMbvoiHCB3nTQxnvvR0k1RY8FVa4563Xad/s320/Image_140618_225536_00251.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A console port no one asked for</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There are a large variety of items. Unfortunately inventory is severely limited, even with multiple chests. The comparative strength of equipment is completely hidden. I had no idea by the end if one weapon was better than another, or only afforded slight modifications. Collecting everything is hardly an option as ensuring everything is found is nearly impossible. There's no economy.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>1</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXtBJ2hkp32AfTwaPwgWe-GALNi1Y0ZjWTD3JrGGKNgHdUB2jDTqcdSw2hTgD7xcPhfmPKQchBjwQlfhM8sSsA7q5OfnixezIobCNwu-0oXi1s95YHqlOwL5_UhRCpDmf3gDXaD0GVYwV/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00252.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXtBJ2hkp32AfTwaPwgWe-GALNi1Y0ZjWTD3JrGGKNgHdUB2jDTqcdSw2hTgD7xcPhfmPKQchBjwQlfhM8sSsA7q5OfnixezIobCNwu-0oXi1s95YHqlOwL5_UhRCpDmf3gDXaD0GVYwV/s320/Image_140618_225536_00252.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blame!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- There's not much to see in a single tiled dungeon. The sound effects were atmospheric, and the music tiles appears at often strange locations, often jarring as it started out of nowhere. Exploration is completely open, only limited by obvious walls and few locked doors. <br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNy8kE7GlUeeykudzzsXrVv0BC4vwbn7_VnC64MjKrboduXmEi3QNsg8fLCbJo5188pqeYrCA7MH9OztFB7REVNPoEfFtTwZn3IYuzHjmYsRaUDBoB7grW_SS-ApnvA0bk7yU_cYGNaAc/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00253.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNy8kE7GlUeeykudzzsXrVv0BC4vwbn7_VnC64MjKrboduXmEi3QNsg8fLCbJo5188pqeYrCA7MH9OztFB7REVNPoEfFtTwZn3IYuzHjmYsRaUDBoB7grW_SS-ApnvA0bk7yU_cYGNaAc/s320/Image_140618_225536_00253.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wonder why they chose to present the music like that, was that how it was in the original?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>17</b> [28%]<br />
<br />
Overall, I'm glad to have finished it. It's a classic on computer, although the console port is lacking the technical superiority I would expect from 4 years of progress. At least I'll never have play it aga... what's that? It's coming up again in a couple games? Well, let's see what they changed in the TG-CD version of the game. I've read it's a bit different, at least in the presentation. It's 6 or 7 sequential dungeons. Before that though, we get a break (self induced) with Sorcerer's Kingdom, one of those games I know nothing about.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBB8uoAks26b0zfA7DBTWjECpcTzrJb6bgArr1MDkd894ByMOXUHjn0h2l7aeUBxetlGiGVb-bQEBs0eMskTJzVCuDVLiXOoKd-D99YtCAWCy_2mO7eJ1dquMR0KngedvXujNOq2-LZ1A/s1600/Image_140618_225536_00256.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBB8uoAks26b0zfA7DBTWjECpcTzrJb6bgArr1MDkd894ByMOXUHjn0h2l7aeUBxetlGiGVb-bQEBs0eMskTJzVCuDVLiXOoKd-D99YtCAWCy_2mO7eJ1dquMR0KngedvXujNOq2-LZ1A/s320/Image_140618_225536_00256.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
If I manage to post Sorcerer's Kingdom's entry by next Monday, then this hiatus can be considered officially ended. We'll see if I can manage that far. A combination of things has delayed this post, and progress on the RPG list in general, but I'm hoping to double my effort so that such a long break doesn't happen again. Thanks for sticking around.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-63093709941534155832018-01-21T19:10:00.003-08:002018-02-27T23:24:54.335-08:00Game #73: Dungeon Master (SNES) - Dungeon Meat of Doom!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTqKcgC2FD-AUPYkLhtwCzEFpovhEANhhvYMCDXfH5XOGFHzTZfenq4lBBN__ax_dzLVxj8mdxghO0M5q6KT8MRH2fi_Pz-MeAxCbzUenBrpR0Dur5RCIaZ2Zt6MP-6yVZIKIe3SScMDl/s1600/Image_051117_232915_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTqKcgC2FD-AUPYkLhtwCzEFpovhEANhhvYMCDXfH5XOGFHzTZfenq4lBBN__ax_dzLVxj8mdxghO0M5q6KT8MRH2fi_Pz-MeAxCbzUenBrpR0Dur5RCIaZ2Zt6MP-6yVZIKIe3SScMDl/s320/Image_051117_232915_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I've changed my capture setup.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Game 73</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Dungeon Master</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>June 1993 (December 1991 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>SNES</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>FTL Games / Software Heaven, Inc.</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>JVC Musical Industries, Inc.</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>First-person</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Active time battles</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Dungeon Master</b><br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5VxTp_z0GrMuP8jkdlVTCwxLg9OTqHDs2uhmE16gXYl1Hw_d9EpxzgvfyhIsIdofCAsH1h-FoCqOS-yP1yALqrb299YztdgV63J8UhqcXI0ZPYLI7hPxqiIXhUk5IuvtwoSCyPg6bMJ5/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5VxTp_z0GrMuP8jkdlVTCwxLg9OTqHDs2uhmE16gXYl1Hw_d9EpxzgvfyhIsIdofCAsH1h-FoCqOS-yP1yALqrb299YztdgV63J8UhqcXI0ZPYLI7hPxqiIXhUk5IuvtwoSCyPg6bMJ5/s320/Image_081117_201523_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unfortunately, SD resolution looks terrible now. So enjoy 1080p. (it's the best I can do.)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, it happened, again. Put off writing a post turned from one week into two, and ballooned from there after losing my save file. Another glitch, in another game, and my save got wiped. This is definitely the biggest drawback to playing on original hardware. I thought I might get back through it quickly since I had maps already, but the lag of the game has me averaging more than an hour per level. So, I took some time away. Let's get back into it, first with a post covering up to the glitch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The opening sequence has me questioning my decision to play Theron's Quest on TG-CD</i></td></tr>
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There's a small intro sequence that plays as the game waits for input. Theron's master, the Grey Lord, unleashed the power of Chaos while trying to retrieve a Power Gem from Mt. Analas. Theron, granted with an ethereal form, must stop Chaos by assembling a team of four champions whose souls are locked behind mirrors in the starting area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopF-JNLordpRBagZbY07OTB8Xym6Yop_Okc0yGHafDeSIgPejedy5yzIpYiGzKLM0spHJY9WynEIt0PSDMc4Mfp9vqxuYdBgEpl7Obu9uFhmwZCsiyBGQNYwnV_Xz11MR0VT1fSvQ8zfW/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00021.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopF-JNLordpRBagZbY07OTB8Xym6Yop_Okc0yGHafDeSIgPejedy5yzIpYiGzKLM0spHJY9WynEIt0PSDMc4Mfp9vqxuYdBgEpl7Obu9uFhmwZCsiyBGQNYwnV_Xz11MR0VT1fSvQ8zfW/s320/Image_081117_201523_00021.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our first look at Chaos as he interrupts our master's message</i></td></tr>
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The manual goes into a lot more detail. In fact, the first half is all backstory. That's 18 pages expanding on the summary above. Actually, I confess, I haven't actually read it yet. I should probably do that at some point; maybe by the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDGaML1fYG5f8fW90cGucVQe_-718ti6SeI3IZSphR1Z1F1jqEoe7sBbJhJiinUithhX9ofZlrMFp7z0t57FqgGWlbC6D0ZHBAU70EIlrZdh1HYbh5nNICMDl5zebPJDqtbKCqf-6ZC0P/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00024.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDGaML1fYG5f8fW90cGucVQe_-718ti6SeI3IZSphR1Z1F1jqEoe7sBbJhJiinUithhX9ofZlrMFp7z0t57FqgGWlbC6D0ZHBAU70EIlrZdh1HYbh5nNICMDl5zebPJDqtbKCqf-6ZC0P/s320/Image_081117_201523_00024.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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For those unfamiliar, Dungeon Master is a popular genre setting game that won critical acclaim on several personal computer platforms. I assure you, the SNES wasn't one of them. My main complaint is the input lag, where it can take up to a second for the game to respond to a command. Don't mash the button though, as the game does well enough to buffer the inputs, and executes them in sequence. Next up is the cursor interface, which strangely was not supported by the SNES mouse. Those arrows in the bottom right can be used to move, but thankfully the game has a movement mode where the d-pad switches from controlling the cursor to moving the party. These two states can be toggled between easily.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqjpQNLSiCGyqMYAeJ2Qg8mtMH3YQj63Jx5n73qop9rrs2k0Pbhi3C_7hSohzjR6qaPifo5TOyDzBheFq80zLfgUYeumDTtzQ5hFUe0nz6MHLR7x4tTa1E2jSf7XLJkQjq5P3gNVo09Oo/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00025.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqjpQNLSiCGyqMYAeJ2Qg8mtMH3YQj63Jx5n73qop9rrs2k0Pbhi3C_7hSohzjR6qaPifo5TOyDzBheFq80zLfgUYeumDTtzQ5hFUe0nz6MHLR7x4tTa1E2jSf7XLJkQjq5P3gNVo09Oo/s320/Image_081117_201523_00025.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scoping out a character before deciding how they should join the party</i></td></tr>
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Four characters can join the party by either resurrecting them (characters retain their previous class levels) or reincarnating them (levels are wiped, but stats start a bit higher). In either case, each character comes with a select amount of HP, MP, and stamina--some even have starting equipment. Each character can train (use abilities) to gain experience towards one of four classes. I'm guessing those without MP can never gain any as using it is the only way I've found to gain more and earn healer and wizard experience. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQFMkT2X0biUzXM1SJGCLfLcTXp0HVS5v_XfMekV9NdVrr39evW1XMXgz4gJCgixxxaqd936HCCdgrnYWPvd5PL9kESSRk15uDUIgaOouROpxffEZtwKwpxL9qY6G0eY8MEJVUaUTorIl/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00034.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQFMkT2X0biUzXM1SJGCLfLcTXp0HVS5v_XfMekV9NdVrr39evW1XMXgz4gJCgixxxaqd936HCCdgrnYWPvd5PL9kESSRk15uDUIgaOouROpxffEZtwKwpxL9qY6G0eY8MEJVUaUTorIl/s320/Image_081117_201523_00034.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Current experience is a mystery, but the game tracks levels as pictured</i></td></tr>
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Fighter experience is gained by attacking, although there's a war cry ability that can be grinded without enemies around. Ninja experience is mostly gained by throwing, although punching and kicking are good ways as well. Healer experience comes from mixing potions that heal, buff, or cure ailments all of which require an empty flask. Wizard experience comes from casting wizard spells, the most basic of which is light, but the most useful is fireball.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P5zgCi700JcG4aCgjz87U4zhpqjidFNadQfWi1V8J0d_qVcHo9CLAgsyRWzQOAcwX2UOuM0gHD605DjDco1KUf7c7hydi-RmzBbwRUvHi0imuPKtUcbc56GHfqgEVQ-owy1aGf67rflZ/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00032.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P5zgCi700JcG4aCgjz87U4zhpqjidFNadQfWi1V8J0d_qVcHo9CLAgsyRWzQOAcwX2UOuM0gHD605DjDco1KUf7c7hydi-RmzBbwRUvHi0imuPKtUcbc56GHfqgEVQ-owy1aGf67rflZ/s320/Image_081117_201523_00032.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My only full party wipe--I underestimated the power of these early mummies by trying to go toe-to-toe</i></td></tr>
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Combat isn't quite real-time, it's more like an MMORPG or Final Fantasy's active time battles. Each action has an inherent cooldown before the character can act again. Enemies are subjected to the same wait cycle, but for them it also applies to movement. This allows the party to duck and weave around enemies given enough space. In hallways this means backing up slowly after each swing. It's not a perfect tactic to avoid damage, but useful in tight situations. Strangely, being inside a character's inventory seems to speed up the cycles (probably reduced lag from not having to draw the enemies), so ducking in to drink a potion of healing can result with coming out hurt more than healed. Potions, food, and water are consumed by take the item to the character's mouth icon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vxTIeB89s_fBh-H4AelWc9E8JPUCmfdl3psFKi5ophuk2uPxWd_w8wurSgHIqDpZL13TlfdipQs4SXuBe6gnaMj8iNjskWmlU4-uNKTKwSwTKy8xJ7pMgmfaA-dHSesim3Lnt96aoZyN/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00035.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vxTIeB89s_fBh-H4AelWc9E8JPUCmfdl3psFKi5ophuk2uPxWd_w8wurSgHIqDpZL13TlfdipQs4SXuBe6gnaMj8iNjskWmlU4-uNKTKwSwTKy8xJ7pMgmfaA-dHSesim3Lnt96aoZyN/s320/Image_081117_201523_00035.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chests provide a nice extension to a character's inventory</i></td></tr>
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Food and water are necessary to consume, but as far as resources go both are plentiful with regular water fonts and edible monster meat. Sleep isn't required, although it's a quick way to recover MP and doesn't cost much in hunger or thirst. There are four slots for thrown weapons, which equip automatically when thrown or ammo shot from bows or slings. It's not clear which weapons are better, but each character has a hidden proficiency stat that unlocks better attacks after some use. Armor is fairly standard, and I've just been cycling through both based on how deep in the dungeon I find something. Some consideration is necessary for a character's strength as some armor will wear out stamina quickly, usually not a concern.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzvHPKa2tXudgWyU52VdQYrbqomy1dR4b4GbpGzPe8BnaD5MvxxZpNHpVBqO0-Thx2Iui2SAhLqRVVI1ZKnkiPNNYOIqqUvnit0-F0s1zSBCVfdr3ZEo3cgut60e5v5UaNOB48GFtC50Q/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00038.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzvHPKa2tXudgWyU52VdQYrbqomy1dR4b4GbpGzPe8BnaD5MvxxZpNHpVBqO0-Thx2Iui2SAhLqRVVI1ZKnkiPNNYOIqqUvnit0-F0s1zSBCVfdr3ZEo3cgut60e5v5UaNOB48GFtC50Q/s320/Image_081117_201523_00038.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Found a compass early on the second floor in a side passage... it's been helpful to avoid spinner traps</i></td></tr>
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Combat is mostly a side act for navigation puzzles. They start out slow on the first floor with a variety of singular keys that open specific doors, levers, and pressure plates that require a combination of weights or a single press (or avoidance). Some doors require nearby switches, magical unlocking spells, or even need to be bashed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosCB2hEMCAWZY5OEQevcpXsiyxIrPxbfilB1ZdNOgGs4gFp_G6K8BLIuYMPzWN_3A8RJ6b8k6JjAkIrYLMGudc9Dt6A5iph2xL-TQ1C_l2nIunxd7lYC46PSTt3mqQuZG-3hZ5BLplOjs/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00039.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosCB2hEMCAWZY5OEQevcpXsiyxIrPxbfilB1ZdNOgGs4gFp_G6K8BLIuYMPzWN_3A8RJ6b8k6JjAkIrYLMGudc9Dt6A5iph2xL-TQ1C_l2nIunxd7lYC46PSTt3mqQuZG-3hZ5BLplOjs/s320/Image_081117_201523_00039.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here I pushed a button to activate a teleporter for a couple seconds, then threw some robes into it to land on a pressure plate on the side that disabled the pit </i></td></tr>
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After choosing the champions, there was a simple corridor that introduced the revive alcove: just bring a dead character's skeleton back to the shrine--there doesn't seem to be any cost. The first proper floor starts the simple key and switch puzzles. There was only one door I didn't quite understand how to get through, with only simple message that none shall pass. The second floor branched into six easy challenges, each rewarding the party with a gold key that opened the path further down. The third floor was a long grind through multiple new enemies. It was fairly straight forward though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0fMGdYhsY8VvhRLNehELCTt_Zx4Tmy0AE5X1Tg53LxB7KP2c2oOly_NbwEY22uOZRxapvr7dC8ajDk5REWrfE-nU5IjdFlVzLFyfAQ63ZZhIJB8e2yZ5w_pE24r1xEQZNViXDQsNq3Dr/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00042.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0fMGdYhsY8VvhRLNehELCTt_Zx4Tmy0AE5X1Tg53LxB7KP2c2oOly_NbwEY22uOZRxapvr7dC8ajDk5REWrfE-nU5IjdFlVzLFyfAQ63ZZhIJB8e2yZ5w_pE24r1xEQZNViXDQsNq3Dr/s320/Image_081117_201523_00042.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These faces confound me, but they might be just decoration</i></td></tr>
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The new monsters had some variation: flying bugs that attacked quickly, large worms that hit hard, and even some that poisoned. Poison wears off after some time, but it's easier to create a potion to heal it. The final area on this floor required killing a mummy stuck on a switch, and I opted to do so by magic so the fallen ammo didn't continue to trigger it. This caused a lot of worms to spawn, but it was required to unlock the staircase down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyEpvWv-xdlOuHNPUdgKv6zkxXH3ZpIay0K544JgfftijI3-xTt2EbZGKwg0PlRyHahL4ij6XWFtdp98PYVeujsGXGgL4oGiA-mxklA_yrA7t1i_TPIUf04z64YSpxknaP04xRNLvCB1T/s1600/Image_081117_201523_00051.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyEpvWv-xdlOuHNPUdgKv6zkxXH3ZpIay0K544JgfftijI3-xTt2EbZGKwg0PlRyHahL4ij6XWFtdp98PYVeujsGXGgL4oGiA-mxklA_yrA7t1i_TPIUf04z64YSpxknaP04xRNLvCB1T/s320/Image_081117_201523_00051.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Red takes a hit while Pat lands a blow leveling up his fighter class, a second worm already defeated left a roll of meat behind</i></td></tr>
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The fourth floor's main hallway lead directly to the stairs down to the fifth, but I thought it best to explore the side passage that branched into four large rooms. The first room I entered had an invisible field that teleported the party back without any indication, making the room seem larger than it was. To detect it I threw something ahead, and had it hit me from behind. I found a notch in the wall that when pushed enabled a single path through the room. There were a lot items beyond, but nothing that seemed necessary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QtuncVepbs5XTR3jV4VSekfBL2ReFbkTAcC2ntzWnoyUaqAtWx6UVxm6JqFbIJMiHRJM-af3h7TiqDP4i-R2FlmjKROIgVcAycb0K_wJtDbffn_-KnPJasXT2pd4dEo_-wGl5Yhxa7eN/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QtuncVepbs5XTR3jV4VSekfBL2ReFbkTAcC2ntzWnoyUaqAtWx6UVxm6JqFbIJMiHRJM-af3h7TiqDP4i-R2FlmjKROIgVcAycb0K_wJtDbffn_-KnPJasXT2pd4dEo_-wGl5Yhxa7eN/s320/Image_150118_191138_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These notches aren't hard to miss as they stand out from the normal texture</i></td></tr>
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The second room had some amulets, a gem, and a few more notches that opened different walls. In the end though, I didn't understand what the final notch might have opened. The third and fourth I put off until later as one had a teleport maze I wasn't keen on mapping, and the other had a pit trap puzzle. Pits have two varieties, both damage the party, but they can push the party back a space, or drop the party down a floor. The fifth floor has the most riddles to solve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVsGgzWxaCJahqvlGEDnU5tA3aU9bdeytt0pa72Lo-Na7zAV30TJg6-yEceedxDRisUt4DeEX4QoQaa7AtXOIM8C8rBr88E31TTqA6zj9ftZotpCAjQzpAius-DXE6ILJSFn9Wb0FHdFa/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVsGgzWxaCJahqvlGEDnU5tA3aU9bdeytt0pa72Lo-Na7zAV30TJg6-yEceedxDRisUt4DeEX4QoQaa7AtXOIM8C8rBr88E31TTqA6zj9ftZotpCAjQzpAius-DXE6ILJSFn9Wb0FHdFa/s320/Image_150118_191138_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the more clever riddles in the starting room</i></td></tr>
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The first room contained four riddles and four alcoves to place an item answering the riddle:<br />
<ul>
<li>I am all; I am none (<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: white;">Mirror</span> </span>)</li>
<li>Golden head and tail, but no body (<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: white;">Gold Coin</span> </span>)</li>
<li>I arch yet have no back (<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: white;">Bow</span> </span>)</li>
<li>Hard as rock; blue as sky; twinkle in womans eye (<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: white;">Blue Gem</span> </span>)</li>
</ul>
The only way to progress further is to place the items for each answer. They can be retrieved once the door has opened. Following this was a combination puzzle with four notches, and no obvious hint I could find to the answer. I brute forced it and found a key that allowed me to move on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1mfT7U-kxmOnu3n0ctmRdNagz57NgUlDP7zyTmP3i5jvEp5F2VqgVLjAfGJV8svdcJ6ofnBaCB5hZSzgyndGbVK8WGOv9U8ewZOTtSi1lDS8AMiCFPXFAP8mJDeSE9JgPATp3-PW7B5V/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1mfT7U-kxmOnu3n0ctmRdNagz57NgUlDP7zyTmP3i5jvEp5F2VqgVLjAfGJV8svdcJ6ofnBaCB5hZSzgyndGbVK8WGOv9U8ewZOTtSi1lDS8AMiCFPXFAP8mJDeSE9JgPATp3-PW7B5V/s320/Image_150118_191138_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Right before the stairs down to the sixth floor is the second revive alcove</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before moving on I decided it was best to return to the two rooms on level four. The pit maze provided a shield, and the teleport maze had a dart in the maze as well as a store room on the other side with some additional items (another blue gem, more darts, and a poison potion bomb). The sixth floor is locked down, and I don't have access to it yet. I collected a Ra key earlier, which opened one lock, but there were multiple of these to access the Tomb of the Firestaff.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_olwUWGVIze6sc6G0687eO2MYLmseWCiK7FYibTP6Wn6LP-H2qgVVc6FbY0qpedzI1hzOnRJ7g_x3DeX55HRlro8v56EkFWxdl-mkplVAQqhMrzJR-SZ5JjtA97k-9ovp_CiVwioXk5QD/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_olwUWGVIze6sc6G0687eO2MYLmseWCiK7FYibTP6Wn6LP-H2qgVVc6FbY0qpedzI1hzOnRJ7g_x3DeX55HRlro8v56EkFWxdl-mkplVAQqhMrzJR-SZ5JjtA97k-9ovp_CiVwioXk5QD/s320/Image_150118_191138_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A new enemy type introduced on the 7th floor was immune to physical attacks</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The seventh floor is filled with wraiths that require non-material attacks. A spell exists for that, but the Vorpal Sword I found earlier can unlock an attack called disrupt that destroys them in one hit. The floor is filled with teleport squares, and fireballs flying through them. Turning off the fireball mechanism makes the floor much safer to navigate. There are some pits that lead to treasures not otherwise accessible. Many hidden passages here hide some nice loot as well. Another enemy here steals items from the party's inventory, and runs away laughing. Luckily they drop everything when they die, but they can even steal a sword someone is currently holding.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN97pjH6WgItH9ufKtpPfjwtPWeV78UBd1t_wSZX32izRr7GMdCeKTJdYxgnv1FjRYh5KUPghaU1YJWMwiNsvnMlUJ62LIowsw_CwNZcNoeFjuG1AVsYR6TSg-1K8VtzPGCue9xFfjW72/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN97pjH6WgItH9ufKtpPfjwtPWeV78UBd1t_wSZX32izRr7GMdCeKTJdYxgnv1FjRYh5KUPghaU1YJWMwiNsvnMlUJ62LIowsw_CwNZcNoeFjuG1AVsYR6TSg-1K8VtzPGCue9xFfjW72/s320/Image_150118_191138_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The most annoying enemy to kill, they're fast little buggers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The eighth floor starts with a strange riddle, a message on a wall that asks "when is rock not rock," which meant one of the nearby walls wasn't a wall. Walking into walls does some slight damage, so I opted to throw things at every wall. New strange monsters were introduced; they were tough, but didn't have any unusual attacks. There weren't many new puzzles: some dodging fireballs, some finding the correct switches to progress, and accessing one section by placing in an alcove a strange mineral weighing nothing where I found the stairs down to the ninth floor. Items can be checked by using them on an eye of a character.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDG_LvR0n0Bd_P2mDpClfRaT-aqdKNsG1eIHE6C99i6uM7HQnWapvQ9PFNhQu0cmqO-N-2CH9CJvLEba391N1DTAVLsMvkZqH2Csfc9LslflLnU0y1IB9PlexPtrJYj1W7d1gGp3T-Vp/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSDG_LvR0n0Bd_P2mDpClfRaT-aqdKNsG1eIHE6C99i6uM7HQnWapvQ9PFNhQu0cmqO-N-2CH9CJvLEba391N1DTAVLsMvkZqH2Csfc9LslflLnU0y1IB9PlexPtrJYj1W7d1gGp3T-Vp/s320/Image_150118_191138_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes equipment turns red; not sure what it means, but it goes away after healing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ninth floor has a symmetrical layout that requires me to choose one path over another until I reach the point where they converge. I then went back and explored the second half. I found another key of Ra, and return to the sixth where I found I needed at least a third key. I felt like the end of the game was nearing, although I'm not quite sure how deep the dungeon goes. Unfortunately I never did find another stairway down.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP8d8V0AlOSq-ANnZ9zWEZX4MDYOoz9tIDCWcapXd2m7dU9GIJaNocQfhj8DxXqdEjDMrfc0ilrSZA8jtW1kGi0gOkAp3DwmNNC_8DoSu_-LxVkwh8vfbXjnkWCzWlW40fT29Zuvpppeb/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP8d8V0AlOSq-ANnZ9zWEZX4MDYOoz9tIDCWcapXd2m7dU9GIJaNocQfhj8DxXqdEjDMrfc0ilrSZA8jtW1kGi0gOkAp3DwmNNC_8DoSu_-LxVkwh8vfbXjnkWCzWlW40fT29Zuvpppeb/s320/Image_150118_191138_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Something you never want to see, especially after experiencing a glitch</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I was making my way through enemies as always. One the thieving enemies stole many items from my inventory as I beat it down. It finally died, dropped everything, and as I picked up a drumstick with a chest open in my inventory, this happens:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7WAjh0EIMjhbTixFSH3gH5a0q8_Ok1b4dwMpCto2LlCMetir-lT0_hUrC1jP7xgsq4zmxOuwwqO-Qg8qZGou1DVixPh1vLhPxnTT74z3Td9oLS9qT_MmE0zYLjDH82jHu73jx43rjudE/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7WAjh0EIMjhbTixFSH3gH5a0q8_Ok1b4dwMpCto2LlCMetir-lT0_hUrC1jP7xgsq4zmxOuwwqO-Qg8qZGou1DVixPh1vLhPxnTT74z3Td9oLS9qT_MmE0zYLjDH82jHu73jx43rjudE/s320/Image_150118_191138_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First sign there might be a problem is that the drumstick seems to be hovering over the sleep button</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOzd5gl3ay17Ig4LieFuALcnEqnp6ykLI-K1odsOFze7QFyHG52WuAIw9vV_8AakWbWbIbv3xkv2FmS2l3KlKyxPGkvMdNx9EH6ocPIYfNU4QOjkT6tEUyHMsrSo-RsI_fnCmho9D3c7W/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00024.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOzd5gl3ay17Ig4LieFuALcnEqnp6ykLI-K1odsOFze7QFyHG52WuAIw9vV_8AakWbWbIbv3xkv2FmS2l3KlKyxPGkvMdNx9EH6ocPIYfNU4QOjkT6tEUyHMsrSo-RsI_fnCmho9D3c7W/s320/Image_150118_191138_00024.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wait... what's that other drumstick doing there? Did my eyes and mouth just turn into drumsticks?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oBrAotZ16ZtDousLsegSaqH2rRPADQNutEEYLbIpD3bGpI-q8ssWTSPC3pgdrw80OEecAWCIfE6PsZ8t_SMqk6HDYJA1VeCEtc4s3cu6EqgRvGSBY9W8Pik2muhOwXLDGaTK4NFLjZJy/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00025.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oBrAotZ16ZtDousLsegSaqH2rRPADQNutEEYLbIpD3bGpI-q8ssWTSPC3pgdrw80OEecAWCIfE6PsZ8t_SMqk6HDYJA1VeCEtc4s3cu6EqgRvGSBY9W8Pik2muhOwXLDGaTK4NFLjZJy/s320/Image_150118_191138_00025.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Everyone is a drumstick!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnGs9UOLNF3o4zc5ITmyxZxVXofxbqz3WsW5tiQUdmJC0TKxbEtrtaB21rGGmf1G0bfEDh8GwmLDWHDrSfk5IwrdJyZptceIqQJCEgwtdcCCX3YWMEf98TJB1NC-pbEPjszodYlSDqD2i/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00026.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnGs9UOLNF3o4zc5ITmyxZxVXofxbqz3WsW5tiQUdmJC0TKxbEtrtaB21rGGmf1G0bfEDh8GwmLDWHDrSfk5IwrdJyZptceIqQJCEgwtdcCCX3YWMEf98TJB1NC-pbEPjszodYlSDqD2i/s320/Image_150118_191138_00026.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No... no</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TJ-_FsbauW2QOn6PbnXd83Xc8RpWn4DVppDPKDD6RKYo73Oc3v8SZ5Fh2eQT_xeFqz0ZeNbuXs5_49AdS-XWr1pr3xfmXr0vjGeikyExsawGVS9fNNBkhabjiVF7NTt0-vZG02RSRJVI/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00027.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TJ-_FsbauW2QOn6PbnXd83Xc8RpWn4DVppDPKDD6RKYo73Oc3v8SZ5Fh2eQT_xeFqz0ZeNbuXs5_49AdS-XWr1pr3xfmXr0vjGeikyExsawGVS9fNNBkhabjiVF7NTt0-vZG02RSRJVI/s320/Image_150118_191138_00027.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Please no</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq5o1seWeb2H7fzJVnfK947IRR9t1vXP8O923fBLaRmfRiVW958SKmIXVqPlZVVXx8vwvvXxFRbGq_xPEPDMGef1T-3mWtdo3BAOoBIy1VCKwzLcRmIyGSHQks0dBzpoWZm2ZHDORH4So/s1600/Image_150118_191138_00029.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq5o1seWeb2H7fzJVnfK947IRR9t1vXP8O923fBLaRmfRiVW958SKmIXVqPlZVVXx8vwvvXxFRbGq_xPEPDMGef1T-3mWtdo3BAOoBIy1VCKwzLcRmIyGSHQks0dBzpoWZm2ZHDORH4So/s320/Image_150118_191138_00029.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Drumstick...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that's where my game progress has been sitting for two months. Back to square one. Well, not quite since I have my maps, but I've put in five more hours and only have just reached the fourth floor. It's not a hard game, but it's going to take at least another five to recover all that progress all while the idea of a game ending glitch looms over my head as a possibility. I'm hoping if I avoid switching into my inventory with an open chest it'll help, but I'm unsure how it happened in the first place.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 18<b>h</b>38<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 18<b>h</b>38<b>m</b>)Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-73973337480079701312017-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:002017-10-15T11:14:10.280-07:00Below the Cut: Dungeon Explorer II (TurboGrafx-CD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwxpRLgw2tNtx76S4V0wRkC4b0KiMuEgXim7MTTmfosSiJyZaRc9n9FvcDWzgEvZRuMjiK7diju_CA-B0ZcUu3mMzHDBOI-kTDiBs4k-5iL46CctbHfwVyfMBIve8ygr7AeeGb-UGaS_w/s1600/tg16_dungeonexplorer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwxpRLgw2tNtx76S4V0wRkC4b0KiMuEgXim7MTTmfosSiJyZaRc9n9FvcDWzgEvZRuMjiK7diju_CA-B0ZcUu3mMzHDBOI-kTDiBs4k-5iL46CctbHfwVyfMBIve8ygr7AeeGb-UGaS_w/s1600/tg16_dungeonexplorer2.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><u>Dungeon Explorer II</u> </b>- Rating(<b>8</b> RPP)<br />
1) 2 - <u>Character Advancement</u>: <strike>practice/experience based advancement</strike>, stat or level
increases, multiple classes or
characters, <strike>customize characters</strike><br />
2) 3 - <u>Combat</u>: character stats used for combat, additional combat options, <strike>turn based</strike><br />
3) 0 - <u>Items and Equipment</u>: <strike>store to buy and sell</strike>, <strike>equipment decisions, item decisions</strike><br />
4) 2 - <u>Story</u>: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; <strike>descriptions for objects, people, and places</strike><br />
5) 1 - <u>Exploration</u>: open world from the beginning, <strike>visited locations remain open</strike><br />
6) 0 - <u>Quests and Puzzles</u>: <strike>side quests not related to the main quest</strike>, <strike>puzzles and riddles to solve</strike><br />
<br />
I actually played through the first game before realizing it wasn't quite up to muster as an RPG. Here I'm cutting this one down as there isn't much difference between the two. Rather than repeat myself, go read up on the first game, and <a href="http://allconsolerpgs.blogspot.com/2012/03/game-6-dungeon-explorer-tg-16-cut-and.html">the bit I played through</a>. Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-8182098178393755202017-10-05T23:20:00.002-07:002017-10-05T23:20:59.307-07:00Game #72: Ninja Boy 2 (Game Boy) - Ninjas vs. Pirates, In Space! (Finished)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhk13o4oOIpMMqIqmrkVBHjfwuR1gnBwngGPtIRJ5OZ1-uA8K727zhow0wAsFLGupi82hr2XIGAOe28qyAOhYO8M8eS4vbB9skfAoxIC-ILu6Djb952l6dA2MIph8U1WVLYcHLKy3xvLC/s1600/Image_020117_124107_00051.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhk13o4oOIpMMqIqmrkVBHjfwuR1gnBwngGPtIRJ5OZ1-uA8K727zhow0wAsFLGupi82hr2XIGAOe28qyAOhYO8M8eS4vbB9skfAoxIC-ILu6Djb952l6dA2MIph8U1WVLYcHLKy3xvLC/s320/Image_020117_124107_00051.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I had planned to use this color palette, <br />but forgot when it came time to play</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Game 72</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Ninja Boy 2</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>April 1993 (November 1991 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>Game Boy</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Culture Brain</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Culture Brain</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>Action RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Action (turn-based bosses)</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Super Chinese (Japanese name)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTNFC8822yISG1n-f3YjsOStTtPcdys5LNo79TeEL3bGzl7AYKaIFA18auQHbKwcwWpq5bay_zkH5xzPzMYEoP3CeUJVmgBcSEUjpvImwoHwFC_3N6ZT_xud_g9zhEqPf4V0RpqbdT5yK/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTNFC8822yISG1n-f3YjsOStTtPcdys5LNo79TeEL3bGzl7AYKaIFA18auQHbKwcwWpq5bay_zkH5xzPzMYEoP3CeUJVmgBcSEUjpvImwoHwFC_3N6ZT_xud_g9zhEqPf4V0RpqbdT5yK/s320/Image_270817_095855_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So, we're stuck with the default colors of the Game Boy Player</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Released as the second action RPG of the series in Japan, from all I can tell the localization on this made it the third in the US. Even so, it's difficult to place them along a timeline. There's no indication other than the NES title being the first. The story began after the boys have been away from Chinaland for a few months. On board their starship with their friends, they were attacked and need to abandon ship.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYVqmIPAa_sGbQl-7Pij0mbtjzpqopkQ5QVZvGUz_X1nBUvoZwTpu0JnCWKtbO7Krm_b8-M0SDbmr079OPDAJrw9-vioNths4KSYYNDcDpRvVFu3MgR50nUPKjT6WqV2HSHV52dVPmenk/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYVqmIPAa_sGbQl-7Pij0mbtjzpqopkQ5QVZvGUz_X1nBUvoZwTpu0JnCWKtbO7Krm_b8-M0SDbmr079OPDAJrw9-vioNths4KSYYNDcDpRvVFu3MgR50nUPKjT6WqV2HSHV52dVPmenk/s320/Image_270817_095855_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't remember them going off to travel in space</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Warriors of the Galaxy attacked the ship. Jack and Ryu escaped in a life pod that crash landed on an unfamiliar planet. All of their friends missing, assumed dispersed around the galaxy, Jack and Ryu set off to find them. They also took some time to blame the Galands for their current situation. Prior to starting the game, there's a difficulty option of normal (default), easy, and hard. Whenever I start a new game, I usually go for the default option unless I know that'll prove too simple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72rYjElf8I2l1jZYJ_GAWnwckcOnrsto3cMt_ATsa6cMzSPKnrui9npqwjUTQvgGZwJFmqevUJKsyNCtY3aolRX2sfSATQCxgP4FEDz8hyb2PV3da5mJhucVISNPKAmWozY5wWNGSX5HN/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72rYjElf8I2l1jZYJ_GAWnwckcOnrsto3cMt_ATsa6cMzSPKnrui9npqwjUTQvgGZwJFmqevUJKsyNCtY3aolRX2sfSATQCxgP4FEDz8hyb2PV3da5mJhucVISNPKAmWozY5wWNGSX5HN/s320/Image_270817_095855_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Strangely without gear, and luckily a small amount of gold, I made my way to the first town of Sandstar. All of the parents were kidnapped by the Galands to work in Egymid, the capital city.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpoC64hDPI2qQ8dbO5ljnhjfBarbbAbJGp5PT77UjoROawhHoNUzwUbQ_Pv83ls-LpoqHvk9PYWXZN8zfqD2l0XwpANMfMEc7uZUa7OMGVC_KtWLw-HeOYvuJMSHqkhL-fxCWHgeyvI9K/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00024.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpoC64hDPI2qQ8dbO5ljnhjfBarbbAbJGp5PT77UjoROawhHoNUzwUbQ_Pv83ls-LpoqHvk9PYWXZN8zfqD2l0XwpANMfMEc7uZUa7OMGVC_KtWLw-HeOYvuJMSHqkhL-fxCWHgeyvI9K/s320/Image_270817_095855_00024.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some blatant advertisement</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjkt6lVfDAKFlWDhA3kcE8BgBfygo59wjbitsWADrNyEsdZsEajXsRS21VtNJN5jMyooBPOyTjWDAoL2DAPjVAvWyD3k1kermPuk3uwALV1JBvzvdswumz4BJkBf83thI-4OCi4S8jpwE/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00025.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjkt6lVfDAKFlWDhA3kcE8BgBfygo59wjbitsWADrNyEsdZsEajXsRS21VtNJN5jMyooBPOyTjWDAoL2DAPjVAvWyD3k1kermPuk3uwALV1JBvzvdswumz4BJkBf83thI-4OCi4S8jpwE/s320/Image_270817_095855_00025.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>and additional marketing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This game follows Super Ninja Boy in nearly every mechanical way. Random battles pepper dungeons and overworld exploration. These battles are all action based where Jack (or Ryu) can punch, jump, and even swing a sword once one is acquired. There are no more than two enemies spawned at a time, and each battle ends as soon as a set number are defeated. Throughout the adventure they collect different kinds of magic throwing stars and other abilities that consume ninja power (NP).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qt_sxn-cM85xD-VKSKtZ8pa68ArSlRWhGnsNKlcouTbg7yIBBl3C7djLsE6e_lUuncPAojo-YT2ZAW_25V0KstOYtDhM59MfrrsAyEl6IM5tPEICkK6n8BZY5zEbMmr8NYeF7wNpk-Pc/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00028.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qt_sxn-cM85xD-VKSKtZ8pa68ArSlRWhGnsNKlcouTbg7yIBBl3C7djLsE6e_lUuncPAojo-YT2ZAW_25V0KstOYtDhM59MfrrsAyEl6IM5tPEICkK6n8BZY5zEbMmr8NYeF7wNpk-Pc/s320/Image_270817_095855_00028.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some special NPCs have a close-up view when speaking</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The escape-leaf magic helped to cut down on the number of random encounters when I failed to flee, and there were many. The encounter rate is a bit high, and after the first dungeon my standard response was to run, fight when I couldn't, and use the escape leaf when winning wasn't worth it. I met with a resistance movement (there always seems to be one, and always open to new membership). They provided a bomb that I used to open up the tomb where the Libra Ring rested, the first of seven treasures (to collect and hand over to the big bad guy eventually I'm sure).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzI9ojpI7LTROjqfEsyKYx5Fx0XDUBvacK24gClfJCYbig7Oe2aVFRCf2CwKt-7ZbEFSsorudwhqxU7IcxtsSThT5MkkzT2V1adX4s64p-bQnUHY9MHK0MCBDDN07Vy5YRX56gti1IBFu/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00029.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzI9ojpI7LTROjqfEsyKYx5Fx0XDUBvacK24gClfJCYbig7Oe2aVFRCf2CwKt-7ZbEFSsorudwhqxU7IcxtsSThT5MkkzT2V1adX4s64p-bQnUHY9MHK0MCBDDN07Vy5YRX56gti1IBFu/s320/Image_270817_095855_00029.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some indication of the timeline -- Blu Boltar makes an appearance as leader of the resistance and references the battle in Chinaland</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I rented a camel, and made my way west to a warp zone that had just been repaired. The next area was Dinostar, which had its own issues. It was on this trip that I realized I picked up the Vitalizer magic that restores HP, but I'm not sure when or where. In the capital city, White Castle, I met Ragyu who gave me a Bonzebot. This along with the capsules purchased at the store remain a mystery--whenever I tried to use them I received a message saying it wasn't the time to do that. Emperor Tyranno directed me south to retrieve the Orion Ring from Sanjo Castle; strangely it lacked a boss fight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh067g0wPEdBsWoKcBhdeFKK-hlfErH1EKxHf5bn-JRst_6wfIMYgUnuiAUG_30rEcuvGM8i7jCl4HxEoJ4SZRNtgx4uR3zXXZND8wwQiTy0dLZBvz7z3Wt_2sbbC1z-XRb9V9vBOeg5Hh-/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00033.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh067g0wPEdBsWoKcBhdeFKK-hlfErH1EKxHf5bn-JRst_6wfIMYgUnuiAUG_30rEcuvGM8i7jCl4HxEoJ4SZRNtgx4uR3zXXZND8wwQiTy0dLZBvz7z3Wt_2sbbC1z-XRb9V9vBOeg5Hh-/s320/Image_270817_095855_00033.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seriously, it was just sitting there behind a door</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
With the ring in hand, we had apparently defeated enough of the Galands to open up the interstellar train line that allowed the boys to reach Mecha Colony. This world was being forced to create weapons for the Gallands. Freeing them, and Dr. Justice, rewarded Jack and Ryu with a spaceship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr_QVYn3a5XQ1lEsrj0I-8r4o6Ga8yQrGZhOV-OjR3AEJx2xt-i1bW4R4tMzVnMouXz8xoWXJox4U0tZDJY8qhU0JKAowlo0lXPDg9stEMjqRyvDfdVzcBophN7QlKOxW9x_okInrtBNA/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00040.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr_QVYn3a5XQ1lEsrj0I-8r4o6Ga8yQrGZhOV-OjR3AEJx2xt-i1bW4R4tMzVnMouXz8xoWXJox4U0tZDJY8qhU0JKAowlo0lXPDg9stEMjqRyvDfdVzcBophN7QlKOxW9x_okInrtBNA/s320/Image_270817_095855_00040.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Translation errors are always fun to point out, but I can't be too choosy about space transportation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every town has an inn where it's free to rest, an item shop to purchase healing items and equipment, and a convenience store to find out the password and switch to two-player mode. The NPCs there offer a nice variety of hints and levity. Most have a building where the more important plot triggering characters reside. Dr. Justice took up residence in one of those while the party ventured further to destroy the Dreadstar weapon, and retrieved the Aries Ring (again without a boss fight).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB7B-ODLmvjdLjfC5fcOS8s_nG3zir6aCnuYnOUvY7h9917-5VYmzyu2dnDejbioCH6Nlk5V1JrJucflSq0nibe2Tyn_8h8fskGvxyo5xASr7mIulVQ3Ow8i4bF9PhrGgjVzF6tyCH-8f/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00039.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB7B-ODLmvjdLjfC5fcOS8s_nG3zir6aCnuYnOUvY7h9917-5VYmzyu2dnDejbioCH6Nlk5V1JrJucflSq0nibe2Tyn_8h8fskGvxyo5xASr7mIulVQ3Ow8i4bF9PhrGgjVzF6tyCH-8f/s320/Image_270817_095855_00039.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In a few dungeons the battles occur in tight corridors</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next planet (which is a bit of misnomer, as the view from my spaceboat shows them as disc shaped) was Fantaland. There I learned the secret to riding dragons from a dragon knight, and faced off against the evil Robo Doc. Only the second boss (although fourth treasure), and I hit a wall. Apparently I had been escaping from a bit too many battles, as I found myself under-leveled. Dying is a small set back of half gold and reviving at the last convenience store. With no other options to explore, I needed to grind. One battle in particular helped offset my experience deficit. The normal enemies in this encounter were slow, and shot fire, but if I waited long enough a dragon appeared worth 6 times as much experience as the entire battle would normally award. They also didn't count towards the kill total, so I could consistently grind on them alone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzr9OXjxzs3NPvWLliPmYXDG0yBFxXYco-8Cvhh59xeN9fj47_BTycJx3M2p3QzbFdzIY8UAOPxXBv9s5dbHHAVYbxIOWH1Tg0FodFpq06T1VjTyn9PJtFwX0GiqllUeDr6mrAaE92kfi/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00042.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzr9OXjxzs3NPvWLliPmYXDG0yBFxXYco-8Cvhh59xeN9fj47_BTycJx3M2p3QzbFdzIY8UAOPxXBv9s5dbHHAVYbxIOWH1Tg0FodFpq06T1VjTyn9PJtFwX0GiqllUeDr6mrAaE92kfi/s320/Image_270817_095855_00042.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Capable of doing half current health, and going first is a bad combination</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With just two more levels ahead of that first loss, the defense boost reduced the damage by 1/3. Such a dramatic change was unexpected, and the battle at that point was like all previous ones, easy. Boss combat is much different from the action battles. I get to choose Jack's actions, and Ryu randomly selects from bout or sword strikes (had I a second player connected with the Game Boy Link Cable, we could use that ninja power pool that goes to waste). Bout randomly punches, jumps, or kicks. Kicks tend to be weaker, while jumps and punches cause about as much as sword strikes. Sword use is hidden under Items, and with 6 M bubbles collected during normal battles I can summon the Might Ball under Magic, which is disappointing in this game. I'm not even sure what the Run command would do, I never attempted it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4My8Aeqx1qGTsoFQbG5g7t21kh9shS4IUHVgfKDjzMBJJMKF1u-0v1u3a70C76aueBJ8zruWISpBf3xDKdt9GbL1GWr_U7hrxpjqix0ANzC51VLms4e03s2xn_gqvTaz-PZXT8HmLI6Q/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00057.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4My8Aeqx1qGTsoFQbG5g7t21kh9shS4IUHVgfKDjzMBJJMKF1u-0v1u3a70C76aueBJ8zruWISpBf3xDKdt9GbL1GWr_U7hrxpjqix0ANzC51VLms4e03s2xn_gqvTaz-PZXT8HmLI6Q/s320/Image_270817_095855_00057.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Robo Doc enters his second form, which acts exactly like the first form</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Magic might be a bit more interesting if it weren't too costly except for the healing spell. Defeating Robo Doc rewarded us with an antidote, which I used on the kingdom to restore their sanity. The princess rewarded the party with the Virgo Ring. The king allowed us passage to Wood Planet. It makes me wonder what prevented me from it at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxJIdsgRYZwD4V8w4mgAQCXUb_H8pbGaKXmlwp9_G1JO5CbVf2iNYhecbbGT25tS6QCdDPCBaY2jfclbuQRelxZ7szZM091nhX1z1VjulVcBW2UUCgi5fZ4GEc0XoYBm0W_wZxOA7HFR3/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00060.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxJIdsgRYZwD4V8w4mgAQCXUb_H8pbGaKXmlwp9_G1JO5CbVf2iNYhecbbGT25tS6QCdDPCBaY2jfclbuQRelxZ7szZM091nhX1z1VjulVcBW2UUCgi5fZ4GEc0XoYBm0W_wZxOA7HFR3/s320/Image_270817_095855_00060.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Traveling to the "planet" Wood</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The main town on Wood was Beatle, and I expecting some kind of Ringo joke, but I think it actually might have just been a spelling mistake. I picked up Magidoor (exit dungeon) and Magiport (warp to last starport) spells, which made backtracking on a single planet much quicker. Wood had an impossible forest maze that required a guide. The current guide had grown too old to travel, so I received an egg of a creature that could show me the way. We hatched it thanks to Dr. Justice's incubator, and it showed us through the forest in a short cutscene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8gPhfHyd-lb5-kP1rxKxM7nSe-s5De7Yj7-DljUXkk6qgPyl0o05WlRI9E1_gNtlDmix1QfHEvlAEtsnveTEVtHgljXYUUAuCe7ejM5e0Fhv2w9UPIIcZbRz27m07u3y03ki3tDy91F/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00062.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8gPhfHyd-lb5-kP1rxKxM7nSe-s5De7Yj7-DljUXkk6qgPyl0o05WlRI9E1_gNtlDmix1QfHEvlAEtsnveTEVtHgljXYUUAuCe7ejM5e0Fhv2w9UPIIcZbRz27m07u3y03ki3tDy91F/s320/Image_270817_095855_00062.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The magic password for getting through the lost forest</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the other side, we contended with the Galands that had taken up residence within King Wood, a giant tree. We received the Capri Ring, and nothing else. This time, strangely, there was no direction to the next location. It was simple enough to find, as I traveled the mostly linear space path to find planet Water World. Flotown is an underwater town that required I visit Dr. Justice once more for a submarine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSezvpgKcrrkedoP9o0e6BBC67GcIHsAqvvOXwJYpLfJHzvJpcpvZdn1C-3WhI8y7EO5Kgi5cu7wk2rhr0MCDYSj9nQn8ONGhHh4KeTMtnNTHjAr9gkOmeAs9KnMVhhV6Cvxqf6NLEPh/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00063.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSezvpgKcrrkedoP9o0e6BBC67GcIHsAqvvOXwJYpLfJHzvJpcpvZdn1C-3WhI8y7EO5Kgi5cu7wk2rhr0MCDYSj9nQn8ONGhHh4KeTMtnNTHjAr9gkOmeAs9KnMVhhV6Cvxqf6NLEPh/s320/Image_270817_095855_00063.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There is also the only gambling establishment in the game, but I was never hurting for money</i></td></tr>
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The game dumped a bit more plot than normal as it told me of Fort Mars where another resistance movement, led by someone named Sanada, was battling against Ninja Master Puma with the stealth six. This has nothing to do with the current planet. To get the Quasi Ring I had to visit a fortune teller in order to learn I had to backtrack to Dinostar to get Ragyu, return to King Wood for some reason, and finally plug the hole on Water World that's slowly draining the water. Why are the Galands doing this? It's never discussed; they're just bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-1k0gFuPq0S2uhjgeeK_YpDEnCz7gyd6HWU1thP7A1sCxC7jOiGqkOUlcdSQ4BRnxtND5no6MqUpRTummSetshGTsruhJyzDkGN2CR2t3DYpbtwWTBCmslhyphenhyphen2vLwIiFuzBgTNq9aU8xp/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00068.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-1k0gFuPq0S2uhjgeeK_YpDEnCz7gyd6HWU1thP7A1sCxC7jOiGqkOUlcdSQ4BRnxtND5no6MqUpRTummSetshGTsruhJyzDkGN2CR2t3DYpbtwWTBCmslhyphenhyphen2vLwIiFuzBgTNq9aU8xp/s320/Image_270817_095855_00068.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>She also gave me the errand bot, which gave me access to purchase healing items from anywhere</i></td></tr>
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Ragyu helped pull out a cork tree, and plugged the hole with it. Someone in town passed on the Quasi Ring as a reward. The fortune teller congratulated me, but didn't walk me through the rest of the game. So, I headed further along the path to find Fort Mars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HS7yGMbpQ2MqU97TKlHkPvPN3mezsszFnvsx1LZRaF23qz4ErH2XG3-XSiIGk8NJletn5i-J9L2GZYW_lPYiEPAbiDZWa2TBJAq8B0LV5o-wnn2RzfaLRqbv9FjNg1IzDepS_o3fTlYK/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00070.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HS7yGMbpQ2MqU97TKlHkPvPN3mezsszFnvsx1LZRaF23qz4ErH2XG3-XSiIGk8NJletn5i-J9L2GZYW_lPYiEPAbiDZWa2TBJAq8B0LV5o-wnn2RzfaLRqbv9FjNg1IzDepS_o3fTlYK/s320/Image_270817_095855_00070.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nearly caught up in the battle -- I wasn't hit, so I'm not sure what happens; maybe I should experiment a bit more for this blog</i></td></tr>
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The solar cannon firing from Fort Mars once again required me to consult Dr. Justice for the solution. Outfitting the spaceboat with a radar deflecting material prevented the cannon from firing. I'm not sure how I feel about the short back and forth "quests" involving Dr. Justice, which don't require anything more than visiting him. At least they're short, but at the same time he acts as a Dues Ex Machina with all the answers, stepping in to solve nearly every obstacle by his mere presence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBNOUK7rSkVLE113D7rMPn2mfo-ziZH1sOIk799PwCTfkOrWkHJGcsHHCuNI7Cp5Gu0gIMO4z-J9uAwdOQ7vhaDxgg4ErEhYF6g9EKmOexPpCernJZdE2p1r1As75qfcEabmmSveY-CJk/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00072.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBNOUK7rSkVLE113D7rMPn2mfo-ziZH1sOIk799PwCTfkOrWkHJGcsHHCuNI7Cp5Gu0gIMO4z-J9uAwdOQ7vhaDxgg4ErEhYF6g9EKmOexPpCernJZdE2p1r1As75qfcEabmmSveY-CJk/s320/Image_270817_095855_00072.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I found a shrine in the bottom left corner, and it's apparently somewhere I have to visit later</i></td></tr>
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With a short trip to Dr. Justice out of the way, we're back in the game fighting our way through the Stealth Six. This set of six bosses (all action based) are some of the hardest or longest fought battles. Luckily they don't have to be defeated back-to-back. At end of the spiral space station we destroyed the solar cannon, and retrieved the Leo Ring. We tracked Puma to the King's Planet, which I missed somehow on my first pass of the surrounding area of Fort Mars. Upon entering the prince's hut in Bunnme on King's Planet we found Puma holding him hostage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGooHo873OyCgaG5kZqKxO6nOcdYYvqN7paUq62QB0Jtr1hJpFnThKVFzLDeoQ4ghAZPMK57Alrapg4taYOkEfnx8cqs845egoghKLr8x5I2RaBXAYR_sBIdtAeHHQ5O-Yn1oZ93cTW90/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGooHo873OyCgaG5kZqKxO6nOcdYYvqN7paUq62QB0Jtr1hJpFnThKVFzLDeoQ4ghAZPMK57Alrapg4taYOkEfnx8cqs845egoghKLr8x5I2RaBXAYR_sBIdtAeHHQ5O-Yn1oZ93cTW90/s320/Image_021017_181842_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Guess what he wanted in exchange for the prince's safety</i></td></tr>
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He locked up Jack and Ryu before heading out with the treasures. A bunch of their friends showed up after an indeterminate amount of time to set them free, and move the story along with some additional plot. Apparently there's supposed to be a slate in that bottom left corner temple that details the whole point of the treasure: to control the stars. I returned to Dr. Justice to better understand what that meant, but he only gave me another flying machine capable of entering the sun. There I faced off against Puma in a real turn-based battle, and trounced him. With rings back in hand we could finally control the comet that allowed us to cross some space dust to the final battle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4qlbX6r-snDX2nrAyhPeFMNOOBE5l1UDbKfCEu-L_PZgY56v3kl4GxKgG0LbIRNVkYHfdxZUukGve3a6BedCS0B5VGQpfa9gm7KRNcBY0-b4bQdPudtFM2TnjW25MP-XSa1XQMGIwtor/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4qlbX6r-snDX2nrAyhPeFMNOOBE5l1UDbKfCEu-L_PZgY56v3kl4GxKgG0LbIRNVkYHfdxZUukGve3a6BedCS0B5VGQpfa9gm7KRNcBY0-b4bQdPudtFM2TnjW25MP-XSa1XQMGIwtor/s320/Image_021017_181842_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That is the Apollo Temple, and the comet I couldn't take control of until now</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All that remained was the final battle. The final dungeon didn't offer much challenge, but General Lion was something else. It all came down to getting lucky as even when I grinded a few levels I didn't seem to do any more damage or take any less. With some lucky shield placements, and a lot of dodging, I won. In the end, General Lion escaped, vowing he'll get us next time, and all the friends flew back to Chinaland as if this was just another wacky adventure where nothing actually mattered.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 8<b>h</b>14<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 8<b>h</b>14<b>m</b>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJxBaQ6uAa_GHIt-NY9OTOsaLFEgrrXdw8lE7N1ZucYvTBz4dHm9siyYv_8t6O7zO6JS1ZzZMRVHF5YmnkmgpR7VR2X1GowOLSXMSly_dVmXHLZi5slgoOW7lbs33ejLC8-iwTWvpK8B1/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJxBaQ6uAa_GHIt-NY9OTOsaLFEgrrXdw8lE7N1ZucYvTBz4dHm9siyYv_8t6O7zO6JS1ZzZMRVHF5YmnkmgpR7VR2X1GowOLSXMSly_dVmXHLZi5slgoOW7lbs33ejLC8-iwTWvpK8B1/s320/Image_021017_181842_00018.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't you mean spaceboat?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- Out of all the Ninja Boy/Chinaland games, the combat here is by far the most streamlined. It's challenging while not overwhelming so, with random battles' encounter rate on the high side, but enough options to escape that it's not terribly obtrusive. Rewards aren't well balanced; grinding later levels takes quite a while as the combats take much longer. The variety in enemies and their attack patterns keep combat fresh through most of the game. It's too bad many of the special attacks are worse than just using the sword, or don't function at all.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>6</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Tc-ahxIAJLZnyVZtWzFNPk2MsoGuquMWgIYcJeG-mytLC4FE1F5Q3GMfwpB9baDkPU8yDBg1iCOyuZ3Wc4GNb5HgSUQXibGowpqJ-oTouLottMf9oQNSqVFJcU-B6F-34DnC8qV6BKhi/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Tc-ahxIAJLZnyVZtWzFNPk2MsoGuquMWgIYcJeG-mytLC4FE1F5Q3GMfwpB9baDkPU8yDBg1iCOyuZ3Wc4GNb5HgSUQXibGowpqJ-oTouLottMf9oQNSqVFJcU-B6F-34DnC8qV6BKhi/s320/Image_021017_181842_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If only... this would be a couple hours shorter if that were the case</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- I doubt we'll ever see a Game Boy game where the player character changes in appearance or have much of any customization. Here there's none. It's always the same Jack and Ryu with the same abilities. In fact, it's actually only Jack since Ryu is only playable by a second player. The controls are solid throughout the whole game, without any slowdown during the active battles.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqLuMEhmCIWj0A2jE4U6Gzgz07hQvbPFu7G21CgY28PWbWgSh1uh2WpIO4H4qzxtWbBB_tJCBnJdK-HUg_Nesm5fuXfxrybBtOZ_S5r8bZXpEbLmPhDlGBrE7YvsQKapFwDdZdN2bw3Hv/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqLuMEhmCIWj0A2jE4U6Gzgz07hQvbPFu7G21CgY28PWbWgSh1uh2WpIO4H4qzxtWbBB_tJCBnJdK-HUg_Nesm5fuXfxrybBtOZ_S5r8bZXpEbLmPhDlGBrE7YvsQKapFwDdZdN2bw3Hv/s320/Image_021017_181842_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seems we have at least one admirer</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- The main quest is well laid out, but there's a definite lack of side quests. The mini-games are missing compared to past titles. There aren't any puzzles really. That one gambling game is rather useless as money is so generously rewarded.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>2</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINA_we47KQKESy5CgtTmAJxKT6-QarUIrm0PRbzDr6d4pPkklAuciTm-e-1ES_ImT4degFmiCNCy-t26vOVKvaXPEzIFfE0RA5dBnUfcqNv86da4_eYTxMSdPSlbYdVU4YdYBLDVt6HLu/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINA_we47KQKESy5CgtTmAJxKT6-QarUIrm0PRbzDr6d4pPkklAuciTm-e-1ES_ImT4degFmiCNCy-t26vOVKvaXPEzIFfE0RA5dBnUfcqNv86da4_eYTxMSdPSlbYdVU4YdYBLDVt6HLu/s320/Image_021017_181842_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Until next time...</i></td></tr>
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<b>Instigator </b>- The story is quirky and lighthearted. Plenty of on topic NPCs keep it moving. There aren't many descriptions or lore though, and most of the names are descriptive rather than speaking to some deep history. These really aren't deep games.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>2</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVOhoztwiV_fMixJumQNDzbpI_QCiPESXNwa85nOoANZH8MAGxKlGDNf-bqgaAA9Ab2tQXqzkeUN_d9x6MLhkIqnmZJTsc1ZkAwn58OOU_NFAGZSwqhYMp3oxkGIqNrm1XXs95w_sF2zY/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVOhoztwiV_fMixJumQNDzbpI_QCiPESXNwa85nOoANZH8MAGxKlGDNf-bqgaAA9Ab2tQXqzkeUN_d9x6MLhkIqnmZJTsc1ZkAwn58OOU_NFAGZSwqhYMp3oxkGIqNrm1XXs95w_sF2zY/s320/Image_021017_181842_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is confusing, do you mean I'll win again?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- Items available are either consumable or equipment to obsolete previous purchases. There's not a whole lot to find. Money isn't a problem; usually I purchased everything available upon entering a new town. I still don't know what the capsules are for, but I bought 8 of them just in case.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPCuu8iHMHnaHoTcH9Qd9YzVAUDFR5wDW1JfTrkWybQXy1lEMmkM-8ZyBdjKQoqM0mgMiVJACzyqK4r04wMph0MFoBZxVQyEp6yMwTr8JexOG_HrsCrRf7-j1Z1CmlHqzJiBr7lk70iAG/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPCuu8iHMHnaHoTcH9Qd9YzVAUDFR5wDW1JfTrkWybQXy1lEMmkM-8ZyBdjKQoqM0mgMiVJACzyqK4r04wMph0MFoBZxVQyEp6yMwTr8JexOG_HrsCrRf7-j1Z1CmlHqzJiBr7lk70iAG/s320/Image_021017_181842_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Credit where it's due</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- The area covered, with all planets, overworld, and dungeons, borders on the side of excessive. Each individual place doesn't feel too large, and most are linear. Every place found is used for the main quest though, so there's no reason to explore unless directed as there's nothing to find early or extra.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YgsVxHS_CP7rUI-9L5yoBqlaDMxcAQB9k1-C77uvMgry79IpTMT8ie_qkHHvxIAVesEzefaavTYDlxi0Hg3pO9A6sS7elx0ZJ5uEgGtjFtcEVD-0EjrMs1hp3QX0DWrAbsm3f_EzPUme/s1600/Image_021017_181842_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YgsVxHS_CP7rUI-9L5yoBqlaDMxcAQB9k1-C77uvMgry79IpTMT8ie_qkHHvxIAVesEzefaavTYDlxi0Hg3pO9A6sS7elx0ZJ5uEgGtjFtcEVD-0EjrMs1hp3QX0DWrAbsm3f_EzPUme/s320/Image_021017_181842_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Actually, with a team of six this game is a little more impressive</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>20</b> [33%]<br />
<br />
Tying with the previous title in the series is probably on point, although I had more fun with this. The battle system was a more fluid, but the story and puzzles suffered a bit. Some obvious places to put boss fights were left unfinished, and I'm not sure why so many rings were simply found at the end of dungeons. Overall it was fun, but it's nowhere near a standout title, and as the last Culture Brain RPG we'll see here it's unfortunate they didn't go out with more of a bang.<br />
<br />
Next up we'll see how Dungeon Explorer II doesn't add enough elements to trick me into playing it this time, followed by Dungeon Master. This'll be my first experience with the title, having played Eye of the Beholder some time ago as the only similar style of play. It'll be nice to get back into some graph paper mapping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SQDObA9_T5JyPw28472dB84OdcmmlNWvCN-Ebo5md0gShQWBjV7lj2Ga42md-wA95-x3tjZr0Tw_XzVntl0n_UwKJRHJBOljzNpKC7VAAiI8mIIWhw4fDMdYg3wZmL2HjTRJjY3jU8DP/s1600/Image_270817_095855_00071.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SQDObA9_T5JyPw28472dB84OdcmmlNWvCN-Ebo5md0gShQWBjV7lj2Ga42md-wA95-x3tjZr0Tw_XzVntl0n_UwKJRHJBOljzNpKC7VAAiI8mIIWhw4fDMdYg3wZmL2HjTRJjY3jU8DP/s320/Image_270817_095855_00071.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Until next post...</i></td></tr>
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Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-90159378606284900332017-08-14T08:47:00.000-07:002017-08-27T12:25:58.266-07:00Game #71: Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra (SNES) - A Game Unwinding (Finished)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9euBaSqaJYaJpYeI0n7ar8GMvLUCrvHWNWP5g6jwgIu8lMz5txz5u2pkNk6crnTF8LbBwnUvARh57UeAnTJFy_qEiGibpe9PKZEXt7k3hLzbZtrRqWIX8zMyTE6G-a_mf2CpZ6HayVqg/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00039.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9euBaSqaJYaJpYeI0n7ar8GMvLUCrvHWNWP5g6jwgIu8lMz5txz5u2pkNk6crnTF8LbBwnUvARh57UeAnTJFy_qEiGibpe9PKZEXt7k3hLzbZtrRqWIX8zMyTE6G-a_mf2CpZ6HayVqg/s320/Image_130817_124831_00039.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A final score is strange to see in an RPG, but I suppose this indicates what quests I've completed</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPAi7i3jEGUm8vuYTeWxZOCbDMpGVMtsvjaHaPGT-f5qm-G7FOHWqKxaR4OfSSgEdb7ZnQvaeNo0ZYayKf_jFd2GJYfukfSq1DQkQUfJBJsrJISyLQBeB_5ncYrxGiZlWfNxP_nVeGFAh/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPAi7i3jEGUm8vuYTeWxZOCbDMpGVMtsvjaHaPGT-f5qm-G7FOHWqKxaR4OfSSgEdb7ZnQvaeNo0ZYayKf_jFd2GJYfukfSq1DQkQUfJBJsrJISyLQBeB_5ncYrxGiZlWfNxP_nVeGFAh/s320/Image_130817_124831_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>KTOW? Anyone have any idea what this might do?</i></td></tr>
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It was difficult to gauge just how close to the end I was, and how difficult the final maps were going to be. Especially in a game like this where I expected I would need more pearls, a few more years to cure the loveless princess, and maybe even solve all the pyramids to unlock the fountain of youth. I first went to the Tomb of Terror, which was merely rooms filled with undead monsters. Luckily known of them aged my characters. Even the fight with the vampire king couldn't stand up to all the buffs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJBHDdGUgec1RkbbIdAvmXa3DSR2IWKbZ2W78mygeEUKGFlpHar-vAqf7Ief7P0f-TUs_Ajt1_Tk2gL83Eyyyg19NiFaR1FlQ8AQO00vxyq39pw_QNuJNM8kSOqQIIEmdiUFmJtGmbE5g/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJBHDdGUgec1RkbbIdAvmXa3DSR2IWKbZ2W78mygeEUKGFlpHar-vAqf7Ief7P0f-TUs_Ajt1_Tk2gL83Eyyyg19NiFaR1FlQ8AQO00vxyq39pw_QNuJNM8kSOqQIIEmdiUFmJtGmbE5g/s320/Image_130817_124831_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I guess I went through these dungeons in the wrong order -- I forgot to return after becoming an Ultimate Adventurer</i></td></tr>
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The Diabolical Maze was a bit tougher with minotaurs around nearly ever turn, although the buffs made even those battles a cake walk. Both dungeons allowed for teleport, so getting through them if you know exactly which squares to hit is rather quick. I picked up both hologram cards I was missing, and 6 orbs in total (the maze had 4). King Tumult provided the Blue Priorty Pass Card, and the title of Champion of Good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZQCuKwCoxUOGBNnvPgEkdpty718-QSzPIB1Qf4BsnjH-WmVHAalXz7xmMEJV7UUiIWvJ9KBOXnCAyqfx1GntqRalZZaaBp1QgJZuacpxMnctNYy4hiiXX9m4B4u-1Uv9cBSA9kb6KbQv/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZQCuKwCoxUOGBNnvPgEkdpty718-QSzPIB1Qf4BsnjH-WmVHAalXz7xmMEJV7UUiIWvJ9KBOXnCAyqfx1GntqRalZZaaBp1QgJZuacpxMnctNYy4hiiXX9m4B4u-1Uv9cBSA9kb6KbQv/s320/Image_130817_124831_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I guess this is just another level of access, but I was expecting a bit more to happen after I drank from it</i></td></tr>
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With that card in hand I went straight for the pyramid on Fire Isle. The only hazard to this area were the terminator enemies with seemingly only a single weakness: Implosion, which has a chance of doing 1000 damage. This led to a lot of party wipes if they happened to kill off my sorcerer. Through many reloads, I pushed forward, and finally stumbled upon Corak and Sheltem dueling. As I entered the area, Sheltem escaped as Corak was distracted by my presence. They both entered tubes, and I followed using the passwords received from Greywind and Blackwind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0xYOukehW01U4Z394GMD3rsoCWcx5_Sxd0zZKg9gqUuLZ1If9JuFEkkctfTlYjcnv6vmAwt8uDd5fd1TBsNnb6xSKCfA3zbUN3RO1wzJjobJekOao38_oEwLq19SJJ__fju56xx0MiVc/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00020.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0xYOukehW01U4Z394GMD3rsoCWcx5_Sxd0zZKg9gqUuLZ1If9JuFEkkctfTlYjcnv6vmAwt8uDd5fd1TBsNnb6xSKCfA3zbUN3RO1wzJjobJekOao38_oEwLq19SJJ__fju56xx0MiVc/s320/Image_130817_124831_00020.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A short cutscene showed an escape pod leaving Terra as we followed Sheltem and Corak</i></td></tr>
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The tube led to a pod where we learned Terra was an experiment of the Ancients to create a land commanded by the four elements, where settlers could live. Sheltem was to act as custodian, preparing the land; however, something went wrong when the first settlers arrived. Sheltem treated them as invaders. Corak was created to correct Sheltem, and they've been warring ever since. The party, Sheltem, and Corak flew on to the next experiment, and the next adventure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Ua8LrkzmJmHs_nNor1tG7ggV3mkHbVK1ol7vywZbP6WbJL4vEP7gVUcB_CSnR9tcJAQkpAfZ6l-5-Pmoandeh8j_DTZlBkz5qZ7NlcNuSTmNDI2iJZhMNGSdjvr5HvRSIYXxkEYsiaH/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Ua8LrkzmJmHs_nNor1tG7ggV3mkHbVK1ol7vywZbP6WbJL4vEP7gVUcB_CSnR9tcJAQkpAfZ6l-5-Pmoandeh8j_DTZlBkz5qZ7NlcNuSTmNDI2iJZhMNGSdjvr5HvRSIYXxkEYsiaH/s320/Image_130817_124831_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm not sure which shrines this was referring to</i></td></tr>
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The final score followed the cutscene in the pods, but there was another hallway with even more terminators that I save-scummed down in order to find the statues that gave me the password to provide to the Ancients. I'm guessing the game originally came with a postcard to send back to New World Computing with that password and score. Of course, if I were going to do that I might have explored more to find every secret the game has to offer. But, there's a long list of games ahead of me, and this isn't the version I'd want to do it with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSB5NHil1CjHPjUE0yNR7fBhHFYLHK6KBvEa3AtDtNvL-_U1N0vTIkboEgqlyuT3n_hpzboDRNqlep3YERylVnPbcJkZF990yLZ1FQlndDcC1PBM5koTWT-JzlvGCNQ5xDg1D4rnmkIgdZ/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSB5NHil1CjHPjUE0yNR7fBhHFYLHK6KBvEa3AtDtNvL-_U1N0vTIkboEgqlyuT3n_hpzboDRNqlep3YERylVnPbcJkZF990yLZ1FQlndDcC1PBM5koTWT-JzlvGCNQ5xDg1D4rnmkIgdZ/s320/Image_130817_124831_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This terminal offered some additional information, but wouldn't accept any of the passwords I had... a secret for another time</i></td></tr>
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<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 2<b>h</b>49<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 60<b>h</b>53<b>m</b>)<br />
<br />
<b>Combatant </b>- The Might and Magic series, and this title is no exception, offers a very binary challenge. Fights are either too easy, or impossible. There's rarely any middle ground. Spells offered some variety, although it was difficult to gauge their effectiveness against each enemy. Once the right combinations of fountains were found though, all combat became trivial, and enemies rarely lingered long enough to enjoy their differences.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>7</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V8fhoTKCxaoeIwv1388lFW6nv5Whi3cZgs78JDV1-AKSTTjmtMfDETNjbx3zDUdQHruzFyxeuhQYQSS7R-d1rjJeMA0u98HdFijwhXm7iNo_Y4jPX-kQSUm2CIg1YCkaZ4YnPd5DRiqN/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V8fhoTKCxaoeIwv1388lFW6nv5Whi3cZgs78JDV1-AKSTTjmtMfDETNjbx3zDUdQHruzFyxeuhQYQSS7R-d1rjJeMA0u98HdFijwhXm7iNo_Y4jPX-kQSUm2CIg1YCkaZ4YnPd5DRiqN/s320/Image_130817_124831_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The credits were found at a second terminal at the end of the hallway of terminators, and this is where I stopped the timer</i></td></tr>
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<b>Admirer </b>- The variety of classes was nice in the beginning, but by the end there wasn't much difference between the fighters (except the knight who seemed capable of killing even minotaurs in a single hit). Portraits rarely changed to indicate status effects. The only ones represented were stone, death, and eradication. Spells remain locked to specific classes, so it was nice to have extra sorcerer and druid spells. This version takes some hits by the laggy controls. Party composition could take any form really, although I definitely don't recommend a party of robbers. A sorcerer allows for the quickest travel.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI5mE1jT6IgUINI2sqzp2ejHUP71EXnbXXlFD8x6q6qJiWQWDUOhs337AX8AAP5MnuUhFlbaQN03SCYTbZfbhdCO7hPJk81BxTTcpb3mlqFLWNtuFVo2pIROqemlc2lPltme8AwKNZZaH/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00031.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI5mE1jT6IgUINI2sqzp2ejHUP71EXnbXXlFD8x6q6qJiWQWDUOhs337AX8AAP5MnuUhFlbaQN03SCYTbZfbhdCO7hPJk81BxTTcpb3mlqFLWNtuFVo2pIROqemlc2lPltme8AwKNZZaH/s320/Image_130817_124831_00031.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Someone actually tested this game?!</i></td></tr>
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<b>Puzzler </b>- The puzzles are the best part. Some are a little cryptic. Others are downright unfair (I still don't understand the Queen's countersign), but for the most part very enjoyable. I'm sure there's some way to reason through them all. Not knowing if something is on the main quest or just a side quest for additional rewards is a running theme to this series. This makes it seem there are multiple ways to get through the game, but those really necessary bits aren't too bad. Everything fits well into the world mostly because the story is based on being constructed. I went through a couple of pyramids after beating the game, and there were some plainly detailed answers to some of the puzzles.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>7</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3_pw6ncoIgn2iqoHuLYaczq9KIVnEF-ZCldXFB2vV78nbcabB6OE8P8VClt9r8GelD10xcSGCcqvS5mNsM1qmzttZZy-asTJob-rG_hpd6NQL3ZubpfhaDIhfjqJOHTfjKHqxPvzuUjy/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3_pw6ncoIgn2iqoHuLYaczq9KIVnEF-ZCldXFB2vV78nbcabB6OE8P8VClt9r8GelD10xcSGCcqvS5mNsM1qmzttZZy-asTJob-rG_hpd6NQL3ZubpfhaDIhfjqJOHTfjKHqxPvzuUjy/s320/Image_300717_150643_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This one didn't seem like much of a puzzle</i></td></tr>
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<b>Instigator </b>- The main story doesn't come to light until the end. Still, the puzzles drive towards answers that lead the party to the quest. Notes gathered while exploring eventually detail where the end game is, but the real revelation doesn't come until much later. The hints from the taverns are helpful in opening up the world for further exploration. In the end, the story felt present only for the need to put the puzzles into some context.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zB2erefwZdzmJpVHcPxAf5N80jbSrBEE5fu5fGWVmo-0oezaIkn_DT8D4Ae_xzeC1PLsL39edvE0_RaCveZbqjXAyVuDDuspMp9h0wc74Ds6km3ujCNYCP3ijEi9wfnQxiluoV0Al0k-/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00021.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zB2erefwZdzmJpVHcPxAf5N80jbSrBEE5fu5fGWVmo-0oezaIkn_DT8D4Ae_xzeC1PLsL39edvE0_RaCveZbqjXAyVuDDuspMp9h0wc74Ds6km3ujCNYCP3ijEi9wfnQxiluoV0Al0k-/s320/Image_130817_124831_00021.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Evidence that this game is less about the story, and more about the accomplishment</i></td></tr>
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<b>Collector </b>- This game has one of the worst inventories, and worst economies that I've ever seen. Constantly dealing with a full inventory was the most annoying part of the game, even beyond the lag of transitioning every screen to get there. Add in key items that can't be traded or discarded, and it's completely unmanageable by the end. About the only thing this game does right is include a way to identify the strength of items. It also might be the first game to include achievements to mark a character's progress. There are 3 lines that I'm not sure what they are for, but I'm not going to play this version for another minute.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z_wKf1Rq7cQcs0e00BJnGmT3AmPugmHQbDDtxdIojYHLhSAJ-I_DcNTSAqB8EmvTRC6qCyMcAXYGZ6tFLQOnedLrtOm7bwGz3x_lrT5_LUjRHhrIEZTV5tzTD8MkhAZeo9-qzPNOHJf9/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00038.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z_wKf1Rq7cQcs0e00BJnGmT3AmPugmHQbDDtxdIojYHLhSAJ-I_DcNTSAqB8EmvTRC6qCyMcAXYGZ6tFLQOnedLrtOm7bwGz3x_lrT5_LUjRHhrIEZTV5tzTD8MkhAZeo9-qzPNOHJf9/s320/Image_130817_124831_00038.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the final map I found an interspacial tranport box that enabled the party to jump to any map -- still a horrible mess to play</i></td></tr>
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<b>Explorer </b>- Exploring the game was fun, really fun. I wouldn't have played for 5 hours at a time if it wasn't. The graphics and music were well done. The sound effects cut in and out, but weren't distracting. Finding strange things scattered through the world encouraged an unquenchable desire to explore more. The game is completely open from the beginning, and can probably be beaten very quickly, if you know what to do.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>8</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXf4CP5VEKuST9KNXuPdch0qKeo89Wp3DxN6VqYFCEd0xcM0c5cQH8yhgfoGpoZEIeTFqnTTOwS2cO56lT6CM4VM5LkJBaVPp9ubujyAaMtrSoR_N6gW5cSnKgxJ5-lwPBDsylazCfKk1/s1600/Image_130817_124831_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXf4CP5VEKuST9KNXuPdch0qKeo89Wp3DxN6VqYFCEd0xcM0c5cQH8yhgfoGpoZEIeTFqnTTOwS2cO56lT6CM4VM5LkJBaVPp9ubujyAaMtrSoR_N6gW5cSnKgxJ5-lwPBDsylazCfKk1/s320/Image_130817_124831_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The exposition that comes at the end details the whole story</i></td></tr>
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<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>36</b> [60%]<br />
<br />
Overall, this is a great game, and I recommend everyone give it a shot (on DOS, or some other PC version). There is a lack of feedback, but that could be a version thing as well. I'm not even sure where I used the hologram cards, if I did, or why I needed all 6. I didn't even use those passwords from Swamp Town, although they probably would have been useful in other pyramids. Even though I've beaten the game, I'm still thinking about it, and that's a sign of a memorable experience.<br />
<br />
I probably won't say the same thing of the next game, Ninja Boy 2. It's difficult to determine where in the timeline this might fall (before, after, or an aside to the SNES game), but it's another adventure with Jack and Ryu. This year has been a bit slow on gaming, but I feel with this completion the remaining titles won't seem so long.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-67535183116470308152017-08-07T19:00:00.001-07:002017-08-07T19:00:04.218-07:00Game #71: Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra (SNES) - A Key Divining<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8N4bTLGAyXy60AewPMoaU8GIP0yF1TaD4r5Lu7h5FZPvxfgwENHu8mIkd0Rh5FIHXQaEExcAzEfUR456zCxr4xIg4eVEMjxLIpcFY5g9bi0xGF_EB6SUnKkbWlZTdCvvEzUcI4crsEFW/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8N4bTLGAyXy60AewPMoaU8GIP0yF1TaD4r5Lu7h5FZPvxfgwENHu8mIkd0Rh5FIHXQaEExcAzEfUR456zCxr4xIg4eVEMjxLIpcFY5g9bi0xGF_EB6SUnKkbWlZTdCvvEzUcI4crsEFW/s320/Image_060817_100804_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I've really been overthinking this game</i></td></tr>
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This time after being eradicated, and resurrected, there were no negative effects. Maybe due to already going through the process he's now paid his due, or it's random. Moving on, I started to go through the rumors at each inn, but noticed how little they told me. I stopped after Baywatch. Using the red and green keys I went through both dungeons, and gathered 2 Ultimate Power Orbs and a hologram card from each. It makes me think there are two orbs in each colored key dungeon, and a hologram card. Rather than try for all orbs, spread out to all kings, I'm focusing on the neutral king Tumult. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oUBc72EnCnntN8lp6ugx9GM_UZ6RaxZry4WqSXb2-E0BY1AWPA1YKgWCZfruxeEEdCDVPhXm6-14mrFwyZ4Qvts8Z5zJf4abepU1ZLOalPJP8GETYhyphenhyphenpttOB5HL7vBQwq_3r-ahu788X/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oUBc72EnCnntN8lp6ugx9GM_UZ6RaxZry4WqSXb2-E0BY1AWPA1YKgWCZfruxeEEdCDVPhXm6-14mrFwyZ4Qvts8Z5zJf4abepU1ZLOalPJP8GETYhyphenhyphenpttOB5HL7vBQwq_3r-ahu788X/s320/Image_060817_100804_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>6 keys + 6 hologram cards is nearly an entire character's inventory</i></td></tr>
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I tried to create a couple of characters to hold onto quest items until I found a use for them, and to offload keys to dungeons I've already completed. I then remembered that I'm unable to discard these items. To trade an item, you first have to choose discard, select no, then select yes and pick a character. Problem with these quest items: the option to discard them is disabled completely. This also means even if I found a hireling with a key, I would need to take them along in the dungeon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4uEG4acQTOTzOdea34zSvzRRmg6Dw1yHP5UfUMZZqn_EIo8TqNOFquYsmMIRImluoTT-LpXAIM-EO6PWkMtuuXzJ94x4qHpNCuhlRE5HlfmZYmdLDtnJRGH8cFooGaPbGi-7Bn_CXvx-/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4uEG4acQTOTzOdea34zSvzRRmg6Dw1yHP5UfUMZZqn_EIo8TqNOFquYsmMIRImluoTT-LpXAIM-EO6PWkMtuuXzJ94x4qHpNCuhlRE5HlfmZYmdLDtnJRGH8cFooGaPbGi-7Bn_CXvx-/s320/Image_060817_100804_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The game still surprises me with random bugs as I somehow stepped outside the bounds of the map -- luckily etherialize brought me back in bounds</i></td></tr>
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After completing the red and green dungeons I looted the castles (except Whiteshield's password locked chests as I still haven't solved the countersign puzzle). As I suspected, most of the treasures in the castle led to more gold and gems rather than quest items. There were some ancient artifacts, which got me experience for characters of matching alignment. I also freed up some inventory slots by selling off items that only offered 4 or less AC as I'm running 70+ AC due to mostly obsidian gear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEYFLtO7omMEKnpnUN3kR1-wwGpXLjDZC-F8dfJHX0q7S9yUiGhajblkMxmHa9SfHArxwUS5eLnBezF8F58AqKKESIjfrrILHue1R6jXGhgr-2HQbImiKlMRMsu1cva2UJzdKbrXcLmZ8/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEYFLtO7omMEKnpnUN3kR1-wwGpXLjDZC-F8dfJHX0q7S9yUiGhajblkMxmHa9SfHArxwUS5eLnBezF8F58AqKKESIjfrrILHue1R6jXGhgr-2HQbImiKlMRMsu1cva2UJzdKbrXcLmZ8/s320/Image_060817_100804_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm pretty sure I don't need anymore treasure at this point -- I can probably live off the interest</i></td></tr>
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Now done with most dungeons, I went back through the riddles I had noted. Yud in Swamp Town was the oldest. I tried lake, mountain, town, things that might go up and down without moving. I thought the answer might be something that exists in the game since Yad's answer was. With someone in chat asking if I had just tried ladder, my mind went nearly directly to stairs, which I can't recall actually being represented in the game. So, a small hint, and I received that password, which I still don't know how it'll help though I'm certain it's near the end game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiWG1ZBr8ukSvmBgN5JJM7PLIjMuC0Xsws5U-DYWyhCyMZ65RO6vKOPiUVmuubNVHKXB7MSLhNW6HYQPHEoZtUBDspVnceyRQJ3kj-qm-pg65kI5XnQZ__xoMJqb80u8CPfb6EpKD09rb/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiWG1ZBr8ukSvmBgN5JJM7PLIjMuC0Xsws5U-DYWyhCyMZ65RO6vKOPiUVmuubNVHKXB7MSLhNW6HYQPHEoZtUBDspVnceyRQJ3kj-qm-pg65kI5XnQZ__xoMJqb80u8CPfb6EpKD09rb/s320/Image_060817_100804_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Did I just find the main quest?</i></td></tr>
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Having avoided the main lands for too long, I decided it was time to fully populate the auto-map on every isle. The swamp land had the most clues. Once a king had 11 power orbs, I would receive something I needed to take to the pyramid on Fire Isle. There I would present the hologram cards. It makes me wonder if the remaining 20 power orbs are spread throughout the other four pyramids. On the Frozen Isles there's a fountain that increases all attributes 100 points, and combined with a well that increases effective level by 50 (which stacks), I temporarily overpower my characters with buffing spells. I managed to tear through three dungeons before the buffs ran out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTZOT6XjWJxiUkcVAVBA8Le1N4EuAG2Yn7daRgk7Pa02EkvQ1HsQCTNyrer4CcG89gmBzLAwTG1lnd5oktklNmkzveHQq9T7IYCCwK3YnfIwXLePAOoJbvx6_6C9EgdHU0OvB0crcBy_V/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTZOT6XjWJxiUkcVAVBA8Le1N4EuAG2Yn7daRgk7Pa02EkvQ1HsQCTNyrer4CcG89gmBzLAwTG1lnd5oktklNmkzveHQq9T7IYCCwK3YnfIwXLePAOoJbvx6_6C9EgdHU0OvB0crcBy_V/s320/Image_060817_100804_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are some statues that say they'll remember me, but even after activating them all I got this same message</i></td></tr>
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Dragon Cavern produced a couple more orbs and a lot of treasure. The Magic Cavern on the desert isle produced the golden key, and the Cursed Cold Cavern delivered the black key. With those I should be able to access the last two dungeons in the swamp land, and gather up the last two hologram cards. I delivered all the quest items I gathered, and returned to the Cathedral of Darkness to get the hologram card there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDs-qnmwT8Ed0SWpL_U_arZzXCCwFNcBU6DCgePf0dr-RRwNSwBhYEf5YOvjKGslxjLfpbshH9GtcC3-XZfSRXHdqUWXe7X7_taf3eFdgoI-3epIwM1pTFwaq8zEBn6P3v_ZYhxuk2h-K/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDs-qnmwT8Ed0SWpL_U_arZzXCCwFNcBU6DCgePf0dr-RRwNSwBhYEf5YOvjKGslxjLfpbshH9GtcC3-XZfSRXHdqUWXe7X7_taf3eFdgoI-3epIwM1pTFwaq8zEBn6P3v_ZYhxuk2h-K/s320/Image_060817_100804_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was a lot easier when I took the clues as they were</i></td></tr>
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Again, I was overthinking this puzzle. I thought I needed to apply the key to the full phrase Mighty Moose, which didn't include 'ighty'. I also copied down each letter in the surrounding rooms on a single line, not considering until this time that it was a substitution key where the columns matter. The puzzle of the five heads, however, continues to confound me. I'm just not sure what combination of north, south, east, west, would unlock the orbs. I might be able to brute force it, but time involved is too great. I also try not to do that if there's a clear clue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKbZiI8pDSDtQhZ8pGC3BkGfNtsNIpDD_aC6CVdmlZZyCkNtwNH5v4UTFf4h9emVEQmQu3K0yxvM8HAadK9z0d40KDLz6CsQt9zyenIwjhriWJgigNQVPWeerFqDM62Y2QGjtGznQesLn/s1600/Image_060817_100804_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKbZiI8pDSDtQhZ8pGC3BkGfNtsNIpDD_aC6CVdmlZZyCkNtwNH5v4UTFf4h9emVEQmQu3K0yxvM8HAadK9z0d40KDLz6CsQt9zyenIwjhriWJgigNQVPWeerFqDM62Y2QGjtGznQesLn/s320/Image_060817_100804_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm just not sure how this applies</i></td></tr>
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So, I feel like I'm staring down the end game. With the fountains and wells at my disposal, it's really only riddles that could hold me up. My next goal will be the two dungeons: Tomb of Terror and Diabolical Maze. Then I hope I have enough orbs to enter the fiery isle pyramid. If not I might need to explore another pyramid for them. Either way, I expect to wrap it up this week.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 11<b>h</b>02<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 58<b>h</b>04<b>m</b>)Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-81676541436999223212017-08-01T20:07:00.002-07:002017-08-01T20:07:47.122-07:00Game #71: Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra (SNES) - A Note with Rhyming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVj8bOB8wqlQNzeoxA1DV9NJ4Y3Tzvh4QAKPtotLD1cIrtcvq-neqsCJgByyDeUb3xjp6zhGHZ4Nf2yq8vXGhHtrXRnwe8GQR2RgevSpIhxcSLOPQwV-j4WI5vJ_Nfqp91XJ5jjvLdNO4B/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVj8bOB8wqlQNzeoxA1DV9NJ4Y3Tzvh4QAKPtotLD1cIrtcvq-neqsCJgByyDeUb3xjp6zhGHZ4Nf2yq8vXGhHtrXRnwe8GQR2RgevSpIhxcSLOPQwV-j4WI5vJ_Nfqp91XJ5jjvLdNO4B/s320/Image_300717_150643_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll be honest; I have no idea what I'm looking at</i></td></tr>
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There are many reasons to avoid this version, and I've found a few more. The only reason I'm still enjoying the game may be that I don't know any better, having never played Might and Magic on PC. While exploring the Slithercult Stronghold I came upon a statue that asked who sent me. It took some piecing together to find the answer. What led me to Epsilon was the cache of Quatloo Coins there, and that the Greek brothers Alpha -> Zeta gave me the same coins. In one of the fountains of Fountain Head there was mention of six brothers, and one was lost. Referencing the Greek alphabet, I was reminded of the missing letter, and guessed that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG240XBa56purO8BHEiTXGSk0eq5Fa6cJYXnWzjBFHXyqrqbjiwHb-K0bBzQ958f5jYegRBfk6z3MY8RxSaATLLawjWDejW1g0nMfZJrx3rGisFQ-UjLVJe3cTwa3IILDQ2EbtKVd4ZUx/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG240XBa56purO8BHEiTXGSk0eq5Fa6cJYXnWzjBFHXyqrqbjiwHb-K0bBzQ958f5jYegRBfk6z3MY8RxSaATLLawjWDejW1g0nMfZJrx3rGisFQ-UjLVJe3cTwa3IILDQ2EbtKVd4ZUx/s320/Image_300717_150643_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A wrong answer had no consequences</i></td></tr>
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What's missing from the dungeon, in fact from all dungeons, are notes written on the walls. I only know this as I was streaming the game, and someone commented on the lack of them. A direct hint of a message was present on PC that read "the missing brother sent me." The lack of wall messages has me a bit worried; however, I know others have completed the game, so while uneasy I have faith it's possible. There are some hints in dungeons, from statues and old bones, but the game might be just a bit easier with the full story as intended.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQWBB1Pkp6uPxoQe2rWtzuKDyZIzCNUnT3Jwqsb8kz0vSdze3cvoh5Mf6ZmLtKI1ovzCjnQPUoHid2UyA7szKGrL_EpDjB6Afdd7kGbbddOe96AoBGYhthYJ1TlPNzIGrLOzImpzomKTp/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQWBB1Pkp6uPxoQe2rWtzuKDyZIzCNUnT3Jwqsb8kz0vSdze3cvoh5Mf6ZmLtKI1ovzCjnQPUoHid2UyA7szKGrL_EpDjB6Afdd7kGbbddOe96AoBGYhthYJ1TlPNzIGrLOzImpzomKTp/s320/Image_300717_150643_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The reward for passing that section was slot machines that buffed might, endurance, and accuracy at the cost of one of the coins</i></td></tr>
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I was in a dungeon crawling mood, so I continued into the Fortress of Fear, said to be home to the Mummy King. I cleared out all the enemies, and was left with a message that suggested I should turn four corners into statues, but I didn't quite understand what that meant at the time. My first problem was I kept teleporting around the place, which reset the statues replacing the energy field in the center of the map.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeaZ-LNxSMbUeqgwi5ns8PsLOTxauIGRkysqc-sWb0v_NH4wBjqfNAZxMJMV4FYdLsBSkMnYoiWT-pl_uTUDYirfzksKBUP0XNE9de-gJFL-eaUwkA8JZ50P-i7njPUoCaTNjVnTc-fCs/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeaZ-LNxSMbUeqgwi5ns8PsLOTxauIGRkysqc-sWb0v_NH4wBjqfNAZxMJMV4FYdLsBSkMnYoiWT-pl_uTUDYirfzksKBUP0XNE9de-gJFL-eaUwkA8JZ50P-i7njPUoCaTNjVnTc-fCs/s320/Image_300717_150643_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The real mystery is why the game thinks there's a head here when it clearly doesn't show one</i></td></tr>
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My second problem was that the puzzle is bugged, and doesn't properly reset. So, stuck and unable to complete the puzzle, I attempted to teleport randomly into the walls searching for the Mummy King. Luckily this worked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSx8iAUAOcgT4UcCq2FrnmB8ENGQ1sklWyvv1EzxaeAl4MS6gck9osoXmeNlt4BOQw0cDgG9EUsBixeq4srdn9At264OW-fVI3MaO5KoCGM9isvglPHBn4i5pMeztY80B2xk4DjuA8Pkd/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSx8iAUAOcgT4UcCq2FrnmB8ENGQ1sklWyvv1EzxaeAl4MS6gck9osoXmeNlt4BOQw0cDgG9EUsBixeq4srdn9At264OW-fVI3MaO5KoCGM9isvglPHBn4i5pMeztY80B2xk4DjuA8Pkd/s320/Image_300717_150643_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At least this sounds like a very important item</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next, I stopped by Castle Whiteshield, to see what I could learn from the dungeon there. Spread throughout were old bones that gave me rhyming passages. They seemed to culminate in a limerick, or I could have possibly missed a line (ordered by myself in what makes the most sense):<br />
<br />
-The good King Zealot was quite a knave.<br />
-To his wife and her lover a box he gave.<br />
-His wive's young lover was an Orc named Smello.<br />
-With dark-hound's breath and hair of yellow<br />
<br />
-The Queen was shocked by her pine box.<br />
-For the open end had golden locks.<br />
-Smello's box sent him reeling.<br />
-And wooden planks were his last feeling.<br />
-The countersign lies in the Queen's box.<br />
<br />
I'm not quite sure what to make of it, but the countersign is the key to opening the chests in the king's throne room. Hopefully I don't need anything from them anytime soon. With my luck they'll just be a few more ancient artifacts that merely give my party experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwMXLQbt1G2NC_pMEHSBrqsPJpGgp6umqsvKXUYfEWrmYZhv-DpCnXRzanb4zbdE2vw-bR4z8CZNvo63b-nME_lKpt3GnEF-JWZh9xm-ijJyS3HW7ha7RinUiu6xYc8ov4U_vXGNOB6S-/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwMXLQbt1G2NC_pMEHSBrqsPJpGgp6umqsvKXUYfEWrmYZhv-DpCnXRzanb4zbdE2vw-bR4z8CZNvo63b-nME_lKpt3GnEF-JWZh9xm-ijJyS3HW7ha7RinUiu6xYc8ov4U_vXGNOB6S-/s320/Image_300717_150643_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So I moved on...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had found a clue that suggested I should sit on the seats of power in both castles of Greywind and Blackwind on their wedding days to the same water nymph. They had both been tricked, and were now locked in an undeath they wished to free themselves of, but could not alone. The seat of power in Greywind gave one character boosted stats, and in Blackwind I received some items. The dungeons, and keys to their salvation, were a little more confounding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuONMu9puqRBv5_3jrNRQGsWzmi8vm5WpUuujtsU-pZdLvV3pGyjayoP61rEhnibv-OfzMHNjMgv4rQ3jQ_9HWoQOb0d8xZNRfl3trTeQZBFwzU4_KJlCefq-BYKl1wCmbWOQEG_TR1V3p/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuONMu9puqRBv5_3jrNRQGsWzmi8vm5WpUuujtsU-pZdLvV3pGyjayoP61rEhnibv-OfzMHNjMgv4rQ3jQ_9HWoQOb0d8xZNRfl3trTeQZBFwzU4_KJlCefq-BYKl1wCmbWOQEG_TR1V3p/s320/Image_300717_150643_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One in each corner, I flipped them over, rang a gong, and unlocked a fourth</i></td></tr>
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Once I unlocked all four centuryglasses, I wasn't quite sure what else to do. I set them all down, all up, rang the gong, and nothing more happened. There were monsters, and a couple treasures, still locked inside walls. I'm not sure they can even be unlocked with how buggy this game has been. Pondering what else I could do, I headed back to Greywind, who told me I had done exactly what was needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OJVURNtyl0og-codmrru5NlYBqOG6ufPZprkAe7aJqLEWIStbYA_73GuVsiDG2wcx1D1hyi7H8i768xYJL4_HEyfCPyJALE6PKVX5n9oHIE1gDNjdOuz72o7qn0Idc10R3LQS9Kr7m04/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OJVURNtyl0og-codmrru5NlYBqOG6ufPZprkAe7aJqLEWIStbYA_73GuVsiDG2wcx1D1hyi7H8i768xYJL4_HEyfCPyJALE6PKVX5n9oHIE1gDNjdOuz72o7qn0Idc10R3LQS9Kr7m04/s320/Image_300717_150643_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I guess that means I need to help out Blackwind... or guess three numbers</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now Blackwind was a bit more confusing. One statue demanded 100,000 gold, which was easy enough. Another statue that demanded 1,000 gems, again easy. A third statue that demanded... well, I'm not sure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsDw9uQRAK3oiNGIMkHhMfxfedqIMdlAUvbLHInKPfg6Z6SpS8d_foJzelWx6pUtksyVwqd5w0fR4xkJQHV3PtjFZpDu-32hIkPiX5CleiXGJIfEnITDxdfaf9thudbIfrs4DqcUFRVcj/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00017.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsDw9uQRAK3oiNGIMkHhMfxfedqIMdlAUvbLHInKPfg6Z6SpS8d_foJzelWx6pUtksyVwqd5w0fR4xkJQHV3PtjFZpDu-32hIkPiX5CleiXGJIfEnITDxdfaf9thudbIfrs4DqcUFRVcj/s320/Image_300717_150643_00017.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To be pet?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I feel like I'm missing something key here. No matter what I do, this third statue always eradicates the character that touches it. I don't believe that's the solution, but then again I realize now that I never did return to Blackwind after visiting all three statues. I'm not even sure there are only three statues as the dungeon is filled with teleport squares that send the party back to the beginning. I'll have to give it another shot, maybe even recruit a character I don't care about eradicating (a fate worse than death). I wonder if I could make one of the hirelings do it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjgCmmYVOX89vdyGqzVylxaOeaK7RlNmH50-hIpmsf0CjtP6RPzy8m9BwDhFM5okeyzjcEcO7hhLOPyFqI2d5847EDM2gbab6ZldDPgBb9kxLQOnyGi4XVN_OaqUFjr3rh7bpdZqRZF2f/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjgCmmYVOX89vdyGqzVylxaOeaK7RlNmH50-hIpmsf0CjtP6RPzy8m9BwDhFM5okeyzjcEcO7hhLOPyFqI2d5847EDM2gbab6ZldDPgBb9kxLQOnyGi4XVN_OaqUFjr3rh7bpdZqRZF2f/s320/Image_300717_150643_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If only I didn't have to give up a character slot</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9cchyjrtGMzOzCFUhTHYoX9PmbdqdOMk8_TVyMAlMwCyW2r9wWicDWrxgLvL6_wFFkhUKIs1xx_9hZ7Fh7kXyfVOqY0Q3nsDrg8N6Y2gS-JF7GNDYjRy9k9yFLdAGcPWLr1RFDa9vciY/s1600/Image_300717_150643_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9cchyjrtGMzOzCFUhTHYoX9PmbdqdOMk8_TVyMAlMwCyW2r9wWicDWrxgLvL6_wFFkhUKIs1xx_9hZ7Fh7kXyfVOqY0Q3nsDrg8N6Y2gS-JF7GNDYjRy9k9yFLdAGcPWLr1RFDa9vciY/s320/Image_300717_150643_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Either the game is lying to me, or subtly telling me to stop playing this version</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I moved on, and turned my attention to Castle Dragontooth. The clues to get into the dungeon asked me how many troops survived a final battle with the werewolves, but it only spoke of troop size in legions. It wasn't until I found a life giving statue nearby outside that I could survive two wizards capable of dealing 1,000 HP with a single spell. Behind them, reachable only through use of the teleport spell, was a statue that told me a legion was 4,000 soldiers. With that, I correctly answered and explored the dungeon. It wasn't much, only offering some strange witch's brews that talked of math in the hands of time, and few others that increased my stats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1d_hRhUR5RXRE83o_8xeSzW9BYJlWXOGIlt8FyiSSvKjVeQvzMQ4jHiYxYcWgB1LUykPnGLRqAhs3AivCGwT-XIPcO-JHUUlDPPfaNr6SmNRyPLabDy-MdmSmz4ch2L82nw6qPVd-c-h/s1600/Image_310717_205843_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1d_hRhUR5RXRE83o_8xeSzW9BYJlWXOGIlt8FyiSSvKjVeQvzMQ4jHiYxYcWgB1LUykPnGLRqAhs3AivCGwT-XIPcO-JHUUlDPPfaNr6SmNRyPLabDy-MdmSmz4ch2L82nw6qPVd-c-h/s320/Image_310717_205843_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I didn't have much luck deciphering the question "if you used the key, what might the Mighty Moose be?" inside the Cathedral of Darkness</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finally made it through the dungeon locked by the blue key, and found two Ultimate Power Orbs inside, but I couldn't gather them as they were locked in stasis (my guess until I answered that question). I don't know if those letters on the map are part of the riddle, or merely John Van Caneghem signing his work. There were also five statues I could turn in each of four cardinal directions (Positro, Penetro, Dynatro, Barytro, Proto) as well as a message to "set the lock, solve the key, drink the cup, and I'll hear your plea." I moved on, and cleared out the cyclops cave, gathering the red and green colored keys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWh61nPQsXuj69QsTm6K_w9o5TfQoGiFG0764c_yPtPgQfkagdxpwamxh1O6q1DLRxzLyBsC4kVYJHoWGzpajaF7UxDl3znEGFFp2qzeVIIcJ8lD2pmbDTHfOyadVYzW73xCUS3dwhB8M/s1600/Image_310717_205843_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWh61nPQsXuj69QsTm6K_w9o5TfQoGiFG0764c_yPtPgQfkagdxpwamxh1O6q1DLRxzLyBsC4kVYJHoWGzpajaF7UxDl3znEGFFp2qzeVIIcJ8lD2pmbDTHfOyadVYzW73xCUS3dwhB8M/s320/Image_310717_205843_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After raising from erradication I noticed my endurance took a dive -- this happened in the cyclops cave when I hadn't saved for sometime, and I didn't check his stats until after I saved... did I mention there's only one save file on SNES?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I pressed on. Tired of my full inventory I spent the rest of that night finding the pirate lady that wanted pearls. After scouring the Fire Isle, I managed to find her off the coast. Each visit, she took one pearl, then dumped my party in Swamp Town. I repeated the process four times, and now have a quest to give her enough so she stops her marauding ways. Remembering a caravan that trained in might and endurance, I brought my knight's endurance up to a more respectable 25 while the rest of the party has 60+.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcFMFuNZ1Ie43petI8oVTa-pGtgNA7qqw6nsTfMDdzt8xqGPpUnysp9rtqUfUBumKs6hp6_f96Cmhu5V6RJRk6QZs6xwCEQThD9OddZl7eDBZMf3l5S772OzM3CP5ztCCIZ5rpZtZ9EVX/s1600/Image_310717_205843_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcFMFuNZ1Ie43petI8oVTa-pGtgNA7qqw6nsTfMDdzt8xqGPpUnysp9rtqUfUBumKs6hp6_f96Cmhu5V6RJRk6QZs6xwCEQThD9OddZl7eDBZMf3l5S772OzM3CP5ztCCIZ5rpZtZ9EVX/s320/Image_310717_205843_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cracking the secret of the skulls leads to knowing more about the (one?) purpose of the pyramids</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Already suffered the consequences, I figure my knight can take the hit again from Blackwind's dungeon. If that doesn't work I'm not sure what else to try there. I didn't give a good effort in the Moo stronghold, although I'm not sure the ultimate orbs of power are truly necessary. At this point I have over 3 million gold, over 20,000 gems, and enough experience that my characters are in their high 20 to low 30s. I feel like gaining more isn't really gaining me anything.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcnSkSlL_b0hqrtsG9bp8nqetdeqye6SrxC_60ZtQSujNIWcDKm1q5mqHNOl8CpHtH9CRzce7IHXeAsiZgSyN_z5KxA4N6KeclUK0Fp1tIWca1Z9NkLkq8VgGeIfKPm8YWSfhjFF9vWrt/s1600/Image_310717_205843_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcnSkSlL_b0hqrtsG9bp8nqetdeqye6SrxC_60ZtQSujNIWcDKm1q5mqHNOl8CpHtH9CRzce7IHXeAsiZgSyN_z5KxA4N6KeclUK0Fp1tIWca1Z9NkLkq8VgGeIfKPm8YWSfhjFF9vWrt/s320/Image_310717_205843_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This plus 25,000 gold doesn't seem like a whole lot at this point--I was more excited getting those pearls out of my hand</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, my next goals are the red and green dungeons, Free Reign castle dungeon, and another shell once the 99th day rolls around again. I suppose I should pick up the golden pyramid card, and see what lies within. Even with the quest log it's difficult to know what will lead to a major revelation, and what garners only more riches. I'm almost tempted to dump most of the gold into the experience fountain back in Fountain Head, but I'll let the bank accumulate a bit more interest before that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMbeuxe4V1JHHtWVUzFFO3E-AW_jSL1WE4fkHv75Ps7z8NB5EOQ-IGJs_DXCYWpNf5aQIn3g1nXTfxX3TxcxUseg8NCgG4G4M0QaWmhYetxAj71O6Q41UXwG7Xhiryhs3IJUdKTsjitdH/s1600/Image_310717_205843_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMbeuxe4V1JHHtWVUzFFO3E-AW_jSL1WE4fkHv75Ps7z8NB5EOQ-IGJs_DXCYWpNf5aQIn3g1nXTfxX3TxcxUseg8NCgG4G4M0QaWmhYetxAj71O6Q41UXwG7Xhiryhs3IJUdKTsjitdH/s320/Image_310717_205843_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I could always go for that 76th arena win the tavern says no one has done before</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With no end in sight, I'll carry on with the various quests before me. That's usually how these Might and Magic games go. With or without notes on the dungeon walls there should be enough to make it through... I just need to finish everything. I still haven't figured what goes up and down yet never moves though. Not a clue on that one.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 13<b>h</b>19<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 47<b>h</b>02<b>m</b>)
Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-13714096383785770972017-07-25T18:43:00.000-07:002017-07-25T18:43:02.053-07:00Game #71: Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra (SNES) - A Port for Whining<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptx3ozuTvnfkEp4Zwc6yKh4kPi_1zHxsjdIoWVKbaWF1_h9QfQlvcychWXeq1FJHKyAcVPKAFxHvCjK-zeJfRbaqQa96U2EEbVK0M8gUuEHblUAVOIqkRmNCyJWBABCWF9KtKvU51th0F/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptx3ozuTvnfkEp4Zwc6yKh4kPi_1zHxsjdIoWVKbaWF1_h9QfQlvcychWXeq1FJHKyAcVPKAFxHvCjK-zeJfRbaqQa96U2EEbVK0M8gUuEHblUAVOIqkRmNCyJWBABCWF9KtKvU51th0F/s320/Image_230717_130457_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This item definitely sounds like it would be cursed in any other game</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It felt good to finally make progress. So good, that I spent more than double my normal play time this past week. With all that time, I've come to realize that this port, on the SNES, is the worst way to experience this game. The lag between movement or actions make it nearly unplayable. There are even times when the game will appear to freeze, not accepting any commands (although the mouse cursor still moves), then up to 40 seconds later it will finish whatever processing it was doing and resume the game. Enemies seem to have been rebalanced in strange ways (e.g. goblins are pushovers, but orc warriors will obliterate a low level party two steps later). Hirelings no longer have their own slots, and instead take up one of the six party slots, so they've become useless.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjmzqagDE3_YydPhmhoKi6TdB5Jt4n8gmIX1_x6WZbwujA70Cb-M2uSsMlHYdvmttwod5ik-X7x5_IyYqhHKb6Xi_f3_rufjirbNk1FIkZxqK33864rSM-6VVYfjcO9pyM4l7VnfGxg-u/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjmzqagDE3_YydPhmhoKi6TdB5Jt4n8gmIX1_x6WZbwujA70Cb-M2uSsMlHYdvmttwod5ik-X7x5_IyYqhHKb6Xi_f3_rufjirbNk1FIkZxqK33864rSM-6VVYfjcO9pyM4l7VnfGxg-u/s320/Image_230717_130457_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beating the first quest leads to more quests, these much more vague</i></td></tr>
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Despite all that, I'm enjoying the game. After finding enough silver skulls I returned them to Skull Miser. He gave me a password to get further in the dungeon, and after finding a few secret passages I faced off against the rat overlord. Releasing Morphose revitalized the fountains, which now produced strange riddle-like quests (e.g. "With the presentation of one past ten, two shall be forever vanquished. Their strongholds felled and kingdoms barren, Your title of Champion established.") I now need to branch out into the world, discover its secrets, and decide its fate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf0leU8s3opV3b9Zgn92KyeGl0NMPcbWu53vEn249SYx5KMvZNTTqbi0ffQ9b2oiMkyB6-vPFvRehHr9g5cVF2SyCSw4OpCDNriPVmSL8S3iMuMPa7GZDPMLZruB1vszz5iOQhY1rA_db/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf0leU8s3opV3b9Zgn92KyeGl0NMPcbWu53vEn249SYx5KMvZNTTqbi0ffQ9b2oiMkyB6-vPFvRehHr9g5cVF2SyCSw4OpCDNriPVmSL8S3iMuMPa7GZDPMLZruB1vszz5iOQhY1rA_db/s320/Image_230717_130457_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is going to take a while</i></td></tr>
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In the dungeon under Fountainhead I found a statue that taught everyone how to swim. Using that I traveled along the river, then cleared out the tall grass sections in A2. The map is cut into sections up to F4. The first isle stretches through all of A and parts of B columns. Castle Whiteshield, shown on the map above, didn't allow me access until I had the crusader title (something a paladin would start with, so that's one benefit to that class). Baywatch, the second town, offered up the skills of Mountaineer and Pathfinder, which allowed the party to cross mountains and forests (respectively) if two or more characters had the skill. Using these two I increased my riches 10 fold as there were many hidden caches of gold, gems, and items. Those skills also allowed me to take out many monsters from safety as I fired arrows down on them in the next square while they were unable to scale the mountainside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JsM___jLzjGdWnMuyzhJIICB2TCDSBlFcXq6RAPs1S8mO6ie_96ETXZPAjFHV6bIiKTfB3zp3FruYAdRRsLCEyNurtBVdd14di7WsXanPWJOe1S7rgxGyh7DIMM0uZHOkcwKnLcgn_99/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JsM___jLzjGdWnMuyzhJIICB2TCDSBlFcXq6RAPs1S8mO6ie_96ETXZPAjFHV6bIiKTfB3zp3FruYAdRRsLCEyNurtBVdd14di7WsXanPWJOe1S7rgxGyh7DIMM0uZHOkcwKnLcgn_99/s320/Image_230717_130457_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another example of Nintendo of America censorship</i></td></tr>
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The next major quest line I followed started with someone named Alpha in Baywatch, then Beta in the caverns below, next Gamma in Wildabar (which took some time to locate), Delta below that town, and finally Zeta in the Arachnoid Cavern. Connecting all the messages suggested I could find a small island south of Castle Blackwind where a portal opened only on the 99th day of each year that would spit out a sea shell stolen from Athea, a siren of the sea. While I waited for that day I continued my adventures. I found a boat ride to Swamp Town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlJitSCThvfzH3QRkzLWw5kMm9NQxS6UoqAwNkf6Fatgpmo8v5EvCD68bh9ArcnmhsnM6Mri4v6_HLhOI7KDjz0UVPIrNgVSWB6cd-mUS0XBnNkYdYBriw92-m-M_yDwjTFi6ZZ-v9vvO/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlJitSCThvfzH3QRkzLWw5kMm9NQxS6UoqAwNkf6Fatgpmo8v5EvCD68bh9ArcnmhsnM6Mri4v6_HLhOI7KDjz0UVPIrNgVSWB6cd-mUS0XBnNkYdYBriw92-m-M_yDwjTFi6ZZ-v9vvO/s320/Image_230717_130457_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This game sure loves its riddles; I have yet to solve this one</i></td></tr>
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Beyond combat, which has either been incredibly easy or impossibly hard, the game offers up riddles that often require piecing together in order to solve. Inside the Arachnoid Cavern were lords that had a math problem involving features of the Cavern including the number of crystals, gongs, and thrones. Once solved, Lord Might (who was the only lord not named directly) rewarded the party with 1 million experience, and offered to recharge the crystals there that conferred stat bonuses for 5,000 gems (I have nowhere near that amount). Each of the castles (Whiteshield, Free Reign, and Dragontooth) have passwords locking their dungeons with riddles throughout the castle that lead to the answer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSkZ3R3U826m2SHAmDqSzatZCOwKstfux61FhWbEoGkcwEtGnpii9OSi7utshjRRNlE5RHDIQ0EY5FVS3rX_Hk-lyuk7FdecqqPVKFC4qHE1eMPQVbdimW2ALB401QTKK6unKhiYbBhaU/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSkZ3R3U826m2SHAmDqSzatZCOwKstfux61FhWbEoGkcwEtGnpii9OSi7utshjRRNlE5RHDIQ0EY5FVS3rX_Hk-lyuk7FdecqqPVKFC4qHE1eMPQVbdimW2ALB401QTKK6unKhiYbBhaU/s320/Image_230717_130457_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There's a general lack of skill description; not even in the manual, I have to guess what benefits the navigator skill imbues, and how many characters should have it</i></td></tr>
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After exploring B1, which had many fountains that temporarily raised stats for a day, I've fallen into a pattern of hitting each fountain before entering a dungeon. It's made progressing much easier, so long as my entire party doesn't get paralyzed/stoned/immobilized in some way. I've mainly been exploring locations mentioned by hints, but eventually needed to start branching out into the other dungeons, like the one near Fountainhead that granted everyone the crusader skill. With Lloyd's Beacon learned by both my archer and sorcerer, it's been much easier to set a point at the dungeon, teleporting back to Fountainhead to gather all the buffs before porting back to the dungeon. I suspect the game will progress faster now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L8k12jF69eK8VPR4j-Q6rDP0ebBlikB0zuxbOhgraQfAs3ocpjKlvSblqFZ6LkuIlDDA1jIEfZNgTYNCrI2oUG8fmrKOFzACEZ0egKvJpE_yoVrOz90PxsuJHzHZAQ-AFeqsgB_xESiL/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L8k12jF69eK8VPR4j-Q6rDP0ebBlikB0zuxbOhgraQfAs3ocpjKlvSblqFZ6LkuIlDDA1jIEfZNgTYNCrI2oUG8fmrKOFzACEZ0egKvJpE_yoVrOz90PxsuJHzHZAQ-AFeqsgB_xESiL/s320/Image_230717_130457_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A snake munches the display when the party dies; I'm not even sure how they died here since I can't check character status in combat, and character portraits don't change with status effects like DOS -- my best guess is gargoyles turn characters to stone on touch</i></td></tr>
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One of the more bothersome aspects to this game is the inventory. After completing the brother's quest, I found myself holding a Quatloo Coin from each of them. They're worth 0 gold, so they might turn out useful for a quest, but take up 5 slots I could otherwise use. Add in other quest items like keys for dungeons, artifacts to return to each of good, neutral, and evil castles, plus the ultimate power orbs that I later need to decide who to give them to... it's a bit overwhelming to manage considering all my armor pieces plus the ability to wear 10 rings and 4 medals. Each character has 14 item slots. I really wish the bank had a vault for these. Maybe there's a pack mule skill that will allow them to carry more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiHXcoBX2TahjN2hCVPLQa0PmBm6qBFjlIP7iMVNjqex4FNq4Xy_mo8J4jrwcO9Loqef95zKCAxCwjljxhHMjY_4OfBixIsKLaLAWhh8Li-ZHJNMqSJPMdG65gmabsjMZXm77z207S7oJ/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiHXcoBX2TahjN2hCVPLQa0PmBm6qBFjlIP7iMVNjqex4FNq4Xy_mo8J4jrwcO9Loqef95zKCAxCwjljxhHMjY_4OfBixIsKLaLAWhh8Li-ZHJNMqSJPMdG65gmabsjMZXm77z207S7oJ/s320/Image_230717_130457_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The way these posts are situated on top makes me think there's some kind of hidden message </i></td></tr>
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My biggest victory so far was fully exploring under Swamp Town, and returned the evil artifacts I found there to Castle Dragontooth. The caves below had some strange trap that looked like electrical fields; however, no matter what elemental protection I enabled, it still did 50 HP per hit. I managed it without many buffs at the time because I had tried to teleport, which failed, so I figured Lloyd's Beacon wouldn't work either (later found out it does). I rested before each trap, bashed the wall in front of it, was attacked, then the trap triggered again after combat before I could move. Those enemies behind each wall also magically aged characters with every hit, which meant I couldn't drag out combat to heal. I admit, I saved and loaded after every successful step forward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXSXRWTDGZfrFQxkPD1tQ6l3dKrus81vu2KXxZ__HNc12UzlibOJtzR9ZoPQgzpPi-K_ory78QwlIbMFJbDbd0wSyIM7TyFtMZhTHp3g1zohVIddWT8V4gToId-KyQCKJOy79WdHCaCYq/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXSXRWTDGZfrFQxkPD1tQ6l3dKrus81vu2KXxZ__HNc12UzlibOJtzR9ZoPQgzpPi-K_ory78QwlIbMFJbDbd0wSyIM7TyFtMZhTHp3g1zohVIddWT8V4gToId-KyQCKJOy79WdHCaCYq/s320/Image_230717_130457_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm not sure what Born: 2/482 means, but he took a hit and magically aged... characters can die from old age</i></td></tr>
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At the end of two different passages I found altars. I paid homage to the goddesses, and was granted a boon to strength for one and endurance for the other. The remaining dungeon served up treasures as well, but those stat increases were the best rewards. If only I could find such altars for speed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKVvatF5WLgOJzwjidsj2kH53A6E6w44pa4CuDHrJY5Kg8YhaDucrOWNxjgD3pGNPwRf5ZKYmAUiP66ub8n0vPYQXAZn-eFkNzMb_7TfQ6Do4MQk74jBKG9B6dIA-uvPzBb-vMUCmK5HX/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00014.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKVvatF5WLgOJzwjidsj2kH53A6E6w44pa4CuDHrJY5Kg8YhaDucrOWNxjgD3pGNPwRf5ZKYmAUiP66ub8n0vPYQXAZn-eFkNzMb_7TfQ6Do4MQk74jBKG9B6dIA-uvPzBb-vMUCmK5HX/s320/Image_230717_130457_00014.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These were permanent increases, well worth the extra years</i></td></tr>
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With my extra endurance I spent some time in the Swamp Town tavern where I picked up all the tips. One provided the mirror portal password to Blistering Heights, the final town. I noted that I should go back to each town's tavern to ensure I have all the clues. On the 99th day I picked up the shell, and returned it to Athea for a
large reward that left the male characters with an In Love state. I then randomly stumbled upon a brokenhearted princess outside Swamp Town that removed that status. Although she remained melancholy, my quest status suggests with enough love she'll recover.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B7QBdkLCjbQrInK_ToQBTQBI20tQ1STASRhcWSzPcqXKzpUv8APT1MiCJivD_Ncu0lSTOG3TW2eb-fmgUKO0oUEkb47A6gdz7aKtYawfEh4qn6bJpjfpEM_JV_4IIj1wqipJ2GyzcpoQ/s1600/Image_230717_130457_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B7QBdkLCjbQrInK_ToQBTQBI20tQ1STASRhcWSzPcqXKzpUv8APT1MiCJivD_Ncu0lSTOG3TW2eb-fmgUKO0oUEkb47A6gdz7aKtYawfEh4qn6bJpjfpEM_JV_4IIj1wqipJ2GyzcpoQ/s320/Image_230717_130457_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are huts all over with different interactions, this one rewarded me for donating to each temple</i></td></tr>
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I'm still not sure where the main quest is, or which dungeons might lead to the greatest rewards. I have plenty to explore. I'd really like to find a permanent speed boost to ensure my full party can act before the likes of that gargoyle can lock me down--at least I've found a fountain to get me by. Most dungeons aren't limited to a 16x16 map, making exploration of take longer than expected. It also makes looking at the full map impossible since I'm not making my own. A small price to pay for the hours of time saved. Hopefully it doesn't come back to bite me in some way.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 20<b>h</b>46<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 33<b>h</b>43<b>m</b>)Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-46774444289242343372017-07-17T21:19:00.001-07:002017-07-17T21:19:23.919-07:00Game #71: Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra (SNES) - A Glitch in Timing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlmD-VwfmQuEy2Pvjf2612NQkTlWCp2ZZwSWyclrgr1Vs7oX1xvy8xB91Wt_B654yWtsEV4l2E2_jfXGjrB1u-2u7tiKHa7TvglQGalRouYvhMKmiXGT4FuoQuf2ADVJ8Vsa6SgM5w_WS/s1600/Image_020117_124107_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlmD-VwfmQuEy2Pvjf2612NQkTlWCp2ZZwSWyclrgr1Vs7oX1xvy8xB91Wt_B654yWtsEV4l2E2_jfXGjrB1u-2u7tiKHa7TvglQGalRouYvhMKmiXGT4FuoQuf2ADVJ8Vsa6SgM5w_WS/s320/Image_020117_124107_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game 71</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>Jan 1995 (1993 TG-CD)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>SNES</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Iguana Entertainment (New World Computing [PC])</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>FCI</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>First-person</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Turn based</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Might and Magic</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I might be playing this game, at the very least this version, a bit early, but I have a good reason. I have a policy of playing any version at the time of the first release, and that's what I'm doing here. The TurboGrafx-CD version is incredibly expensive and difficult to find, and I couldn't confirm it had mouse support (or if the TG even had a mouse released in the US). As one of the few SNES games to support the mouse, I felt this would be the better experience. I'm not sure why then I decided to use a controller instead, but I'll attribute it to trying out a different experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzwCcGW61kc4vVlbNp9Y2azP31skckupGvepOZiHWLk_sQ13xS60MHTRZXN0LirX_NjiPq5nElyM1qRVA5-zNZ1Zs4WfFVUGpkKeimTCm3w15pkSw90qnWMAtTHG6DggMpGmyqEtCdPAY/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzwCcGW61kc4vVlbNp9Y2azP31skckupGvepOZiHWLk_sQ13xS60MHTRZXN0LirX_NjiPq5nElyM1qRVA5-zNZ1Zs4WfFVUGpkKeimTCm3w15pkSw90qnWMAtTHG6DggMpGmyqEtCdPAY/s320/Image_160717_104147_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Only one save game is allowed</i></td></tr>
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Like most Might and Magic titles, the majority of the story is in the manual. It follows a band of adventurers as they seek ancient ruins where a scroll was said to reside. Sheltem was once again behind some brewing evil about to unleash on the world. As I began, it was unclear what this story had to do with the party I controlled. Starting year is 500, this game appears to be a prequel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTF56nnrMtUN1A6PGdhNitiqVSUYde3ATNIySjmz3QPZNpS50xQkkU2Bk0u4CXoLb9-tgnrnXomFdzyVuYFx1cVPoGpWsBlyg-ZyVkOluvMY8nyULoLSzBgGO07b24dgmmkXnnwmIDEh-/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTF56nnrMtUN1A6PGdhNitiqVSUYde3ATNIySjmz3QPZNpS50xQkkU2Bk0u4CXoLb9-tgnrnXomFdzyVuYFx1cVPoGpWsBlyg-ZyVkOluvMY8nyULoLSzBgGO07b24dgmmkXnnwmIDEh-/s320/Image_160717_104147_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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Every new game begins with the premade party standing in front of the inn in Fountain Head. It's not a bad group, but I always feel better creating my own characters. The roster is restricted to 10, so I deleted the original (getting their items beforehand) in order to create a new full party. To create a character I selected character portraits (race and sex that are locked to these), stats rolled randomly with the option to swap them, and alignment (good, neutral, evil) that only comes into play with equipment in this series.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmK5wHKrfFOm2pmfNhvg4lPAK6z1RD84T8MnvNHxJAICCe1MRk3AkUODlfms_aw5eVdH7XpFuZRHltMKfzj9KgEpNuah6k8pG4tGeOhdvFLx9jvVtdbAdnOdvFU_fbLFAyjc_vzJRn6_F/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmK5wHKrfFOm2pmfNhvg4lPAK6z1RD84T8MnvNHxJAICCe1MRk3AkUODlfms_aw5eVdH7XpFuZRHltMKfzj9KgEpNuah6k8pG4tGeOhdvFLx9jvVtdbAdnOdvFU_fbLFAyjc_vzJRn6_F/s320/Image_160717_104147_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unless gnomes are supposed to be green I have a feeling they mixed up the portraits</i></td></tr>
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Available class is determined by the character's current stats. Classes come in a normal variety of fighter (barbarian), cleric, thief (robber), mage (sorcerer), and druid in this game with the addition of hybrid classes of each one with a fighter for knight, paladin, ninja, archer, and ranger. I don't know if it'll become necessary to have one of each. There are also mercenaries in each town. They take up one of the six positions in the party though, so I'm not quite sure what use they are at this time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_8j31dmzynpHwfUZNJYNBg-kSBKgOb0F_97tGScfnRp97TmWLRducDpoagq6KhKYQ4__keV3ZXBPQV7qZkXzGy7-xojB5Vyte_FgMS8D13ZJfqZRTPnl3eKwO6wOB-Vkgo2PJQTJuvq2/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_8j31dmzynpHwfUZNJYNBg-kSBKgOb0F_97tGScfnRp97TmWLRducDpoagq6KhKYQ4__keV3ZXBPQV7qZkXzGy7-xojB5Vyte_FgMS8D13ZJfqZRTPnl3eKwO6wOB-Vkgo2PJQTJuvq2/s320/Image_160717_104147_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm not sure if it's just this version, but the party begins in an obscene amount of gold and gems</i></td></tr>
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With the party fully formed (knight, paladin, cleric, robber, druid, sorcerer), I set out exploring the first town. I quickly found Fen's Fineries, which sells additional equipment. I bought a second bow, and outfitted everyone with additional armor (so far I know of helms, gloves, boots, chests, cloaks, and shields--there may be more). The manual is light on information about equipment; about the only thing it covers in any detail are spells.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1Nrt4IUv44ajmfSWrp_rledjlvKuxIOny_srYc2A79qIgt2DgP9lMd9Og2tUSvCLkkq9b4Jw2LQpEpEbCR0C1awAcQLcPgI8qZ1QTzh752PZfwn6w6zB3C8DZIZzzUjB3AZGBdqLURk0/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1Nrt4IUv44ajmfSWrp_rledjlvKuxIOny_srYc2A79qIgt2DgP9lMd9Og2tUSvCLkkq9b4Jw2LQpEpEbCR0C1awAcQLcPgI8qZ1QTzh752PZfwn6w6zB3C8DZIZzzUjB3AZGBdqLURk0/s320/Image_160717_104147_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Noting the location of the temple </i>before <i>I need it</i></td></tr>
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Fountain Head also has a tavern, training ground, bank, and magic guild operating on a day/night cycle. Time progresses only when taking actions, which remains true even when distant monsters appear on the display. There are also fountains throughout that ooze green slime. At a prompt I threw a coin into one, and a group of three bubble men appeared assaulting the party. I fear some sinister force is behind this. Not too difficult, I repeated the process until I had enough experience for level 2.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBfLWutHAT_lqCsOKjzHnEeIQ5lRapGbPLLbota-XM5JshHkTGwtEKXmtrPP9v5QdsO0-CV3dv0sBmjrw9T5_TbQHZuOoFuAvjQdj98_AgfStpNxWlO5MMfd-W_6P1VsunAxg2S69M2P6/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBfLWutHAT_lqCsOKjzHnEeIQ5lRapGbPLLbota-XM5JshHkTGwtEKXmtrPP9v5QdsO0-CV3dv0sBmjrw9T5_TbQHZuOoFuAvjQdj98_AgfStpNxWlO5MMfd-W_6P1VsunAxg2S69M2P6/s320/Image_160717_104147_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Getting a tip from the tavern keeper--make sure not to "eat" too much otherwise the character gets "stuffed"</i></td></tr>
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While exploring, the party has options in the side panel to shoot arrows, cast a spell, rest for 8 hours to replenish HP and MP, bash forward, dismiss a character, consult quest log, view the auto-map (if a character has cartography--which is easy since there's a skill teacher near the bank), check the time, and get a status overview of the party. Selecting a character portrait brings up additional details on that character and their inventory. The gem on the bottom of the main display opens the system menu to save and load the game. The gems in the corners indicate elemental resistances for the party, and the gargoyle faces in clockwise order from the left indicate an active levitate spell, nearby enemies if a character has danger-sense, and likewise secret doors if a character can sense them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHPRGw8ePdCqbbwgPz3vX5HreGnChrp8hl53uJqDnWLdsOzvc50FMXSmfRirnCSbsDK8YqsUZR95qsKwjfXKyM8cox-d8rs4jkcXJeZIsNELTfZv7A7WUTYbUfB8ko-2qauKCRXRbsITE/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHPRGw8ePdCqbbwgPz3vX5HreGnChrp8hl53uJqDnWLdsOzvc50FMXSmfRirnCSbsDK8YqsUZR95qsKwjfXKyM8cox-d8rs4jkcXJeZIsNELTfZv7A7WUTYbUfB8ko-2qauKCRXRbsITE/s320/Image_160717_104147_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>HP of characters and enemies are displayed as colors: grey > Max HP, green = Max HP, yellow < Max HP, red = near 0, blue <= 0 HP</i></td></tr>
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Characters that drop to 0 HP or lower are potentially only unconscious. They're only dead once their portrait is replaced by a headstone. There are gates throughout the city that only open with a good bashing. Bashing down a door takes a skill check of the first two conscious characters to succeed, and whether successful or not damages them in the process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeGhm7io33pMt5G98uF-3pBn7bubIHVmML-ysLcufp1I_dNVbL7Z6YiUZv-nxE9Jcjn76C0RefN3LUVZ_ONgg36-JMJn9DF8WC2HrQiPBnWUnagq9HBUoDso8DJ8Bnq4rQTEhyphenhyphen6ixwjAw/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeGhm7io33pMt5G98uF-3pBn7bubIHVmML-ysLcufp1I_dNVbL7Z6YiUZv-nxE9Jcjn76C0RefN3LUVZ_ONgg36-JMJn9DF8WC2HrQiPBnWUnagq9HBUoDso8DJ8Bnq4rQTEhyphenhyphen6ixwjAw/s320/Image_160717_104147_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It took me way too long to find the exit as I thought it was merely another door to bash down</i></td></tr>
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The menu changes to combat options when enemies are within melee range: attack, cast, use item, run (per character), and block. There is also an option to set a default choice for each character to streamline combat a bit. During these early battles I haven't found a need for anything other than attack. Unlike previous Might and Magic titles, gold and item rewards from combat are given automatically once all enemies in the area are vanquished. Some enemies, like the bubble men, don't give any reward. So far, these early enemies drain resources far faster than I'm rewarded. Hopefully things balance out eventually. Unfortunately, I haven't made much progress in the game due to a strange bug. I had trouble determining the cause as I couldn't find anyone else that wrote about it online.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumYjpDGjOb6hjeH7VKyIttHp26ETgU1inpcknTf7rh0a2ZeTNxNlnXGdBcvpXOZlvXQCNFEm2L3S7px9EdzaAGCwnWsMpzwt8gmm8a4EjO5Qb5gEAzcd8pf9w_PaUO2FbCjzYS_Q3Ggei/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumYjpDGjOb6hjeH7VKyIttHp26ETgU1inpcknTf7rh0a2ZeTNxNlnXGdBcvpXOZlvXQCNFEm2L3S7px9EdzaAGCwnWsMpzwt8gmm8a4EjO5Qb5gEAzcd8pf9w_PaUO2FbCjzYS_Q3Ggei/s320/Image_160717_104147_00018.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The game can potentially lock up and wipe the saved game</i></td></tr>
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At first I thought it was the cart, but I tried the same cart again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43CreSi8c4aM4MK3dBidmLQCN4nVmocLhEbiPdVjl_Exm9DvWJsG69N9GFXcoICH4OvP_i4MtFZTBLf0iq9-oegEQSRseII1TId5w-BIhtcf5sWAvRdUeX85NhZ_2yAsHi-RiiSzqrr4R/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00053.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43CreSi8c4aM4MK3dBidmLQCN4nVmocLhEbiPdVjl_Exm9DvWJsG69N9GFXcoICH4OvP_i4MtFZTBLf0iq9-oegEQSRseII1TId5w-BIhtcf5sWAvRdUeX85NhZ_2yAsHi-RiiSzqrr4R/s320/Image_160717_104147_00053.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I had to go back through the videos before I noticed it always happened after the same action</i></td></tr>
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I ordered a second cart. It happened again, which had me thinking it was my SNES.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1q5l81VKiWetDiOtJDhZCOFkKoAKq3h1hrFWl5fHAs6Hl09gRlyIhPPqBEP030uFoJcqSIwkpx9srAlk0O3l76h8_GC_gmOdqgfXp4S_lN238jreA04pK0efSWvvBCsIqIQJEbHsM_5o/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00111.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1q5l81VKiWetDiOtJDhZCOFkKoAKq3h1hrFWl5fHAs6Hl09gRlyIhPPqBEP030uFoJcqSIwkpx9srAlk0O3l76h8_GC_gmOdqgfXp4S_lN238jreA04pK0efSWvvBCsIqIQJEbHsM_5o/s320/Image_160717_104147_00111.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wonder which part of memory this is...</i></td></tr>
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I then tried on emulator, and reproduced it there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3LLInXPp4tFZnrgi_8IF5V5f0uisW7fz4OuHFMHJ6dcPncViehjCnIpCJIpFyGeBTwO4gxv7vDhuvpCe57sPIB3IFsJraKuVD5Q1b8UogWunzajEo8d50OWotDsG4xiECeoq_-FkeWRX/s1600/Might+and+Magic+III+-+Isles+of+Terra+%2528USA%2529017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="512" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3LLInXPp4tFZnrgi_8IF5V5f0uisW7fz4OuHFMHJ6dcPncViehjCnIpCJIpFyGeBTwO4gxv7vDhuvpCe57sPIB3IFsJraKuVD5Q1b8UogWunzajEo8d50OWotDsG4xiECeoq_-FkeWRX/s320/Might+and+Magic+III+-+Isles+of+Terra+%2528USA%2529017.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I definitely wasn't expecting this, but it helped determine it wasn't related to my hardware</i></td></tr>
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It was then I went back to the videos and confirmed it always happened when I used the shoot command after moving, but not every time. I think using a mouse prevents it completely due to timing differences with the input, which would explain why there's no info about it online. So, because I decided to try something different by using controller, I lost weeks of progress, but uncovered a bug no one seems to have discovered or at least bothered to log online. Word of advice for anyone playing this version: use mouse, it's faster and doesn't have this issue (so far).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX607zvbML0DYmslaX8lgo-jcDuI8JS6s84sa4R2MkENx0Ldf8vtgC5ipan-7vt1gdNpWjNoproHqbRAehPW0EAgbsjEcWy48qsZKq5-zjBQZhzjAUd9nRoLvQNqZX-9mAt-HXv8GghIrJ/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00126.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX607zvbML0DYmslaX8lgo-jcDuI8JS6s84sa4R2MkENx0Ldf8vtgC5ipan-7vt1gdNpWjNoproHqbRAehPW0EAgbsjEcWy48qsZKq5-zjBQZhzjAUd9nRoLvQNqZX-9mAt-HXv8GghIrJ/s320/Image_160717_104147_00126.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I re-rolled my party for hopefully the last time as I consider just burning the whole place down</i></td></tr>
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Having some more experience with the game I adjusted my party to knight, ranger, archer, ninja, cleric, sorcerer. I feel like this combination will serve me a bit better. I've already been taking down enemies quicker with arrows fired by the archer. Burning the goblin infested wagon rewarded me with experience and some magical equipment (including a belt of luck).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSU1L9ZBF__DW-XuU19L7bB3rsT2y3arPgnhjSb9PFx2gnkUFJIkXbJU5Yw8-eucxcHZANP-hAycEqlvlvnuBk-1wPAe_E0i3R_UqMvtunPOnmE1h_QgnIyBzvUNLzyqVEYSABY_zYTva/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00128.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSU1L9ZBF__DW-XuU19L7bB3rsT2y3arPgnhjSb9PFx2gnkUFJIkXbJU5Yw8-eucxcHZANP-hAycEqlvlvnuBk-1wPAe_E0i3R_UqMvtunPOnmE1h_QgnIyBzvUNLzyqVEYSABY_zYTva/s320/Image_160717_104147_00128.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wonder how necessary the quests given by the fortuneteller will become as they aren't logged in the quest log</i></td></tr>
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One of the biggest changes to the series is the addition of quests tracked in a log. The game begins with one regarding Fountain Head and the cleaning up the green ooze, and I've been focusing on clearing out the caverns below town to rid it of the ooze. As I explored I found two other quests: ultimate orbs of power are requested by King Righteous of Castle Whiteshield, and 5 silver skulls are necessary for some ritual by an aged man named Skull Miser. As I've been clearing out the caverns below the town I've found those skulls slowly, and expect to have all five by the time I finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuEuLYI0PuGXhQV4jieJRjZtR5RXsf922dLfuIrG7ZLLoKkw3xroXPcUrPrjltYh8mJPjQKcs2Ia2ntOLHMCEly-4riJlc9kQRTCivHqknbcncXrZ97BW4cPu1emPL-5b-OR7cafHnI_2/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00129.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuEuLYI0PuGXhQV4jieJRjZtR5RXsf922dLfuIrG7ZLLoKkw3xroXPcUrPrjltYh8mJPjQKcs2Ia2ntOLHMCEly-4riJlc9kQRTCivHqknbcncXrZ97BW4cPu1emPL-5b-OR7cafHnI_2/s320/Image_160717_104147_00129.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are also some vague quests such as this... I'm sure I'll learn more about them as I proceed</i></td></tr>
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Inside the caverns below Fountain Head were bats that poisoned, barrels to search, and completely visible unavoidable traps that taunted me as I had to walk through them . The bats were fairly weak yet quick, and often acted before I could. Their poison, and possibly all poison, drains stats rather than hit points. Cure poison is an 8th level spell, far out of reach. Barrels usually have gold, although some have permanently increased stats, and still some are damaging or instant death. Wanting to ensure the increased stats went to the relevant class, I started saving before the barrels and loading if, say, my knight gained wisdom. A potential problem presented itself, doors I had bashed were shut again when I loaded. This, coupled with poison that drained my might, meant I could "soft lock" myself behind one of these doors leaving the only way out my last resort of contacting Mr. Wizard. Calling on this power returns the party to Fountain Head at the cost of 1 level per character, not too bad at this low level yet still a pain. I think now I'll avoid the possibility by only saving in towns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd-1GkeN4pnfh1ItR4HSi5RKnAGM90L7ngLQfRk81S0D2uJlrUqr8aY-L2QLAuvZ5ajgMlEgUlXcoRtmaoYLLhyTmA5YhxDaXNJg_57pQ_tzhFYKrlAAGP2uWWTAzg3FqwtdXjrPMOiLE/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00132.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd-1GkeN4pnfh1ItR4HSi5RKnAGM90L7ngLQfRk81S0D2uJlrUqr8aY-L2QLAuvZ5ajgMlEgUlXcoRtmaoYLLhyTmA5YhxDaXNJg_57pQ_tzhFYKrlAAGP2uWWTAzg3FqwtdXjrPMOiLE/s320/Image_160717_104147_00132.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I have 20K gold and 300 gems in the bank accruing interest</i></td></tr>
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By the end of this last session I've finally caught up to all I did through all the other false starts, and then some. A game can go so quickly when you have a little knowledge. Like knowing my sorcerer can't forgo a weapon and hold both a mind whistle and fast horn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8gjztpVSFDkOs0C6F2WYgJkLk_iaWKTyilugvlEsKhJCy9kmDBZxxiNp07D4-mxNqL1T54LSpPpSXtELg-jWF2faT3XxW62eZX2QR7fx9wa4tUoO0VLh_EBtVai2Y2R3lfAwZFHoANSx/s1600/Image_160717_104147_00133.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8gjztpVSFDkOs0C6F2WYgJkLk_iaWKTyilugvlEsKhJCy9kmDBZxxiNp07D4-mxNqL1T54LSpPpSXtELg-jWF2faT3XxW62eZX2QR7fx9wa4tUoO0VLh_EBtVai2Y2R3lfAwZFHoANSx/s320/Image_160717_104147_00133.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Identifying an item is the only way to know exactly what it does, and costs 10% of the price of the item</i></td></tr>
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Now with all that trouble out of the way I can start enjoying the game. This is the first where auto-mapping is so prevalent that I'm risking not making my own maps. I am taking notes of interesting locations, but the auto-maps seem to stick around indefinitely. Making my own maps, while enjoyable, would take up even more time. <br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 2<b>h</b>32<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 12<b>h</b>57<b>m</b>) [yes, that's 10h25m of false starts--I'm not sure if I should continue to count the full time.]Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-14750502782060120602017-07-05T23:08:00.000-07:002017-07-05T23:08:18.253-07:00Game #70: Great Greed (Game Boy) - The Road to Hell (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeur0C_qClMUKTzD9KZQrddMj31Yr0frZ1hcSQ_MB4qUkWfnRoC5IMR_4TJc6wLvTGqX3tDhia8uIQJf1kLoUj50i_JGUWQjc6wgAe3RMtIjJmrwaGNyQYXQNC11zo2frULmagHGe0fvn/s1600/Image_020117_124107_00052.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeur0C_qClMUKTzD9KZQrddMj31Yr0frZ1hcSQ_MB4qUkWfnRoC5IMR_4TJc6wLvTGqX3tDhia8uIQJf1kLoUj50i_JGUWQjc6wgAe3RMtIjJmrwaGNyQYXQNC11zo2frULmagHGe0fvn/s320/Image_020117_124107_00052.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game 70</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Great Greed</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>April 1993 (September 1992 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>Game Boy</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Namco</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Namco</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Turn based</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Standalone</b><br />
<br />
When I started writing up my list of RPGs, I didn't think much of the Game Boy titles (well, aside from the Final Fantasy games). Yet, I've been impressed time and time again by just how much the developers were able to cram into a tiny cartridge. This is no exception. They also manage to be just the right length.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Ii1-Lo8bmJXcZYptFZZCtF9FSG6vS1pb6uH6JDWsHvWmyju2pSKaHo-Jt1oVvkpqRr3d7ZrIgF6V1law31218eCGFtK_-yJoiX8SuquA4M4D6HDrLRBIUI7EhS44UGm7LdJ4Z2e49F-/s1600/Image_210517_144943_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Ii1-Lo8bmJXcZYptFZZCtF9FSG6vS1pb6uH6JDWsHvWmyju2pSKaHo-Jt1oVvkpqRr3d7ZrIgF6V1law31218eCGFtK_-yJoiX8SuquA4M4D6HDrLRBIUI7EhS44UGm7LdJ4Z2e49F-/s320/Image_210517_144943_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The ending actually stretches all the way back to the title screen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The story is presented as pro-environment with the main antagonist, Bio-Haz, polluting an alternate dimension called Greene Kingdom. Its most powerful wizard Microwave escaped throw dimensions after battling Hunter, and she appeared before the story's hero. Hunter was quick to pursue. A second jump back to Greene caught the hero up, dragging him through space and time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PEEkO7MjgmY2G65hUeYEEJaF8A2EeKO6rNOdE4OUzx3nW8xQk2O35_yLkJHLnW2NR0TJxj5pQTQ0iPJ-K5iiHm5FJwMdEva1nVrpxigMblPv-FdbJTzI4HlAQe6kcXmwL789xOXjONV7/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PEEkO7MjgmY2G65hUeYEEJaF8A2EeKO6rNOdE4OUzx3nW8xQk2O35_yLkJHLnW2NR0TJxj5pQTQ0iPJ-K5iiHm5FJwMdEva1nVrpxigMblPv-FdbJTzI4HlAQe6kcXmwL789xOXjONV7/s320/Image_020717_105247_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The game begins with a choice, carry Microwave to safety or leave her there. Like most choices in this game, it's a choice to continue the game or not. It's strange that they decided to sprinkle so many throughout. Carrying Microwave back to the Greene royal family's hideout, where they reported to the king and queen, it was revealed that Microwave lost her dimensional powers in the fight. To return home I would need to travel to Burger and retake Greene Castle to retrieve a magic book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpZGrNP8Zx62ehzZMAgjpkfPcHTnIrT7EN2phFaKEHEL4OtW6GHIWR6f30zrrBlbyjSLf4jjuaOzMr8ZjwiQhLnnj6P8TBq_eO7bog2Maf907odKPZc4Vo3UxfRHjmM15ZMW0jLmmDMZX/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpZGrNP8Zx62ehzZMAgjpkfPcHTnIrT7EN2phFaKEHEL4OtW6GHIWR6f30zrrBlbyjSLf4jjuaOzMr8ZjwiQhLnnj6P8TBq_eO7bog2Maf907odKPZc4Vo3UxfRHjmM15ZMW0jLmmDMZX/s320/Image_020717_105247_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The English translation change all the names -- I think we have Jim Curry to thank for that, someone enjoyed their food references</i></td></tr>
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While trying to figure out what to do, Bio-Haz's forces attack. We find that the hero's strength is much greater than the enemy. It's explained away by suggesting all humans from his world have greater strength in Greene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHiRCcqqQczxXHPxMStceT0DZAWdI5lY6z8N7MuTGQ5JP2d3NWarknNk8n-HXdARQg1gzY-7fu1SY1BNz7uBg8Rq-cXpmXh8WbXpzzO5igf1sU5ym4zBvxtfVF6U20vacqhFmqNpy2cuv/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHiRCcqqQczxXHPxMStceT0DZAWdI5lY6z8N7MuTGQ5JP2d3NWarknNk8n-HXdARQg1gzY-7fu1SY1BNz7uBg8Rq-cXpmXh8WbXpzzO5igf1sU5ym4zBvxtfVF6U20vacqhFmqNpy2cuv/s320/Image_020717_105247_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The game has a strange way of describing dead soldiers</i></td></tr>
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Equipment is basic; comprised of swords, armor, helm, and shields, they progress in nice linear upgrades by increasing attack or defense stats. Only the hero actively battles enemies, although when accompanied by an NPC she has a random chance of assisting in battle. Spells and items are also equipped for use in battle. Healing effects can only be equipped into the bottom slot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UJRHRd-YYdvrydCmy1zA18ecjeDMq3clFm64t6_pUNOpAMxSR9gLlb0dGq7uQRgc8HgH8eHXzyUlLuuiJN3trgIUA1Mj4pEA3AQ3DxAo0ufYxI2RPyb-6yPthe8SxwbvErrXYisI2V11/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UJRHRd-YYdvrydCmy1zA18ecjeDMq3clFm64t6_pUNOpAMxSR9gLlb0dGq7uQRgc8HgH8eHXzyUlLuuiJN3trgIUA1Mj4pEA3AQ3DxAo0ufYxI2RPyb-6yPthe8SxwbvErrXYisI2V11/s320/Image_020717_105247_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Battles are always 1-on-1</i></td></tr>
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The combat mechanics of this game are unique for the time. Rather than a menu system, each button on the game boy is assigned to a different function: A attacks, B defends, start or select attempts to flee, and each direction on the control pad sets off the spell or item in that slot. For every action, the enemy acts, although there's also a hidden timer where the enemy will act if no action is taken for some time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAy-wOw7uys63DC1R8HNS_FBT3ZuQjAaJRF0K1OSIQR0sAK2-2FYpsyIVcodJj_m5O-13SiIorHCGYfiWAaujjcwjO54W5Utf8qpAAwYxH2v7pVXc-PlCZGITGDPSTKuRuwzxV84Ff3pe/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAy-wOw7uys63DC1R8HNS_FBT3ZuQjAaJRF0K1OSIQR0sAK2-2FYpsyIVcodJj_m5O-13SiIorHCGYfiWAaujjcwjO54W5Utf8qpAAwYxH2v7pVXc-PlCZGITGDPSTKuRuwzxV84Ff3pe/s320/Image_020717_105247_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The next town is voting for a new mayor, and this guy is trying hard to win</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The story is very linear, and missing a plot point meant being stuck until it was found. Princess Candy shoved us through a cave directing us to find her sisters along the way. In the land of Sushi I found princess Cup Cake trying to thwart the mayoral bid by Crabby. His rival, Cabbage didn't have the same financial backing, so we fought a bunch of enemies in his name to gain some good will. No matter how often we convinced the public though, the polling results always reverted to Crabby winning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTdKWOYhJW3AHO-aW2jM_ZhqWG3yBIuA8n1jo2wd2pNTUwYK8FeEs3nTWcCPrzrGnrUixBiSJagF5Ets9iHeTIeijjZKcbzeif2OinlF1Zlrp92l-m1cWTlOmWmE0O07GlnujFWriA9j1/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTdKWOYhJW3AHO-aW2jM_ZhqWG3yBIuA8n1jo2wd2pNTUwYK8FeEs3nTWcCPrzrGnrUixBiSJagF5Ets9iHeTIeijjZKcbzeif2OinlF1Zlrp92l-m1cWTlOmWmE0O07GlnujFWriA9j1/s320/Image_020717_105247_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It must be the bribes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To find out more about the Crabby family, I traveled to the Condante Forest. A man named Condante agreed to help us if we could find the debut album of Lola Leftover from the abandoned record factory to the north. Inside we actually found Lola, who gladly provided her album after we listened to her lamenting song. She also mentioned some voices from the basement, which we explored with her lantern. There we found Bio-Haz's people conspiring with the Crabby family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrmr5ERU9H0t-2qlUrM7K1gn2Olmdmfvikd3gqD3E2WQfY-LvJwFZjC7Rulc74lN1uQQWVfuMlUgPfkNT_itE9lqf9yI6QQmb3y8HqyU_ilo4YMMQdGX_yjM5C8HXvbBrO50y71RmfSh4/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrmr5ERU9H0t-2qlUrM7K1gn2Olmdmfvikd3gqD3E2WQfY-LvJwFZjC7Rulc74lN1uQQWVfuMlUgPfkNT_itE9lqf9yI6QQmb3y8HqyU_ilo4YMMQdGX_yjM5C8HXvbBrO50y71RmfSh4/s320/Image_020717_105247_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the first environmental puzzle I've seen -- the record spins you back, the objective is to jump on the head of the arm as it moves</i></td></tr>
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Condante revealed that there were no records of a Crabby family, and they had faked their family name to garner praise for being famous. Combined with the plot to release pollution through the new energy plant, we confronted Crabby. Each area ends in a climactic boss battle. Crabby was a bit of a pushover, but as the game progressed the difficulty for bosses spiked quickly up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyyiRBiD3Xgql7-j4epAklUXF7h1A1ilUFKQiNQD-mrr_TwjZ5aV0XGgX51tdIkHsfyb6mgn7MHqm-jHwHCMjiyJbv-jJoMHQEOQ5OstdrKtzvaKsQCFpAHoeeVF53nhZ753a7CMRtVHO/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyyiRBiD3Xgql7-j4epAklUXF7h1A1ilUFKQiNQD-mrr_TwjZ5aV0XGgX51tdIkHsfyb6mgn7MHqm-jHwHCMjiyJbv-jJoMHQEOQ5OstdrKtzvaKsQCFpAHoeeVF53nhZ753a7CMRtVHO/s320/Image_020717_105247_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taking the bribe from Crabby results in a penalty after defeating him</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cup Cake escorted me to the border or Chow Mein, and directed me to find Dr. Bromide in Herbal Village. I found his daughter Lolly Pop in his house, but was told to go to Tuna Village. There was a strange system of laws in Tuna where three laws were picked at random each day. A law had changed, and sent Dr. Bromide to jail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXshQJSi1qx48RN2iNFL_rcZ2mb_KrTyuqxx0eSVUHSHvosXzN2H4b9mnKH-eLlvJ1LFPoe3tQ7R-nU6h1Rb9PFQnDaTlW_q2_BA9eYwpdlTHKQP_jMcke60kXOFdA10qiq0NGudAieyH/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXshQJSi1qx48RN2iNFL_rcZ2mb_KrTyuqxx0eSVUHSHvosXzN2H4b9mnKH-eLlvJ1LFPoe3tQ7R-nU6h1Rb9PFQnDaTlW_q2_BA9eYwpdlTHKQP_jMcke60kXOFdA10qiq0NGudAieyH/s320/Image_020717_105247_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The laws the day I arrived prevented me from looking for Dr. Bromide in jail</i></td></tr>
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The third law was stuck, and I needed to fix it to progress. A man next to the laws accepted 100 gold to cycle the laws again instead of waiting a full day. Paying a second man 500 gold allowed me to enter and fix the machine by randomly raising or lowering three levers. Now able to talk to the guards and enter the jail I learned Dr. Bromide was moved to a different jail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElnih7cqq67EVoBkVowftBRAFlueu9qbev5ltCATGa1HxQplle4nnJhhNuR1ETaigTXTfbQZ1S42tL4kvNFn0srVFgZnFt9AsfFjT32xpec8rYJvhL2DqyseQz5OqUVssXr2MsdSo7EPm/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElnih7cqq67EVoBkVowftBRAFlueu9qbev5ltCATGa1HxQplle4nnJhhNuR1ETaigTXTfbQZ1S42tL4kvNFn0srVFgZnFt9AsfFjT32xpec8rYJvhL2DqyseQz5OqUVssXr2MsdSo7EPm/s320/Image_020717_105247_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I had to travel all the way north for someone to tell me they would only let in Dr. Bromide or his daughter before I could ask Lolly Pop to join the party</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The long treks back and forth ensured that I never really needed to grind for levels so long as I sparingly ran from battles. In order to get to the Dragon jail I needed a spicy golden pepper from a secretive group, and this is where Lolly Pop became key. Before they would hand over the pepper, I would have to defeat one of Bio-Haz's men in a nearby castle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabpjnWszVOGWg-uNwmiihY9G1sf4J8QLOYI2HDkNCSqEHrhlhX92zYTvvMxaA5A_B9Hmlr1UNXwxtgVIxnTcZ-MKAzyBb8KXL9yc2WX1A9DAUMk5-YxSf0xbiC5mEQIw64Jd28mnRaPsb/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00014.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabpjnWszVOGWg-uNwmiihY9G1sf4J8QLOYI2HDkNCSqEHrhlhX92zYTvvMxaA5A_B9Hmlr1UNXwxtgVIxnTcZ-MKAzyBb8KXL9yc2WX1A9DAUMk5-YxSf0xbiC5mEQIw64Jd28mnRaPsb/s320/Image_020717_105247_00014.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finding the right combination of floating platforms to reach the top was a pain</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Questioning the design choices for the castle, I nevertheless scaled it until I confronted Nikninja to take back the castle. The golden pepper was necessary to defeat the dragon guarding the jail. The jail turned out to be a work camp where the prisoners mined for high toxins. Sarg oversaw the operation, and was the turning point for difficult bosses. Luckily the game has a very forgiving auto-save feature, so essentially no progress is lost from a game over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PJBO0ZFVLeqgNbCpicEEiYaNs3I3LzK2gyQtndiziACWG7lqDMHzEJpdt-kfetFWAlMU0bmbwXupx5Wrjv_o3E6zSEt68BASbGzdqHGHovZ6Ll3t3MaKjb5GosXB82Ylxk97-JQw5RQ-/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PJBO0ZFVLeqgNbCpicEEiYaNs3I3LzK2gyQtndiziACWG7lqDMHzEJpdt-kfetFWAlMU0bmbwXupx5Wrjv_o3E6zSEt68BASbGzdqHGHovZ6Ll3t3MaKjb5GosXB82Ylxk97-JQw5RQ-/s320/Image_020717_105247_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was a really close battle, but Freeze 2 + med 2 turned out to be the winning combination of skills</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We retrieved Dr. Bromide's research from him as he lay dying in the mine beyond Sarg. We took Springroll's climbing gear to reach the Curry nation (talk about author insertion). Princess Truffle was in the next village, and she decided that purity was Bio-Haz's weakness based on the research. She escorted us to Pipe Valley in search of Ralph Vader and the purest thing in the world. Pipe Valley was conservation area where all the monsters were protected by law. If harmed, the party is kicked out. To cross I had to flee from all encounters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOimXhEwNHgUnvt4PaD0cPq77g6prd0SPeFU03tEvLq2xCG_bIsw30YyQ6dP3z_bZ291QOxN-SeVCqrFAg0ueFPz-84PonCpm_z2wdcC6lMzBbtRE-jo6nf_7X3YAqUhrwez1BRxYTg4aT/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00016.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOimXhEwNHgUnvt4PaD0cPq77g6prd0SPeFU03tEvLq2xCG_bIsw30YyQ6dP3z_bZ291QOxN-SeVCqrFAg0ueFPz-84PonCpm_z2wdcC6lMzBbtRE-jo6nf_7X3YAqUhrwez1BRxYTg4aT/s320/Image_020717_105247_00016.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All I have to do now is go to Crater Lake beyond Nutmeg Village... I'm sure it'll be that simple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It wasn't that simple. Crater Lake had been polluted. Now noxious gas spewed from it constantly brought down by high winds. Truffle worked on making a neutralizing agent powerful enough to counteract the toxic waste while I searched for a way to reach the lake while the winds were calm. In the next town over I found everyone hopped up on an ultra hot flower that caused them to run around at high speeds. With some of the flower gathered from a nearby forest, I was able to race up the mountain to apply the neutralizing agent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2dzYov5M9TL_ML9W2zULuD1mnj55zrQUshjlNFp5kVtCLZhYQ-pqWjZKOKZS8pa3IY9gB6ywf3NG3VyIOWRHjjjMALodAqUStDplPUp70lXRJ07QWk-MPrmCckxyMaoTW622B_O_Slnj/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2dzYov5M9TL_ML9W2zULuD1mnj55zrQUshjlNFp5kVtCLZhYQ-pqWjZKOKZS8pa3IY9gB6ywf3NG3VyIOWRHjjjMALodAqUStDplPUp70lXRJ07QWk-MPrmCckxyMaoTW622B_O_Slnj/s320/Image_020717_105247_00018.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rocks in the path stun the hero as he runs to the lake--at least I didn't need to collect a new flower each attempt</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the lake I faced off against Darts, which added a few more attempts to the mad dash for each loss. The water was anticipated to be key to defeating Bio-Haz, although no indication of how. I then traveled to the land of Spaghetti in search of the next princess. A resistance movement was forming, and Princess Citrus was at the center of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPpCApVOhrud8rlZ0yjony6HKTvObqCAE6yQEbYP2cLQEx74cP_AHgpnNMOnnaP3PwZ4F8GQX-2oAf28NldFiDEpJJIk_f2tXxIQAniVW2SPhy2kjfmx2MAIXUNEfGmlhpHocYyvKhQFt/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPpCApVOhrud8rlZ0yjony6HKTvObqCAE6yQEbYP2cLQEx74cP_AHgpnNMOnnaP3PwZ4F8GQX-2oAf28NldFiDEpJJIk_f2tXxIQAniVW2SPhy2kjfmx2MAIXUNEfGmlhpHocYyvKhQFt/s320/Image_020717_105247_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To prove my strength she challenged me to a duel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To assist Citrus, I joined her as she quested for powerful weapons. It just so happened one was a prize for a beauty contest in the next town. To enter, I needed to find three fruit for the coordinator Mr. Fifi to make Citrus a prime contestant. The forest was full of monsters that would steal the fruit as I collected it, but I finally returned with an apple, peach, and walnut. With the new dress, Citrus easily won the contest; however, the dress provided was too attractive, and all the men in the crowd prevented Citrus from moving. This was Fifi's plan all along, as a member of Bio-Haz he would strike down the leader of the resistance easily. However, the magic didn't affect the hero, and I vanquished him. Back at camp we found that the adjunct, Shrimp, had betrayed and killed everyone. We pursued, and gave him his due. It was a tough battle, but the weaken spell made a huge difference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j3QTYWR2eCL_reXNf_rtzgl8BOjC6OQnuc2Bn3XBsommCoB8Cko__R2NZx4FcmQv5SQYCeKvw962mPmxsII6LqJVVGwSuSfvI3r5b7mTmTu16cJX1UeO8_K5WdBBcLPQtWxj_RZLSgTc/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00020.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-j3QTYWR2eCL_reXNf_rtzgl8BOjC6OQnuc2Bn3XBsommCoB8Cko__R2NZx4FcmQv5SQYCeKvw962mPmxsII6LqJVVGwSuSfvI3r5b7mTmTu16cJX1UeO8_K5WdBBcLPQtWxj_RZLSgTc/s320/Image_020717_105247_00020.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After the battle Citrus fell into a hole</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the next area I investigated the strange earthquake that opened the hole in the ground. Of course it was one of Bio-Haz's men, Cadmium, the commander of his hunters. I crossed the desert thanks to some cool mint leaves, and Microwave joined me in the village of Torte. To pass the guard waiting for me in front of Cadmium's cave, I had to fight my through an abandoned library below the town. Navigating the maze took some time, but I emerged with the Zap spell described in an ancient document. I confronted Cadmium, who offered me a place in Bio-Haz's army.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m5bV0ln1RGaT3gsynZ9By3ibblJFbSPj3MF3382aJhSTGT8Qguzq6B2XsTvBG-1GIXWReHWLSW6vlGT4eHtfxCN6TOheUenaOnXfOztf8rtC6DpmX9WEKIXcahB_OOKx0334JbdAtDm6/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m5bV0ln1RGaT3gsynZ9By3ibblJFbSPj3MF3382aJhSTGT8Qguzq6B2XsTvBG-1GIXWReHWLSW6vlGT4eHtfxCN6TOheUenaOnXfOztf8rtC6DpmX9WEKIXcahB_OOKx0334JbdAtDm6/s320/Image_020717_105247_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If you accept, Microwave destroys you, with fair warning</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Strangely Cadmium became Cavity in battle. As per the new norm, this battle took a number of attempts to find the right combination of four skills. Microwave injured herself during the battle, and had to be carried back to town. We parted ways as she handed me the key to a ship to the south (I'm not sure how a ship operates with a key), which would finally take me to Burger. On the way, the ship exploded thanks to a trap laid by Cadmium. I awoke in Caviar Village somewhere in the Soup Empire in the home of Marcela and Pint. The local doctor instructed me to rest and rejuvenate in the hot spring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxkMJHOm8YhxS33gEyrpQfXQvRp0pwJ679E3COaVfrBG3lYEJl5h4S6tM3JWDXoAZDxWMleud_9RJyf__AIawnWMcWXBGZ8bkc12CJtgl9aSLzBT7H5fyYi2GGrrskPW-FY9dWmwDB-_1/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxkMJHOm8YhxS33gEyrpQfXQvRp0pwJ679E3COaVfrBG3lYEJl5h4S6tM3JWDXoAZDxWMleud_9RJyf__AIawnWMcWXBGZ8bkc12CJtgl9aSLzBT7H5fyYi2GGrrskPW-FY9dWmwDB-_1/s320/Image_020717_105247_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chests are sometimes filled with trash, which can't be dropped -- it clutters the inventory until "sold"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I made my way through the forest I noted how easy the enemies were up to the hot spring. Why, I could probably beat them barehanded.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGth8Rp-wTFHUA2lwBW0YscWb0rIIGEGPjXp3qhCTDbBkz62r9onw3E4jn2IvOl8qU_0z8m5IeMVtJg_giw5fD1RH6dUMjBX3K2Uqb8yebWE6q4PyjGM1wutLuGVpI4xi3O8yoYvWyiE6A/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00024.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGth8Rp-wTFHUA2lwBW0YscWb0rIIGEGPjXp3qhCTDbBkz62r9onw3E4jn2IvOl8qU_0z8m5IeMVtJg_giw5fD1RH6dUMjBX3K2Uqb8yebWE6q4PyjGM1wutLuGVpI4xi3O8yoYvWyiE6A/s320/Image_020717_105247_00024.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, I see where this is going...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spending time in the spring completely rejuvenated my strength. Without a choice whether or not to leave my equipment, I was at the mercy of having limited HP, and no spells, to deal with the forest creatures. By the end I caught up with the man who had my equipment, although I had to flee from most fights. Luckily Marcela came to my rescue. Turned out she was actually Princess Gum Drop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nx02uPDT1YR_xpKgUn7rejNMfQGjaV_GX_FP14nF8n4UuHgMcPzS3JQMkrwGqLKVtiRiLVvD6YDIsog5L7YH3A5SizuUnq80jtRphIt_EJORUnzi67Q291tO0n0oVK92s1URFxqMe_xY/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00025.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nx02uPDT1YR_xpKgUn7rejNMfQGjaV_GX_FP14nF8n4UuHgMcPzS3JQMkrwGqLKVtiRiLVvD6YDIsog5L7YH3A5SizuUnq80jtRphIt_EJORUnzi67Q291tO0n0oVK92s1URFxqMe_xY/s320/Image_020717_105247_00025.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Which programmer?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the princess' special barrier, we crossed the Blizzard Mountain. It was a long path that all looked the same until we reached a small inn, allowing us to regain strength. A cave later we scaled down the mountainside to a village called Won Ton. There we learned that Burger was just to the south, but the only way to reach it was using a kite piloted by a crazy inventor. First though, I needed to see just how impossible it was to cross the cape to the south. Then it was time to rescue a child from a blizzard on the mountain Mr. Noodle had passed as I went to meet him. Turned out it was Pint Jr. trying to find Marcela/Gum Drop, so she stayed behind as I flew off the cliff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFzf6SNxrAOJoeixCrjm_UMlf4M0vJOAwI1FeI4pyi2peVMHfMz2a3VGiSrKJIKKdl3wZY9jYsxa7ZUZInfwSl8y68-mpOHWFqisFI3dABsxm1C4gmuzqZBaBLkPCpanO0SQYx8hCX1QA/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00027.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFzf6SNxrAOJoeixCrjm_UMlf4M0vJOAwI1FeI4pyi2peVMHfMz2a3VGiSrKJIKKdl3wZY9jYsxa7ZUZInfwSl8y68-mpOHWFqisFI3dABsxm1C4gmuzqZBaBLkPCpanO0SQYx8hCX1QA/s320/Image_020717_105247_00027.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flying down to Burger</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived in the town of Trash. The town was so polluted most of the shops had closed down, and the exit was blocked. The tower of Dust Ball was guarded closely. After making a few rounds around the town, I walked into an abandoned building a second time to be confronted by someone named Lunch Box. He and Time Out introduced themselves as if I had met them before. They created a diversion while I entered the tower. At the top I defeated the evil wizard Thyme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DPRuilJAGlljwkCC3_BACogeln_hhLII0-sQwYIzOLrXMggo7NpPxYPVcbtIb6xmjVCAwpqha5s0LXuJfUOZRBR9zlWdTyjN3ndNb9zbaWfSAhqPj_ZH0mnakcj1Bv8VMV4X7xn2NbmS/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00028.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DPRuilJAGlljwkCC3_BACogeln_hhLII0-sQwYIzOLrXMggo7NpPxYPVcbtIb6xmjVCAwpqha5s0LXuJfUOZRBR9zlWdTyjN3ndNb9zbaWfSAhqPj_ZH0mnakcj1Bv8VMV4X7xn2NbmS/s320/Image_020717_105247_00028.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>She revealed that Bio-Haz was actually a human trying to save that world by dumping all the waste in Greene--so why was his men digging up toxins in that mine?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The shops remained closed, but I was now able to leave town for the final confrontation against Bio-Haz. First I rescued the king and queen, who thought it was a good idea to return before Bio-Haz was defeated. His hideout was to the south through a flower garden that only the royal family was permitted to enter. In troubled times like this I'm not sure why such restrictions were still imposed, but I had received charms from all the princesses to indicate I was trusted. I met up with Cup Cake and Truffle in the next town where she coated my sword with the pure water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHDbjo8DkCUkod6xiWnqxTCwstju9SmVAQJEwa7Wl-nckPiMndzqgWRYFFc3IBuljDxXnu7Fbakm2QSCrjS5oHljFHFkCg15pz06y72s7Ms6e6K97pEMH6XL6k_rnKfK1FkLUFkE5ydrj/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00029.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHDbjo8DkCUkod6xiWnqxTCwstju9SmVAQJEwa7Wl-nckPiMndzqgWRYFFc3IBuljDxXnu7Fbakm2QSCrjS5oHljFHFkCg15pz06y72s7Ms6e6K97pEMH6XL6k_rnKfK1FkLUFkE5ydrj/s320/Image_020717_105247_00029.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Is this an untranslated text?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ran from most encounters at this point as I wasn't quite sure where I could regain my strength. Gum Drop showed up to help me with her barrier, but quickly ran out of magic. I rescued Candy from the dungeon, and with her power confronted Bio-Haz. He really was powerful, and with two forms proved a bit too much to handle. I resigned myself to grinding up to about level 41. The hero gains experience from the first form, and a level up restores HP and MP to max, so timing it just right to gain that level is key to beating the second form. That and a whole lot of luck. Citrus showed up to help during the second form, but her damage was pitiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iDC-ref7gI-7TOoHzt8a3_UoPwpAWM6xI6MfwRuZnsq9fbsbSWR4R-x4_QQxkbfaz8-y8OfDCVmapbP-2t3mqGshBqQHAtBBAq6pCNwf7a-tC6w9ak0PsA6Kp0DvvdGBqkTXw1RRHS9I/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00033.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iDC-ref7gI-7TOoHzt8a3_UoPwpAWM6xI6MfwRuZnsq9fbsbSWR4R-x4_QQxkbfaz8-y8OfDCVmapbP-2t3mqGshBqQHAtBBAq6pCNwf7a-tC6w9ak0PsA6Kp0DvvdGBqkTXw1RRHS9I/s320/Image_020717_105247_00033.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An actual choice comes right at the end</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With Bio-Haz defeated, the kingdom is safe once again. The hero can now choose to go home, or stay and marry one of the king's daughters (except Gum Drop who's promised to Pint already). If you choose Cup Cake, who's only 11, the king will say she's too young, but you can wait around a few years. The king doesn't say anything of the sort when you pick Truffle though, who's only 15, so I wonder what the age of consent is for this kingdom. I tried to pick Microwave and the queen as well, but they weren't having any of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJC4EBglu37wnCqTboV5ClaVeD2AZwH-_EQ1GstIlVJwRjdmYXk8KbAM8Os3ZAfRIhYPoaZOcZJgPqhPZfXVvcXeLTMk15D77gPYAnLHOBBw9x8oJ8Xt08PoGvstlE0zCSCXS6SsYJrxN/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00056.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJC4EBglu37wnCqTboV5ClaVeD2AZwH-_EQ1GstIlVJwRjdmYXk8KbAM8Os3ZAfRIhYPoaZOcZJgPqhPZfXVvcXeLTMk15D77gPYAnLHOBBw9x8oJ8Xt08PoGvstlE0zCSCXS6SsYJrxN/s320/Image_020717_105247_00056.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Neither was the king</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Initially I chose not to marry any daughter, and returned to the human world. Due to differences in dimensional reality the hero had only been absent for an hour. To top off the never seen that before list, after the end screen the game includes a small reward.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf1dCHORp3_2MK0DHDdwXZsj2Du9rzYFIE2kl5Zs8tf3_mcc_lrhGk4LKjvBFKzzWnqcJU8NbZrbd3D4DdotZR_ZEE1vJOkqI56_RIum-jtgFrVpBTdtrc3dCx37mHqfSqG02Dx3Q_FZ-/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00052.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf1dCHORp3_2MK0DHDdwXZsj2Du9rzYFIE2kl5Zs8tf3_mcc_lrhGk4LKjvBFKzzWnqcJU8NbZrbd3D4DdotZR_ZEE1vJOkqI56_RIum-jtgFrVpBTdtrc3dCx37mHqfSqG02Dx3Q_FZ-/s320/Image_020717_105247_00052.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not just a sound test, not just a bestiary, but also a small bio profile for each princess</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b><br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 9<b>h</b>25<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 9<b>h</b>25<b>m</b>)<br />
<br />
<b>Combatant </b>- Bosses are really what make the game challenging, but the number of strategic options offered is enough to ensure grinding is optional. It just takes a little exploring of spells not normally used, and a little bit of luck. Stats definitely play a role, and grinding can turn the tables.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>7</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3GiGzK7e28uXFwg_jeUqj0dfsLDwE5c7K01u4Zqhr5t-VR5gLj8odjh0XCFlC8Cwp1IY-tRB_ykPPB63MctC58zkTC6hvvuRurZBebPrTzO2S2ufpt_DKhTz5pVGMbD-Usqd2XxoukEk/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00053.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3GiGzK7e28uXFwg_jeUqj0dfsLDwE5c7K01u4Zqhr5t-VR5gLj8odjh0XCFlC8Cwp1IY-tRB_ykPPB63MctC58zkTC6hvvuRurZBebPrTzO2S2ufpt_DKhTz5pVGMbD-Usqd2XxoukEk/s320/Image_020717_105247_00053.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bestiary comes complete with all stats--Bio-Haz's second form</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- This section gets high marks for the customization options of skills, and the unique controls. There aren't any adjustable appearances, and only HP and MP increase on level up.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDAQjbMP9RgaN_V5rtckp5D-3t9tUi5Wn-FBu1nIsUi-72qbyEqsg3nbf1r6UOffDf8rdAxLBSUFOk20T4mUr0wEa_47CATNpclLnxwj4mODxMLExgezzrX4hyHfhOBPwgN3xQqSwkh8O/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00044.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDAQjbMP9RgaN_V5rtckp5D-3t9tUi5Wn-FBu1nIsUi-72qbyEqsg3nbf1r6UOffDf8rdAxLBSUFOk20T4mUr0wEa_47CATNpclLnxwj4mODxMLExgezzrX4hyHfhOBPwgN3xQqSwkh8O/s320/Image_020717_105247_00044.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A lack of a good upscaler means these screens look blurry, but the character sprites are really well done</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- There aren't any side quests, and not many puzzles. There is only a single solution through the game. The main quest is well laid out though, and it's difficult to get lost.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnaBki4YJvYP3hOK6TSPGL1eD7UtAxdc7URB7ZE_dlFUP7mSAt-tyxkKSeyWCMy7IKe1D5XzEivA649SpQXCNQriV84HTgFzFe2E9kqrWkLkKb2nUu_Vhq0gJinxoMlFK0MxlKUDE1Hmw/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00043.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnaBki4YJvYP3hOK6TSPGL1eD7UtAxdc7URB7ZE_dlFUP7mSAt-tyxkKSeyWCMy7IKe1D5XzEivA649SpQXCNQriV84HTgFzFe2E9kqrWkLkKb2nUu_Vhq0gJinxoMlFK0MxlKUDE1Hmw/s320/Image_020717_105247_00043.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's hard to tell from some of these titles, but I think this is the right person to credit for the life size record player</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- The story falls a bit flat on the environmental side, stating only that toxic waste is bad. I'm not sure how influential it would be on any kid. How they handled trash was cute for a while, but annoying by the final dungeon where nearly every chest had some. NPCs do well at pointing at the next area, but don't make the areas themselves feel alive. There aren't a lot of choices, and those there are don't lead to interesting consequences during the game.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ZlG9R-Jyr50Cm1cXZgdQ-qrCNnES7LJwRep5amZHFVnHP_hRUCaxy0RFWs29LY_wEQpSZ2nBez5QCk_FUKXKSxighsOlK7p9gxgBqA1BdtMxCsh0sfY4BAuMmRyy_24pKyCTv6oFoKg/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00037.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ZlG9R-Jyr50Cm1cXZgdQ-qrCNnES7LJwRep5amZHFVnHP_hRUCaxy0RFWs29LY_wEQpSZ2nBez5QCk_FUKXKSxighsOlK7p9gxgBqA1BdtMxCsh0sfY4BAuMmRyy_24pKyCTv6oFoKg/s320/Image_020717_105247_00037.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Time to lay out the moral of the story</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There's stuff, some strange things I wasn't quite sure what to do with, but as far as I can tell the strange things are only there to be sold. While there is a limit to inventory, it'll take a while to reach. The economy has a strange balance. Not excessively over the top with gold, I was still able to purchase the best equipment as I arrived in town. There weren't many instances where I had to decide on some equipment over others. Strength is relative to cost, and equipping items will tell you for certain if it's more powerful.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNegsys6UGMHVzVDrUnBFxHjN5JTkVFZniaepMgs37DB-AkG7YdgtpscNLEXGfPrR1saiyT6Prgx6zBFrkxrTvP8By8fdl8Mu9kM13yX8r4qdUi3HH9Z0HoNjVac9mzCkPAG_25a7zr31E/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00051.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNegsys6UGMHVzVDrUnBFxHjN5JTkVFZniaepMgs37DB-AkG7YdgtpscNLEXGfPrR1saiyT6Prgx6zBFrkxrTvP8By8fdl8Mu9kM13yX8r4qdUi3HH9Z0HoNjVac9mzCkPAG_25a7zr31E/s320/Image_020717_105247_00051.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How about an item list?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- The graphics as I mentioned before are well detailed, and enemy sprites are some of the best on Game Boy. The music is interesting, I don't think I've heard anything quite like it. The world is fun to explore, but linearly scripted, so there's no point in exploring off the designated path. It's also chopped up into areas that prevent back tracking.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T5T6sVWkW8A2hS5ki50VcEVZSy-fiCWEOaXJwCE6qXFTqPChQMPr8SfR0vGL2L-sLzl4-oeEP7If-z1wo31ZVMOPuwHKY9BMDUpeiyeMTEUBqp2YkeiGMyOUnN0AAdbHz6YCqdEFyrxs/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00046.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T5T6sVWkW8A2hS5ki50VcEVZSy-fiCWEOaXJwCE6qXFTqPChQMPr8SfR0vGL2L-sLzl4-oeEP7If-z1wo31ZVMOPuwHKY9BMDUpeiyeMTEUBqp2YkeiGMyOUnN0AAdbHz6YCqdEFyrxs/s320/Image_020717_105247_00046.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Were these really all renditions of Chopin pieces, or did someone want to credit themselves as Chopin?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>27</b> [45%]<br />
<br />
Overall a light fun game that surprised me with innovative mechanics even if the story didn't quite grab me. I'm not sure I'd claim this as a recommended title. It's a good challenge if you avoid grinding, and inoffensively short compared to most console RPGs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4C42JKXBN5zGMFhOx5Ka4HI2ghv43pfGTw_vYZbpNXcFZPz8Uie24tp_hzxxjn-ERDuAg2tcsYPLxzas6nhyZyuPQx9FSzLHFWKmEUFppnhpnlvo8v9yFoYeXMU-LrrU6OVzZXX_v-06/s1600/Image_020717_105247_00035.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4C42JKXBN5zGMFhOx5Ka4HI2ghv43pfGTw_vYZbpNXcFZPz8Uie24tp_hzxxjn-ERDuAg2tcsYPLxzas6nhyZyuPQx9FSzLHFWKmEUFppnhpnlvo8v9yFoYeXMU-LrrU6OVzZXX_v-06/s320/Image_020717_105247_00035.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What happens to his father if he stays in Greene?</i></td></tr>
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I know updates have been lacking. I actually beat this game nearly two months ago, but I'm still in that funk where writing feels more like a chore than something I get excited to share. It might be the heat of the early summer, or the recent lack of exciting games. Add on top of that some issues I've had getting into the next game, Might and Magic III, and I just had to take a break for a while. We'll see if I can get back on pace, but if not, please forgive the lack of content and I'll update when I can. I'd rather update infrequently than force worse writing in haste. Even with the trouble I've encountered, I'm still looking forward to giving it another attempt.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-3422254355136469242017-05-07T11:35:00.001-07:002017-05-07T11:35:45.360-07:00Game #69: Super Ninja Boy (SNES) - Dragon Ball Gaiden (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRMhuTsHGwfoYffIzut4mpz_M57tFw66dLmshWLfqBvW1DqpAl5kHzKkpXALL7Nz48xFm-lAj689rkiMN2eY0xRwlWWziA9NlGTrLZOJiaov9MBN057rTIkd4DkG24oj3bPbx5YNf3AKs/s1600/Image_020117_124107_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRMhuTsHGwfoYffIzut4mpz_M57tFw66dLmshWLfqBvW1DqpAl5kHzKkpXALL7Nz48xFm-lAj689rkiMN2eY0xRwlWWziA9NlGTrLZOJiaov9MBN057rTIkd4DkG24oj3bPbx5YNf3AKs/s320/Image_020117_124107_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>69</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Super Ninja Boy</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>1993 (December 1991 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>SNES</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Culture Brain</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Culture Brain</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>Action-RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Action side scrolling</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Ninja Boy (Super Chinese in Japan)</b><br />
<br />
Hopeful yet cautious about this new iteration I curbed my enthusiasm with low expectations. In the end, I wasn't disappointed with it. It's nothing to write home about, but I'll try to anyway. Super Ninja Boy continues to star Jack and Ryu (as second player). At any time a second player can be enabled in town to join in on the action sequences. There are three difficulty settings, and I went with the middle one (normal). I didn't have the manual, and struggled a little for it, so I don't know what the difficulty changes (if it's even explained). I passed on the password entry for now, but noted that I'd need to write them down when I wanted to stop for the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhONRwzlSKhuMbywWpP1wCVYCMEe1DlCuNFUNH1s_3QmnxO9DtLyqyMr4YnTCwN3ILb3GUA7DoQ4ksZnp27Rws98W4h59emzmiTCEwTKeJftGwJ6HSSLKXvnKoeQmbA3-lu-AMgzTo3eq9/s1600/Image_290417_150715_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhONRwzlSKhuMbywWpP1wCVYCMEe1DlCuNFUNH1s_3QmnxO9DtLyqyMr4YnTCwN3ILb3GUA7DoQ4ksZnp27Rws98W4h59emzmiTCEwTKeJftGwJ6HSSLKXvnKoeQmbA3-lu-AMgzTo3eq9/s320/Image_290417_150715_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Totally not photoshopped</i></td></tr>
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The story begins in Chinaland when an alien race visits, proclaiming universal peace. Their leader, Rub-A-Doc, visited the emperor to discuss plans for the future. Months later, the aliens and Rub-A-Doc decide to leave. That's when some trouble started brewing in the city of Yokan. Jack and Ryu set out to investigate the disturbance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rHidB01UAJ8QBUowI9VVq6CFMM_OUZSFt6uCdR8GofHTE5SR0jLf9YOfKPBdG8fh7JkM7nCZFmkhyX68V_fzQACiJlZttT4n_Ve2gUcy1cEFfnrVsXOM1NWYy8UC9g6MikuXhusrClG6/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rHidB01UAJ8QBUowI9VVq6CFMM_OUZSFt6uCdR8GofHTE5SR0jLf9YOfKPBdG8fh7JkM7nCZFmkhyX68V_fzQACiJlZttT4n_Ve2gUcy1cEFfnrVsXOM1NWYy8UC9g6MikuXhusrClG6/s320/Image_300417_135746_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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I gained control just outside of Yokan. Most of the men were missing, and the emperor told me his jewels were stolen as well. The kidnappers were from Mt. Sanpin to the east, but first I was told to venture north to Horizon Gate for some training, and given an escape leaf magic from an old sage. There are three different style of stages: random battles, special field stages, and boss fights. Random encounters require a number of enemies defeated before passing, and Jack is rewarded with experience and money (called sen). The active battle system the series is known for is used here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRMUsi6QdWeqVhgj7Tt5mg-lSCY9Bg7QtUPm64faBs9ZjetCxLKtC_DaNUOaMO_sgQwLuo2uIu0h433KBAej7Bollvs-3vFnMQAchL5THgehB3HZRWqsse8BwEzCt8d7rBCO0rXvnoLVS/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRMUsi6QdWeqVhgj7Tt5mg-lSCY9Bg7QtUPm64faBs9ZjetCxLKtC_DaNUOaMO_sgQwLuo2uIu0h433KBAej7Bollvs-3vFnMQAchL5THgehB3HZRWqsse8BwEzCt8d7rBCO0rXvnoLVS/s320/Image_300417_135746_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jumping on enemies is safer, although not as powerful as it was in the previous game</i></td></tr>
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There are stationary blocks in most random encounters that can add M balls, which are used for special powerful attacks. Ninpo is used to cast magic. Some enemies drop weapons that can be used during that single battle, and once equipped with a sword it can be drawn and used to some effect. Once I arrived in Horizon Gate I needed to train with Rick and his master to advance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_sxZDSZMq5Sp5zGvinmzJIX-p50uwtaU4GY-n_PUZT_VmaiDf_uSKwaG44HGr1HIbZsy0JXAJyiH6nUco3xhf6Qu0p4KXC-bPkykqNxlxr74uuauG_kpih4GUg8Ukh6X6DCy5Vfo0pYb/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_sxZDSZMq5Sp5zGvinmzJIX-p50uwtaU4GY-n_PUZT_VmaiDf_uSKwaG44HGr1HIbZsy0JXAJyiH6nUco3xhf6Qu0p4KXC-bPkykqNxlxr74uuauG_kpih4GUg8Ukh6X6DCy5Vfo0pYb/s320/Image_300417_135746_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Someone in town mentioned a super jump... I never did figure it out</i></td></tr>
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The two trials were special field stages, and both required what seemed like impossible jumps. I'm fairly sure I was just missing a mechanic, but after trying all the buttons and combinations of them I still didn't see how to clear those gaps. I built up some money and bought nearly everything from the item shops. Towns also offer free inns to recover HP and NP, convenience stores to add or remove a second player from the party as well as save progress and get a password, and item shops that offer equipment upgrades and helpful items.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaOI3TdS2XlfzK0ocWtbkub4uKUyT-gyO-A3UpEtlEe8Tgvro0mIXU8fZ8LOgxV6OWjFRsBDLDKJV2Px5LbtHeOniSETFS7VxHsvu13MAPL5AkgMHYrEAx1LbWlqhIOfJU5TJw3uPxLg2/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaOI3TdS2XlfzK0ocWtbkub4uKUyT-gyO-A3UpEtlEe8Tgvro0mIXU8fZ8LOgxV6OWjFRsBDLDKJV2Px5LbtHeOniSETFS7VxHsvu13MAPL5AkgMHYrEAx1LbWlqhIOfJU5TJw3uPxLg2/s320/Image_300417_135746_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Using a dragon egg, which doubles as an extra try if the hero falls in a pit</i></td></tr>
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For my trouble I gained a throwing star and spider shoes, which allow me to climb on ceilings during the special field stages. The kidnappers were found to the east, and easily dealt with. I obtained a yellow auraball from them. Emperor Chin congratulated me, but my task was far from over as more bad tidings arrived from the south near Edo City.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRKWjA-_uCk6JU-El_WnOOHgEjzippV8g35ybYiattIfs49djImoTwnuM2tu3vG0oszHEn2CA2FGF89aDPsWN8FRiCw1UVB4tSR-wmrnEivnomn_yfZmx1bdQq643vEzUBZ_w4pOVb37b/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRKWjA-_uCk6JU-El_WnOOHgEjzippV8g35ybYiattIfs49djImoTwnuM2tu3vG0oszHEn2CA2FGF89aDPsWN8FRiCw1UVB4tSR-wmrnEivnomn_yfZmx1bdQq643vEzUBZ_w4pOVb37b/s320/Image_300417_135746_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Every once in a while a cave along the path will offer a mini-game, but with only 3 misses I never completed this one</i></td></tr>
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All the samurai in Edo city were kidnapped, and returned as lazy bums. I set out to discover the cause through a cave to the west. It was the magic of Bongoman that made them idle about. This was the first boss battle, which unlike other battles is turn based. In 1-player mode, the actions of Ryu are controlled by an AI... an AI that rarely picks the best attacks. The fight command either punches or kicks at random, item gives the option of using the sword or another inventory item, and magic is for special abilities like the throwing stars and mighty ball attack.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V-3IVqEQcGapadxssDvm1m6Tx2fRCkXOSPqe3AFLs2UULYj-uJcV5dbiOhQdhQWFe-nm3Ya_I6Z2lu3MXne7XlV9OVZ6RGFIiGlYjlCeq8X55iD5ns4jIadw7eDajJT6Cjt6mLaXTOlM/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V-3IVqEQcGapadxssDvm1m6Tx2fRCkXOSPqe3AFLs2UULYj-uJcV5dbiOhQdhQWFe-nm3Ya_I6Z2lu3MXne7XlV9OVZ6RGFIiGlYjlCeq8X55iD5ns4jIadw7eDajJT6Cjt6mLaXTOlM/s320/Image_300417_135746_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cupsule item always failed, so I'm not sure what its use was</i></td></tr>
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I picked up a red auraball for my trouble, and dispelled the enchantment over the samurai. Princess Tamago rewarded me with her undying love and a hovercraft. I took the hovercraft and ran off to the next adventure. The king of Edo City suggested I stop by Satoon as he recalls seeing another strange ball there. I met a fisherman and his family along the way west of Yokan. Satoon was a distant goal as I passed through Kingland and Fairy Town to learn of some strife between King Romel of Satoon, and the king of Fairy Town. Princess Julia told of a parcel delivery project called Project-3F. The fairy king grew despondent, and took the prototype to a nearby tower to the southwest. So, I headed southeast, crossed a desert, and went to completely different tower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqtFVo4GBGHEbpuH0SOWbiowZhWvtvZ1Db3im1jymAZkVM5cj-SSM2WSJKOEhmNLzM_U7x9RufEmss6rWHDjCpUeN0q4zWq2HOGTzHsqcbLEFNuiJsv85Xm719q4PoC_gy-ePur-kiocd/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqtFVo4GBGHEbpuH0SOWbiowZhWvtvZ1Db3im1jymAZkVM5cj-SSM2WSJKOEhmNLzM_U7x9RufEmss6rWHDjCpUeN0q4zWq2HOGTzHsqcbLEFNuiJsv85Xm719q4PoC_gy-ePur-kiocd/s320/Image_300417_135746_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Through the whole game I think I collected 2 medals</i></td></tr>
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I gained the hyper vision ability from the magician Airosche after completing her trial, which included some trick mirage platforms. She also told me I needed a special vehicle to pass the acid lake surrounding King Romel's palace. I found the fairy king, talked him into returning, and picked up the errandbot that could shop for me while I'm in the field. I also got the magiport spell, which takes me to the last convenience store I received a password. Dying in the game restores Jack at the same location, but with half money. I was able to afford all new equipment as soon as I arrived at a new town; I don't see a lack of money as a problem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdrBDmVX6AGymfe1OzyKnW3T4XRGOlTeWCq0Xcb9Ekc0EmPuAp8xNCDqWDxcSLpywuYLFQjcpqqmz8Fnf2aSxtpl_AlIlfcjZhw3U6vm5LBg40_Wzdww0pzwGNhgvQ0wqcEWsY_f-k8FX/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdrBDmVX6AGymfe1OzyKnW3T4XRGOlTeWCq0Xcb9Ekc0EmPuAp8xNCDqWDxcSLpywuYLFQjcpqqmz8Fnf2aSxtpl_AlIlfcjZhw3U6vm5LBg40_Wzdww0pzwGNhgvQ0wqcEWsY_f-k8FX/s320/Image_300417_135746_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, you mean that thing I've already done, will do</i></td></tr>
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The invisible enemies are rather annoying to fight, and the hyper vision ability costs 5 NP while the escape leaf spell costs 4 NP. I opted to escape nearly every time. Even with the foreknowledge of the acid lake, and the inventor Dr. Justice visiting from the previous game, I still needed to trek all the way out to the lake in order to trigger the dialogue where Jack asks for a device to cross it. I crossed the lake with the kite he provided. I confronted Romel about the project, and a strange poisonous gas smell. It turns out General Konk of a gang called the Galands was posing as King Romel, and going to use the parcel delivery service to deliver poison gas to everyone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxXoWAj4fqbih89LH3atGXejP0m_VJpHCdREJtEUowzbRO7m6r2S4EA0NU25ytMZh300Pt_gKIvhEV-dVRYfN0966vK-yagfn3O7udwsoIFMv5URwCL0FN5MSjUGSJPSduBZr8NJ2fUdz/s1600/Image_300417_135746_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxXoWAj4fqbih89LH3atGXejP0m_VJpHCdREJtEUowzbRO7m6r2S4EA0NU25ytMZh300Pt_gKIvhEV-dVRYfN0966vK-yagfn3O7udwsoIFMv5URwCL0FN5MSjUGSJPSduBZr8NJ2fUdz/s320/Image_300417_135746_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unfortunately I underestimated Konk's damage potential the first time</i></td></tr>
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On the way back I grinded an extra level. Hyper vision was required at one point as Konk became invisible. Once defeated, the real Romel was freed, I picked up a green auraball, and delivered Julia's love letter. While the two planned their wedding, they had time enough to direct me across the sea to Mysteryland, and dropped a purple auraball in my pocket on the way out. I hit up Dr. Justice again for a way to cross the sea this time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ECaVMCbdRDOMQWtMuXWL-YZsyK0ZWIpu7xHuhX7QdWV1m-C2vjxbMHpzSWXvWHfBcZ7u1LaISk3210RVKFjwcNR1nSmGsFanbU-8Nmplyxx-diIhjQ5gsJA9xEbuAqSkNRRtTDcBs0og/s1600/Image_020517_224618_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ECaVMCbdRDOMQWtMuXWL-YZsyK0ZWIpu7xHuhX7QdWV1m-C2vjxbMHpzSWXvWHfBcZ7u1LaISk3210RVKFjwcNR1nSmGsFanbU-8Nmplyxx-diIhjQ5gsJA9xEbuAqSkNRRtTDcBs0og/s320/Image_020517_224618_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Every once in a while a mini-boss type monster will appear during random battles; I never beat one</i></td></tr>
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I traveled southeast from the fisherman's hut, then followed some rocks jutting from the sea shaped into arrows to a landing next to some stairs. I passed on the stairs looking for a town. Skirting the island I found myself in Arcadia town. As I made my usual rounds talking to everyone, resting, and purchasing the latest equipment I realized just how little stats and levels played into my decisions. Since most battles are action based, equipment was the deciding factor, and I never noted enemies becoming easier once I leveled up. Mainly they became easier as I gained experience with the controls. Of course, all that didn't help with the bosses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrzs_-RiSujY47IwZIrU7kYSD74QnYSCXJNsDUsl0XeCBSk8WOSLcXygPiwB-Ztu-Z97I73c3AGX76_AAKyOFSz2IH-33-CxgLlMaN0KF95tZO2Fgvf91Eng230PzKJZuvRzBLbDyn6f0/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrzs_-RiSujY47IwZIrU7kYSD74QnYSCXJNsDUsl0XeCBSk8WOSLcXygPiwB-Ztu-Z97I73c3AGX76_AAKyOFSz2IH-33-CxgLlMaN0KF95tZO2Fgvf91Eng230PzKJZuvRzBLbDyn6f0/s320/Image_060517_140908_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I smell another wild goose chase cooking</i></td></tr>
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Prince Lama, in Arcadia, who called the land Anca, told us of the Pitts Gang holding up in Temple Bayon. Jack deduced it was actually the Galands. I visited SlowPo, the wise man, but he sent me off to Yokan to ask Nostradamus. He also gave me magic called Serenitech, which I hoped would eliminate random encounters, but if it even reduced them I didn't notice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-dj0O21ZrmxgWnpQysyALcXIHxc2wYyC2Q2Yo3fXJqT11LlhQvzlusAR3yz2_gmoAlMV2nU9fLxjI3tGjINaN4Xj9qCLDOtdOVYbNgSAjZE_72wYTJQQSgK60CJAPODVOpTNtqeEvdO3/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-dj0O21ZrmxgWnpQysyALcXIHxc2wYyC2Q2Yo3fXJqT11LlhQvzlusAR3yz2_gmoAlMV2nU9fLxjI3tGjINaN4Xj9qCLDOtdOVYbNgSAjZE_72wYTJQQSgK60CJAPODVOpTNtqeEvdO3/s320/Image_060517_140908_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Maybe I can just punch a hole into Bayon Temple</i></td></tr>
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Nostradamus saw in the future I would be accompanied by a man currently drilling at Mt. Kyojin, and sent me off with some magic that was necessary to reach there. I had a clue that the mountain was south of Sealand, but I hadn't found that town yet. I did discover the city of Moo, built underwater, but there were no mountains to the south. Talking to one of the leaders there I was told that an auraball had been captured, and the Pitts Gang responsible was in an underwater area. Even though I was then told Dr. Justice could help with a submarine, he didn't actually give us one when I visited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTZaEhrg0By39i65G5mZAIs-U9KyOx5UIJYj4WcUYiJIrB2UMmWfNuzDdWsY7H_lQwzUQpL2yRAoCuueh4b4wYHHsm0Y2ki4Mcg1lXTek5vwtt7ave4XSEQg7nNQweevcJ0hVPd113NBK/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTZaEhrg0By39i65G5mZAIs-U9KyOx5UIJYj4WcUYiJIrB2UMmWfNuzDdWsY7H_lQwzUQpL2yRAoCuueh4b4wYHHsm0Y2ki4Mcg1lXTek5vwtt7ave4XSEQg7nNQweevcJ0hVPd113NBK/s320/Image_060517_140908_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I randomly found this whale though, able to travel the ocean without random encounters helped a lot</i></td></tr>
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Sealand, as it turned out, was below the stairs I had passed when I first landed on Mysteryland. From there it was an easy matter to get through the mountain caves that led to Mt. Kyojin. I found Dr. Archeo excavating a site he believed contained a giant machine. Turns out that would be important later, but our immediate need to get into Bayon Temple was solved by taking the good doctor with us to drill a hole in the wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeOZ91u_AgoYqnKFnWYaKqbvFuaDL2xf8nJIWDD33L-iE1heAKifyv5eioImtDhKw4QGiQUNaGAZBzmKDBjgoEwELRXtR36O28lmrdZJ38a30OeNms7ZGf1r9KkAl1UcfWljWHu-1To2a/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeOZ91u_AgoYqnKFnWYaKqbvFuaDL2xf8nJIWDD33L-iE1heAKifyv5eioImtDhKw4QGiQUNaGAZBzmKDBjgoEwELRXtR36O28lmrdZJ38a30OeNms7ZGf1r9KkAl1UcfWljWHu-1To2a/s320/Image_060517_140908_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The micro ninja magic necessary to reach Dr. Archeo</i></td></tr>
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I cleared out the temple without any trouble; the Pitts Gang fights were all action battles. Prince Lama gave me a blue aruaball, and then told me to go to Moo. I did so, confirmed I still needed a submarine from Dr. Justice, and this second time I visited Jack finally told him what we needed. The undersea boss, Nargi, had plot armor on that required a scroll to learn how to attack through it. The man living inside the whale told us to seek Slowpo as he knew where Ghouland was. Slowpo told us that the only way to the island of Rockhenge, an entrance to Ghouland, was reachable by the giant robot hidden under Mt. Kyojin. Once I got the robot though, and gave it the order to take us to the island, I just found myself sitting outside Mt. Kyojin. I had the robot in my inventory, but seemingly no way to use it. I wondered around the world for a good hour trying to find something I may have missed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgBZwEx-LHAwnrlZTpEB2B-_TdAx3VZYlOhbCX-hZ6zGNT1PuiFJeV9V9HXT-4-384Bl3ujmOlWU8SDEDxO250dGIUTYko9V7CnXZz_io7z4QXueyat4m683J3ylwxqeAUQo0cxE6ZpNR/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgBZwEx-LHAwnrlZTpEB2B-_TdAx3VZYlOhbCX-hZ6zGNT1PuiFJeV9V9HXT-4-384Bl3ujmOlWU8SDEDxO250dGIUTYko9V7CnXZz_io7z4QXueyat4m683J3ylwxqeAUQo0cxE6ZpNR/s320/Image_060517_140908_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Y button, apparently that's what I was missing</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The scroll in Ghouland land told me to seek out the Feather Sword from Horizon Gate. Returning there, I was challenged again by Rick, this time to recreate his face from a shifting portrait broken into five parts. There was no drawback to failing. The Feather Sword allowed me to defeat Nargi, even though the brothers hardly used it in the actual battle. Next was General Bismol, and defeating him rewarded Jack and Ryu with another auraball. King Antla of Moo told me to head to Futureland next where some clones of Jack and Ryu were causing trouble. Actually finding an area in the giant walled city to land was difficult.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRLisYusobk3ndCqovLGhUrIvy3guKAD8tIL2i2Cz8PdnuhT_Qg7dlZLhtgTMBFGQK0Be1S2oZmlbJ8jW-EcglpStby3CNGOfKYlcDYHyoD6hoMvGXS91BRSDqCohK9XOMZJCkLOi6eHl/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRLisYusobk3ndCqovLGhUrIvy3guKAD8tIL2i2Cz8PdnuhT_Qg7dlZLhtgTMBFGQK0Be1S2oZmlbJ8jW-EcglpStby3CNGOfKYlcDYHyoD6hoMvGXS91BRSDqCohK9XOMZJCkLOi6eHl/s320/Image_060517_140908_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Different sections of Futureland are connected by this magtrain, which takes a long time to traverse, and the battles are annoying to deal with</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived in Futureland only to be told to train more at Horizon Gate as Jack and Ryu weren't strong enough to face the clones. Jack and Ryu learned the fire punch from Rick, and returned via the magiport as they had a save point right before the clone fight. Fighting the clones required hyper vision as some were invisible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6feMuX8cXyVRKIQf_2xMMNDRxiHI6gRCQE8bjaBmiKpRBoQjccvGwFmsFSAzj2gCCZxZvFk7Yt4Wh_6G5w534aYFEOg2CrtmU20FFGPugjCoYhtA3gWX5KQQg05mQ3E7W_7pRRwkVTQA/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6feMuX8cXyVRKIQf_2xMMNDRxiHI6gRCQE8bjaBmiKpRBoQjccvGwFmsFSAzj2gCCZxZvFk7Yt4Wh_6G5w534aYFEOg2CrtmU20FFGPugjCoYhtA3gWX5KQQg05mQ3E7W_7pRRwkVTQA/s320/Image_060517_140908_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I eventually found a place to gather medals, but forgot where to turn them in</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The clones seemed unstoppable. I had to leave again to ask Dr. Justice for an electricity based attack since they were apparently robots. As usual he provided just what we needed at no charge. With the clones destroyed, I entered the sewers, and continued to make my way deep into Futureland. Bad News Boss was waiting for me, and beating him allowed me to recover the gold aruaball, the final one in the set. With them I could now put an end to the Galands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK_A78vk_oGcqMT59bmVBJc6FxOfpWiKMrVawsZ2A8TiIUHlwXOFyjcIKk_8qIL0OzU2MfOAV9S3Wp_yr1ESGwx0oKNKfvMG0Divw32l1RPjQWYY0MmEjnmKBpZNnqJfTfM8jjqI4Qd2-/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK_A78vk_oGcqMT59bmVBJc6FxOfpWiKMrVawsZ2A8TiIUHlwXOFyjcIKk_8qIL0OzU2MfOAV9S3Wp_yr1ESGwx0oKNKfvMG0Divw32l1RPjQWYY0MmEjnmKBpZNnqJfTfM8jjqI4Qd2-/s320/Image_060517_140908_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hey, let's just give them all to this guy since he asked for them so nicely</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I continued on I heard a rumor that Rub-a-Doc was kidnapped by the Galands. I rushed off to save him, answering some trivia about Japanese vocabulary along the way, and found him alone in his room with the marvel box. After Jack handed the balls over, he changed his tune a bit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl1SnlVWs0Jqx2RECJroDI3tL6RLJfwLQx29xHd6BldrxEXS2KD_aTUiaQiDZmahNhyphenhyphenyprjevbOGM2vSFZtCW07LgkunF4gjPSc_bYcwMthw5xsvo0VtohvUkNUUxtVUuzYY9dGLBFjUy/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00016.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl1SnlVWs0Jqx2RECJroDI3tL6RLJfwLQx29xHd6BldrxEXS2KD_aTUiaQiDZmahNhyphenhyphenyprjevbOGM2vSFZtCW07LgkunF4gjPSc_bYcwMthw5xsvo0VtohvUkNUUxtVUuzYY9dGLBFjUy/s320/Image_060517_140908_00016.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hmmm, why are you laughing so funny?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turns out he's actually Robo-Doc, the evil genius scientist working with the Galands. He had two forms, and was the hardest fight in the game since most of his attacks did more than a single sweet bun could heal. Still, luck was with me, and I took him down first try.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbN6wOFhHkkqHEocE9hUQEc_v97CU4ZOasbYBKVKmrJhDP9TASkCdtc2lBk0fzutZNKoi9mej2SwPx5qUGFQKxQKEBufUPyZDjkfJQOoL3lzehwbTC2KLEjzOHETf38a_umSqD_BwcmPy/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00020.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbN6wOFhHkkqHEocE9hUQEc_v97CU4ZOasbYBKVKmrJhDP9TASkCdtc2lBk0fzutZNKoi9mej2SwPx5qUGFQKxQKEBufUPyZDjkfJQOoL3lzehwbTC2KLEjzOHETf38a_umSqD_BwcmPy/s320/Image_060517_140908_00020.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We win!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course that's not quite the end as we have to wrap up the nonsensical story with the auraballs. We took the marvel box with the auraballs back to someone named Apax, placed them on an altar, and then watched them float into the sky. A voice said something about the box going to another world where a miracle would happen. I'm pretty sure the miracle was another sequel, or this sequence was just poorly translated.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 10<b>h</b>22<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 10<b>h</b>22<b>m</b>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U9hEMyxLSZ0beqwo2mUfC_JZjdkjAMnfFkAY2UNeG4hHgVXcXMlWHOYF3ryVtpzyp2MRSDCZ9HKwlB-csz7o2uns9a7-GLGv2FAR1rckubpBuUwj6jK-dNOS4CYjL4yI-WMlLtX38hkG/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00035.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U9hEMyxLSZ0beqwo2mUfC_JZjdkjAMnfFkAY2UNeG4hHgVXcXMlWHOYF3ryVtpzyp2MRSDCZ9HKwlB-csz7o2uns9a7-GLGv2FAR1rckubpBuUwj6jK-dNOS4CYjL4yI-WMlLtX38hkG/s320/Image_060517_140908_00035.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Time for some of that sweet, sweet world peace!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- Always a mixed bag with this series, I felt that equipment more than anything else outweighed combat ability. This meant there wasn't a lot of challenge to be had. There are a good number of spells and abilities, but they don't contribute a lot. Enemies differed enough to keep things interesting, although bosses tended to feel very similar. Rewards for combat were satisfactory. The number of random encounters could probably be cut in half without much downside.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1ofoGj7d6yFB22NmgyxtjcQE2_qGu36dEES-mowq3wQAciD93E1IaLvgwxANIEWZLIy9GhCxkgMTLWaf-k-f18c2dTh0Cn91MbWbEfJ-zYgQGquI2lObKQpEVQoA2T_YaWP1xb12ueHf/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1ofoGj7d6yFB22NmgyxtjcQE2_qGu36dEES-mowq3wQAciD93E1IaLvgwxANIEWZLIy9GhCxkgMTLWaf-k-f18c2dTh0Cn91MbWbEfJ-zYgQGquI2lObKQpEVQoA2T_YaWP1xb12ueHf/s320/Image_060517_140908_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Final boss time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- There's no customization at all, and character appearance doesn't change to show new equipment. The controls were well done, although it would have been nice to have the manual as I'm sure it mentioned that holding punch allowed Jack to run, which I didn't learn until more than halfway through the game after all the points it would have been useful to know. What is it with me, and not finding the run button until hours into a game?<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>2</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLwI5e8YmnXKBy25pI2X48WNbQpPitashfBUyfXZ6F0pGUj_0D5ChTX7agxqf-EFKkywd3X0mX-NC-M74BDFXips4OpxhXWOyC91TSK5x2zeUnVHcRyDkBVUMccOvI3hjuFtbGwtFXzNC/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00017.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLwI5e8YmnXKBy25pI2X48WNbQpPitashfBUyfXZ6F0pGUj_0D5ChTX7agxqf-EFKkywd3X0mX-NC-M74BDFXips4OpxhXWOyC91TSK5x2zeUnVHcRyDkBVUMccOvI3hjuFtbGwtFXzNC/s320/Image_060517_140908_00017.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is my angry smile</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- The main quest is clearly laid out, so there's no chance of getting lost. Side quests are strangely sprinkled across the world in the form of mini-games. Some reward with items, others medals, and I believe one was even required to beat the game. All of them seemed more random than strategic, as I remember all of them were just a form of flipping over cards.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IjGGoyABTjUc-LZPoIGDccUkit09LRJ9sAAcrCg2QsVeHuItpSpmJV0x8ob2nOXN9Qu8Lyo2SptbXbx7KU7ZR-ZENTLEIVJt_JYOcMrR9qd7JQJkOGNUqnLZHw2Keyb4q9uf_6jCFohZ/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00052.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IjGGoyABTjUc-LZPoIGDccUkit09LRJ9sAAcrCg2QsVeHuItpSpmJV0x8ob2nOXN9Qu8Lyo2SptbXbx7KU7ZR-ZENTLEIVJt_JYOcMrR9qd7JQJkOGNUqnLZHw2Keyb4q9uf_6jCFohZ/s320/Image_060517_140908_00052.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There was a sequence of faces shown at the end, and I'm not sure who this was</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- The ninja brothers once again sense evil and defeated it. The wackiness of the whole adventure isn't of a type I usually enjoy. Maybe it found its audience though as we continue to see sequels coming out, the last of which comes up soon. NPCs do well at providing hints, the most important of which usually live in a house in each town. There aren't any decisions to be had, and descriptions are somewhat lacking.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgjH7MYKJIPRx85JjYg0LUyRUTjgErL0-aAxq8pSXelX8uw7YHE55dn0G82ggMN9RR6ji8vXDKwJZ86uJBtQAOccWjgxZGhvtc2a2xGOCQyWUFs6Ame0EJ1BjBS6YOICCwi4y0JmYbTLf/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00032.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgjH7MYKJIPRx85JjYg0LUyRUTjgErL0-aAxq8pSXelX8uw7YHE55dn0G82ggMN9RR6ji8vXDKwJZ86uJBtQAOccWjgxZGhvtc2a2xGOCQyWUFs6Ame0EJ1BjBS6YOICCwi4y0JmYbTLf/s320/Image_060517_140908_00032.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This definitely screams sequel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- Aside from gear, which is upgraded by comparing prices (stats for gear aren't actually displayed anywhere), there are a small number of other items, and not much in the way of collectibles. Magic is about the only thing tucked away for the finding, but I didn't find a lot of use for the hidden ones and there's no way to know if they've all been found. Each item has its own limited capacity, but there isn't one of the total number of items.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsIJfVEtBD4IhubTVMD9Cqqp8C5yw098HjqrfHKPwsMfc5mJrrzQTZRh06tV-zErTKtU12ke56zAmIrAWGHbhk48NfJ6s_KhYeUBKl9Y1ByJ5ptVovz6JmmY4AzHsXGkvzgAaYo8bloM-/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00026.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsIJfVEtBD4IhubTVMD9Cqqp8C5yw098HjqrfHKPwsMfc5mJrrzQTZRh06tV-zErTKtU12ke56zAmIrAWGHbhk48NfJ6s_KhYeUBKl9Y1ByJ5ptVovz6JmmY4AzHsXGkvzgAaYo8bloM-/s320/Image_060517_140908_00026.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Now the game is confused about where the marvel box is going</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- It's not a bad little world, although exploration is rather linear most of the time. Even when a new transportation method opens there aren't a lot of new places to branch out into. There wasn't anything offensive about the graphics or music.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>20</b> [33%]<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXrCDV8mu9x9G9dwdW15MyKNc6Z_lAvJDGkx4QlG2tpCNNl9SK1otZqtZEIUupXmIGq82sJkVVVFa0OET5rq06Sx3pZeu2TSaOK0R0pFlT5Egj-5D2krqzCi7H6NuwGuUX3QDb4njc4cV/s1600/Image_060517_140908_00037.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXrCDV8mu9x9G9dwdW15MyKNc6Z_lAvJDGkx4QlG2tpCNNl9SK1otZqtZEIUupXmIGq82sJkVVVFa0OET5rq06Sx3pZeu2TSaOK0R0pFlT5Egj-5D2krqzCi7H6NuwGuUX3QDb4njc4cV/s320/Image_060517_140908_00037.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amazing how the credits fit on a single screen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With only a single point above Little Ninja Brothers, I have to wonder why I remember the previous title with such disdain. Maybe it wasn't as bad as I recall. Maybe it was the extra five hours I spent with the game. As bland as this was, putting up with it for only 10 hours didn't sour the experience. It helped that it wasn't overly difficult either.<br />
<br />
Before we get to the sequel, I'm going to give myself a small break with Great Greed and Might & Magic 3 just after. (Well, maybe it won't be that small.) I've never played, or even seen, Great Greed, so I'm eager to see what it has to offer. From the little I've read, it has some kind of environmental theme going for it. But, Might & Magic 3 is what I'm really looking forward to next, so I hope Great Greed is either short, or incredibly interesting.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-31552233917088682092017-04-16T14:04:00.004-07:002017-04-16T14:04:33.080-07:00Below the Cut: Technoclash (Genesis)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/37/TechnoclashNABoxArtGenesis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/37/TechnoclashNABoxArtGenesis.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technoclash">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Technoclash</u> </b>- Rating(<b>7</b> RPP)<br />
1) 1 - <u>Character Advancement</u>: <strike>practice/experience based advancement</strike>, <strike>stat or level
increases</strike>, multiple classes or
characters, <strike>customize characters</strike><br />
2) 1 - <u>Combat</u>: <strike>character stats used for combat</strike>, additional combat options, <strike>turn based</strike><br />
3) 2 - <u>Items and Equipment</u>: <strike>store to buy and sell</strike>, equipment decisions, item decisions<br />
4) 2 - <u>Story</u>: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; <strike>descriptions for objects, people, and places</strike><br />
5) 0 - <u>Exploration</u>: <strike>open world from the beginning</strike>, <strike>visited locations remain open</strike><br />
6) 1 - <u>Quests and Puzzles</u>: <strike>side quests not related to the main quest</strike>, puzzles and riddles to solve<br />
<br />
I was eager to see a completely new RPG. On Wikipedia it's listed as an action-RPG, but I failed to find what contributes to that second genre, so it's here on the chopping block. It has less to offer than LandStalker.<br />
<br />
There are no character levels, stats, or much of a world to explore. The back of the box purports 7 areas with up to 9 levels each, but it's all progressive levels. I only played through the first two to get a feel for it, but failed to find much in the way of lore, side quests (or a main quest), and no store or currency.<br />
<br />
The main character is able to choose a partner for each level, either a warrior type or wizard type. There are a good number of weapons (all requiring ammo) and spells to heal, teleport, levitate, or become invincible for a short time. Ammo is picked up from fallen enemies. Completing some levels requires a tiny bit of puzzle solving.<br />
<br />
As for the game overall, it's tough, but taking it slow makes it a bit easier. It's not a good game, at least from what I played, but it isn't the worst either. It compares most easily to Gauntlet, but the level design is a bit more interesting.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-382480639971422932017-04-10T10:50:00.003-07:002017-04-10T10:50:54.232-07:00Game #68: Inindo: Way of the Ninja (SNES) - Wandering Away (Finished)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtxWxOFhkAh_EvxLpc2_ChofourE0H03T7TBz3WW6LDf7JpgBHGkxOVeYoxq5e3woGtqNNZ3mcjljWYGvn-eCV-ro1rsKvda2K_jPQl4A4wmqxaAHTboM-CCM9F_hsE6dhuWp90TOnx3f/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtxWxOFhkAh_EvxLpc2_ChofourE0H03T7TBz3WW6LDf7JpgBHGkxOVeYoxq5e3woGtqNNZ3mcjljWYGvn-eCV-ro1rsKvda2K_jPQl4A4wmqxaAHTboM-CCM9F_hsE6dhuWp90TOnx3f/s320/Image_090417_095359_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These small screens really scream, "I'm in the wrong resolution!"</td></tr>
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I've been at a loss for words for some time. Not just this game, but commenting on RPGs in general. It feels like there's less novelty to write about during each game as I progress. Hopefully it's just the slump of mediocre games, and not a growing concern. I've put this post (and the game) off for long enough though. Inindo is not a good game as a whole. The beginning 8 hours were reasonably fun, but then I entered a period necessitating grinding for some time before I could put a dent into the next dungeon. At 15 hours in I was bemoaning how slow everything was: the combat, the menus, the movement speed. Then, I discovered the run button. That's right, holding down the R button quadruples movement speed, everywhere. I suppose I should have read the manual more thoroughly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvg_qRtA41R95h4cTmU4_En7cD-PaRyffmdj7D2ryCPqjq7vbhLIVM4-LLOA_-R3F-9JjduG-wx2ksNv9scWFJXXLSPAIieoQrgp5hF5C28t1fSbVH1OoH2CKlg0EDVPckvLBpw-5PO6W/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvg_qRtA41R95h4cTmU4_En7cD-PaRyffmdj7D2ryCPqjq7vbhLIVM4-LLOA_-R3F-9JjduG-wx2ksNv9scWFJXXLSPAIieoQrgp5hF5C28t1fSbVH1OoH2CKlg0EDVPckvLBpw-5PO6W/s320/Image_090417_095359_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I was just wondering what happened to her</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz5E28BNtYB-cKcxi7y6WyMqYoM4YfH30jFnvUEicv_iqRpDl9pCR018ivRZbV69tFeGJV8ZAfpqgSlycOtYqnsfMIlJr-UMEsr7eI2hRxtOJvZ69NgfVgQLse1lyETouQx40KVj9B5nv/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbz5E28BNtYB-cKcxi7y6WyMqYoM4YfH30jFnvUEicv_iqRpDl9pCR018ivRZbV69tFeGJV8ZAfpqgSlycOtYqnsfMIlJr-UMEsr7eI2hRxtOJvZ69NgfVgQLse1lyETouQx40KVj9B5nv/s320/Image_090417_095359_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sure, let me just check out your stats</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3fbo1FZYkEMM2IvImT8_OViNb9Tyk_x_MlrIgUa7K7dX-BXDoOt8Ncgm5smhNOt_7YOPeQZaBTKtr9AZzB0J_qsXEIfHW9fC9I2zdMFfIh685r2XjDD1ekybIPQzSP2UqsBNdQvoC5Bm/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3fbo1FZYkEMM2IvImT8_OViNb9Tyk_x_MlrIgUa7K7dX-BXDoOt8Ncgm5smhNOt_7YOPeQZaBTKtr9AZzB0J_qsXEIfHW9fC9I2zdMFfIh685r2XjDD1ekybIPQzSP2UqsBNdQvoC5Bm/s320/Image_090417_095359_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And suddenly I'm kicking someone out of my party</i></td></tr>
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So, Rei joined the group after collecting the cloud stone. She has less strength than the main character, but many more magic points. I ditched Kusou, and somehow managed the rest of the game with Rei and Kojiro as my only source of magical healing. I traveled to Mt. Ken for the next trial, and discovered once again that I needed to grind a few levels. Luckily out of all the encounters, there were a few enemies I could manage, while from the others I had to flee. I made great use of defending while the back row characters attempted to flee. I retrieved the McGuffin, I mean Power Book, and was taught the best ability--Super.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiDDkL05guQZYf_2kZ_2sLSfEmISzszLG0QTDFhgTC73HsU73nLUFWzqNKL8sQtX9AgLr4j7D8l_rgClVdwRt9FNXRxYDPHjSsx2ojdkZaSudGUCUoqK_Y42ISku5wfUYCZZlepQCZYqV/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiDDkL05guQZYf_2kZ_2sLSfEmISzszLG0QTDFhgTC73HsU73nLUFWzqNKL8sQtX9AgLr4j7D8l_rgClVdwRt9FNXRxYDPHjSsx2ojdkZaSudGUCUoqK_Y42ISku5wfUYCZZlepQCZYqV/s320/Image_090417_095359_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These were the sweetest words I've read all game</i></td></tr>
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I knew I was going to need some additional grinding, so I backtracked to the Tengu Forest, and fought a boss there. Boss experience is some of the best, and I wish there were more to fight. I earned the Tengu Fan as well, which I couldn't figure out at the time. I ended up selling it only to learn it had unlimited uses of the spell Gust that could remove an enemy from combat. Not a bad ability, but I would have preferred unlimited Tengu Wings to warp to towns. On the way to the next dungeon I heard of a great sword for Samurai, the Kusanagi. I ventured into a haunted cave to retrieve it. Of course, I wasn't quite able to handle that cave right away, so I spent a couple hours building up some money and grinding back at Mt. Ken to afford some additional gear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHupeS2HCXhkLhbNhyphenhyphenYrKEHue1U0A86K9mMmlC8tHhg67zjCCYT9uqFT2cWEcXXlE1ZJoxNVMcz9LZDv8kReXBEHYIIyoQKRoBhcBEecQpUqtHXU4bjEMNss-3ocWg4muYYZ7Kb-0q79z0/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHupeS2HCXhkLhbNhyphenhyphenYrKEHue1U0A86K9mMmlC8tHhg67zjCCYT9uqFT2cWEcXXlE1ZJoxNVMcz9LZDv8kReXBEHYIIyoQKRoBhcBEecQpUqtHXU4bjEMNss-3ocWg4muYYZ7Kb-0q79z0/s320/Image_090417_095359_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Super magic I'd just learned came in really handy for the Hydra guarding the sword</i></td></tr>
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In the final trial I picked up the most helpful item in the game: the Health Rock. It's an unlimited use Heal 3 in combat, much like the Sage's Stone in the Dragon Warrior series. Forget the dragon ability I learned, this one item is what turned the tides of battle against Nobunaga. I was told to seek out a great elder on Mt. Hiei as my next task to reaching Nobunaga. Momochi, the leader of the Iga village I initially fled, showed up to grant his assistance, but I declined the offer. I suppose it would have fit the narrative a bit better, but only a warrior could use the Kusanagi, and it seemed like a waste not to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1DXwKywbFiQ8mrhyphenhyphen3N8bN-N8CRobT296fe0xDPIit9vvvoonVDP-0u51S9i3r_gu4az0SIWiEcaunbl45pOenv2dO_g4-QLFXe97rg6FvdJGW9haDyOpz2sshSlp51aW_uubEj67394n/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1DXwKywbFiQ8mrhyphenhyphen3N8bN-N8CRobT296fe0xDPIit9vvvoonVDP-0u51S9i3r_gu4az0SIWiEcaunbl45pOenv2dO_g4-QLFXe97rg6FvdJGW9haDyOpz2sshSlp51aW_uubEj67394n/s320/Image_090417_095359_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I knew this was a plot door when I first passed it</i></td></tr>
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Ashura was a boss guarding the entrance to Mt Hiei, and he had a special ability to dispel my Super magic whenever I cast it. I didn't really mind though as it effectively made him skip his turn. Nobunaga knew of my ascent, and sent a messenger with a challenge to meet him in some other cave. There I fought Nobunaga. With the health rock and delaying his turns with Super (as he also dispelled it immediately), it was an easy fight, but he fled before I could finish him off. The elder back on Mt. Hiei told me Nobunaga was holed up at Omi in his impenetrable fortress. My only hope was to convince the neighboring daimyou to lay siege to it by invading a neighboring province: Echizen, Mino, Yamashiro, or Ise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M3A53WbsjuTmVZcF-A7OklUnEOQbiNFUCIGOZ5VaeTbq-H66-J2odKFdCHUp8Ly9qKl8yMBe8MF5WIT81G0QYCplmuXPezq03BqGArrNH_2n1jL2qiPLJfVOsD4jCV75ymu5jM_TKSCn/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M3A53WbsjuTmVZcF-A7OklUnEOQbiNFUCIGOZ5VaeTbq-H66-J2odKFdCHUp8Ly9qKl8yMBe8MF5WIT81G0QYCplmuXPezq03BqGArrNH_2n1jL2qiPLJfVOsD4jCV75ymu5jM_TKSCn/s320/Image_090417_095359_00018.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An example of the war battles--I just used the tiger ability, and a couple units engage in combat</i></td></tr>
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Unfortunately I seemed to have chosen a longer route to invade. I allied with Tokugawa in Mikawa (for historical reasons), but even though adjacent to Mino he always claimed it was impossible to seize that land. So, I had to go around. While I waited for him to build up his army, I damaged neighboring provinces to make them easier to attack. At worst sabotaging wastes a day, there are no other negative effects. Magic is a mixed bag during war battles. While tiger was fun, the best spell is blaze. It damages a wide area, and only hits enemy units. Geyser is good for stopping fleeing units.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk7ObVtZNlcoZLBJTEeibc4fUvp_4fQYqzgqK6_ciRV9B5v2Vmitlel9RE6pa-m7ivNjURJ72vj473zBqcfZFQ6ZMP1goFE_asMgxPWv44-ixPsZ7YA03VaEILYto7sREZ1hupIG51n-k/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk7ObVtZNlcoZLBJTEeibc4fUvp_4fQYqzgqK6_ciRV9B5v2Vmitlel9RE6pa-m7ivNjURJ72vj473zBqcfZFQ6ZMP1goFE_asMgxPWv44-ixPsZ7YA03VaEILYto7sREZ1hupIG51n-k/s320/Image_090417_095359_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The all powerful dragon spell summoned a dragon to a random location, and he always breathed fire three tiles down as he headed for my troops</i></td></tr>
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Everything else has a chance to damage my own units, so I tried them once to see their effect before avoiding them altogether. I was able to bring one of my party members as a second general, but we weren't allotted many soldiers. It didn't matter though, as two ninjas with blaze can pretty much decimate any army. Never once did the enemy venture out to meet us, so attacking from afar guaranteed us victory. I battled just enough to reach Nobunaga, but this portion was by far the most fun I've had with the game despite it being devoid of challenge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5LkTJhWNJcP6OOy1bSR083PFPcIatRKxtMk842PAh2jXmzJzW60ZrFRPkWqmQtSHqOU22pG4BmG5yreR69c9eqtlvoknFC73ibA8jkaxgptwor5Bw9ZHWUohes0EfcZZWIZ8sI_qbbN5/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00037.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5LkTJhWNJcP6OOy1bSR083PFPcIatRKxtMk842PAh2jXmzJzW60ZrFRPkWqmQtSHqOU22pG4BmG5yreR69c9eqtlvoknFC73ibA8jkaxgptwor5Bw9ZHWUohes0EfcZZWIZ8sI_qbbN5/s320/Image_090417_095359_00037.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I considered helping Tokugawa (yellow) unite all of Japan</i></td></tr>
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Castle Azuchi is accessible by heading south of Echizen. Inside were an assortment of enemies that were more difficult than those on Mt. Hiei, but rewarded a successful combat with less gold and experience. Nobunaga awaited my group on the top floor behind three boss battles. I wasn't taking any chances, and escaped the castle to save after each one. I was almost hoping the bosses would reappear for easier grinding. The first was Kasumimaru, the ninja that nearly did me in at the beginning of the game; an easy battle with the Health Rock. The second was Kidomaru and Mugenbo, a ninja and wizard combo that was a bit tougher. Taking out Mugenbo first made the fight much easier. The penultimate battle was against Nobunaga's Top Bodyguard, and yes, that's his name.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMxYUo66f-3jHGhLI-VG-yFBZOj1ZvWKjJGTm796S98bYQY4hDU4wdxetOZAHZhBgViZlA8ENlTvKMWT0yt9RmVL6atCPVUKmrBKjZg-ZBzjswX-wnLJvIwyM378izzkCsnmVoFF9o9V6/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00039.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMxYUo66f-3jHGhLI-VG-yFBZOj1ZvWKjJGTm796S98bYQY4hDU4wdxetOZAHZhBgViZlA8ENlTvKMWT0yt9RmVL6atCPVUKmrBKjZg-ZBzjswX-wnLJvIwyM378izzkCsnmVoFF9o9V6/s320/Image_090417_095359_00039.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>He definitely lived up to his name</i></td></tr>
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I did end up grinding a bit after that, but I think my biggest blunder was not stocking up on ninja cures, which heal a character to max. I already had the best gear I could buy, and a number of late game equipment from chests. After level 40, my stat gains for health and energy were greatly reduced, and it didn't feel like other stats at this point made much of a difference. As expected, the battle with Nobunaga was the most difficult. He was accompanied by Mori Ranmaru, capable of healing one or both of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjKlhp_4Im8dNRA_3fW6iEdgM9XR7TDnRiie9f2ZBeiTSj8fmhWtIy2RGdxdnzCWiMQpMKS-rvx56lpaqyqp4Jbn9MNXOf2muY_jU7EWJ5TYgLx1V8yQ12ePO4mM8XrMv24Pr0519PlK5/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00040.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjKlhp_4Im8dNRA_3fW6iEdgM9XR7TDnRiie9f2ZBeiTSj8fmhWtIy2RGdxdnzCWiMQpMKS-rvx56lpaqyqp4Jbn9MNXOf2muY_jU7EWJ5TYgLx1V8yQ12ePO4mM8XrMv24Pr0519PlK5/s320/Image_090417_095359_00040.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As always, Super isn't so super</i></td></tr>
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I picked up a spellblock item along the way (in Yamashiro I believe), which I hoped would help against Nobunaga, but it his psychic ability used to remove Super also removes that debuff. Up against a lightning spell that hit the party for 100+ damage, I used Super to delay Nobunaga as much as I could while I focused damage on Mori. It worked the first time I faced him, but Nobunaga ended up taking me out. Every battle thereafter I couldn't even get close. It wasn't until I took a different approach that I finally managed to beat them. I kept Nobunaga pinned with Super while I wailed on him with Kojiro and Naruse. Once Mori started to cast heal, I spellblocked him, and hoped I had enough damage and healing to take out Oda before he took me out. Once he fell it was a simple matter to mop up Mori.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aJ3ngnk-ET9zbGSBy8GrhDD5j4Ejvv5QKmMt5tl4sInYCQzS0f1a0IlTch883X4G9RvlBM0IvWDs-E5bXiXURRW-j93dI6SuRa7upkaesyB4q-3fVQIRdZiC546XXmgBJrL24sYhDX-g/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00041.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aJ3ngnk-ET9zbGSBy8GrhDD5j4Ejvv5QKmMt5tl4sInYCQzS0f1a0IlTch883X4G9RvlBM0IvWDs-E5bXiXURRW-j93dI6SuRa7upkaesyB4q-3fVQIRdZiC546XXmgBJrL24sYhDX-g/s320/Image_090417_095359_00041.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The biggest risk is that Oda Nobunaga crits like a truck</i></td></tr>
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I considered grinding, and did for a single level, but the difference between one level and the next is far too little. I could hardly believe the change in tactic worked, and was expecting to need to grind for another 10 levels, or even track down an actual healer. I never did try a magician, so maybe there are spells that would have been more helpful. With Nobunaga struck down, revenge was obtained, and the remaining Iga ninja lived in relative peace.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 17<b>h</b>38<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 32<b>h</b>50<b>m</b>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgBVdyK0R6wU5KoU6nuEIu-DYRKu1ILFstLOEJJxCQmzQfeX5VOmqkPB4iATxJcJEmSVt232pT4nUtkG1QZm6o7oykLcqXYBI7P0CcZ__e7gx7RputgW6C1x7S3UZ3noB9BR0AYJTJeeB/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00053.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgBVdyK0R6wU5KoU6nuEIu-DYRKu1ILFstLOEJJxCQmzQfeX5VOmqkPB4iATxJcJEmSVt232pT4nUtkG1QZm6o7oykLcqXYBI7P0CcZ__e7gx7RputgW6C1x7S3UZ3noB9BR0AYJTJeeB/s320/Image_090417_095359_00053.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And for us all</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- Combat was well balanced, except when it wasn't. Most of the time it felt good getting through a dungeon, but the required grinding threw a wrench into steady progress. I felt like fights didn't provide enough experience to prevent that. Enemies towards the end of the game relied less on tricks, and more on pure combat plus healing, much like I inevitably did. It's a good thing though, as magic was in short supply for my party while the rare enemy mage unleashed full party assault spells like they'd just reached the final boss, a luxury I couldn't spare.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E16_XzqRChmk8xevVQheQ6AfmM1D-L-MA3cmcZiReLjMapkHUEl5d6wWZSP_yvzQaKGiMI661OQ5KCCYmKb0jbqYvoRj2sNNNCErhzqPmZZqLoNOyRK5w33ZeAshyVCXLrlkURRUwjcT/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00042.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E16_XzqRChmk8xevVQheQ6AfmM1D-L-MA3cmcZiReLjMapkHUEl5d6wWZSP_yvzQaKGiMI661OQ5KCCYmKb0jbqYvoRj2sNNNCErhzqPmZZqLoNOyRK5w33ZeAshyVCXLrlkURRUwjcT/s320/Image_090417_095359_00042.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I think it might be interesting to do a compilation of combat transition screens, this game had a distinct "bee-do" sound</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- The game offers a wide cast of characters, although jumping between them seems like a bad idea because it requires re-arming them. I didn't do it enough to know if my party composition was best. There are a number of sub-classes listed under each of the four main classes, and combat ability, spells, and special skills differ between each. There's even a character that's supposed to have the wing skill. Each character lacks customization, and appearance never changes. Menus are slow and tedious, but at least movement became much more satisfying when I found the run button.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PB_sIAzP-9sFR-wTWK2zrkAh2b0sIMNrpkGhn0Hzbs_1yEClUVPggSdtpr7sojeSXyK2SFU45wf3-7Y-7JQWgohYs7wtDXrdWiHO7Sl_Es6EGfbZfgm2xx__ueb9rX5ZIs6oTfWshJq0/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00017.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PB_sIAzP-9sFR-wTWK2zrkAh2b0sIMNrpkGhn0Hzbs_1yEClUVPggSdtpr7sojeSXyK2SFU45wf3-7Y-7JQWgohYs7wtDXrdWiHO7Sl_Es6EGfbZfgm2xx__ueb9rX5ZIs6oTfWshJq0/s320/Image_090417_095359_00017.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Having to gain favor with each character would be a long and tedious prospect</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- The main quest is well structured and clearly defined. There are a number of side dungeons that have good rewards for their difficulty. The mazes, while generally not my thing, weren't frustratingly difficult. Nothing felt out of place. The lack of different ways to complete tasks hurts the game a bit. Why couldn't I unite all of Japan against Nobunaga? Imagine controlling multiple parties, or overthrowing a daimyou and controlling my own land to invade with. They also missed an opportunity to make the spying and sabotage sections into mini-games.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk7CeIsPieQT-dP0XZkY3JPhMhIq6iGdg8rv612rTMpa7-VJ9QE8H203wuiWyFUv9J8iA2TfwEv_odh1xP2men8uIVamtCfW1_xHkHk90gs4iqXX3MK06OadiXlAJKuNcxDHch7CQasdb/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00056.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk7CeIsPieQT-dP0XZkY3JPhMhIq6iGdg8rv612rTMpa7-VJ9QE8H203wuiWyFUv9J8iA2TfwEv_odh1xP2men8uIVamtCfW1_xHkHk90gs4iqXX3MK06OadiXlAJKuNcxDHch7CQasdb/s320/Image_090417_095359_00056.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Watching castles burn seems to be a past-time of Kojiro</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- I think this might be the first revenge story in an RPG that isn't also a save the world one. Although, I think I would prefer playing a nameless ninja sabotaging and fighting alongside leaders in a normal Koei strategy game. NPCs have some relevant information about the world, but unless they're near a training dungeon they seem mostly uninterested in my current quest or overthrowing Nobunaga. There are standing stone pillars that describe various regions of the land, which are interesting for the lore, but don't provide any other purpose.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdV_dtuc-EzHsnx6x3xY8gg3jZj4GCJMfSjWodTyT8W7Fv5uhJf8pzY1yqiDAbrtRlVvEl01rg5DCN-UVNhsOquF-uS-IchRA7hVIjfH66E7OnRzC8UFw_Bz_QcRQXsc3US1RkiORyP6B/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00047.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdV_dtuc-EzHsnx6x3xY8gg3jZj4GCJMfSjWodTyT8W7Fv5uhJf8pzY1yqiDAbrtRlVvEl01rg5DCN-UVNhsOquF-uS-IchRA7hVIjfH66E7OnRzC8UFw_Bz_QcRQXsc3US1RkiORyP6B/s320/Image_090417_095359_00047.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's not like he was the only one that could do so, but he's the only one that became an evil warlord</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There are a good number of special items to collect, but no real way of knowing if they've all been found. The relative strength of equipment is evident when equipping or purchasing, but class restrictions require an attempt at buying it. The economy was useful up until I was assaulting Nobunaga's fortress, which was rather surprising it lasted that long. I would have preferred some way of donating my gold to the war efforts, but my only option was to purchase gifts for each daimyou. The party's inventory is very limited, and I often found myself tossing out various items.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKpqkv-Bl5Jry4GOxbd3MOLvAde9zRNNIAE6_AoSZZF8oRtP9E0RbPUvXyqW6V_q3O6_mVxWAb9CfNVie0uNYm1o1NLWm7wmqnRYqfN7FjsqcEyaZZrE6n1BGs2F6lTSnWXtMgi16vboU/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKpqkv-Bl5Jry4GOxbd3MOLvAde9zRNNIAE6_AoSZZF8oRtP9E0RbPUvXyqW6V_q3O6_mVxWAb9CfNVie0uNYm1o1NLWm7wmqnRYqfN7FjsqcEyaZZrE6n1BGs2F6lTSnWXtMgi16vboU/s320/Image_090417_095359_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Again?!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- The graphics are dated, and the sound effects are odd, but the music isn't too bad. Everything has a bland sort of feeling, and all the dungeons are a palette swap of the same texture. Same with the towns. The only unique area is Nobunaga's castle. The world is mostly open, although Nobunaga's territory can't be crossed in some ways. The atmosphere, and general feel of the world, works for the story. There are a good number of dungeons to discover off the main path, which are easily missed.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfZ78pp7i07ETQIXUgkCwOXyn3xmjNIz3Ld8SA-nV3bPbRClj6iBMLs-551v8V20XdTY7CklJmO3oPlrIpKwV0rXCp0UU29xZbjnDyjmrCqaGuSiY6mgpGIXy4ursU3_Cp3zJcxPdP4eI/s1600/Image_090417_095359_00038.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfZ78pp7i07ETQIXUgkCwOXyn3xmjNIz3Ld8SA-nV3bPbRClj6iBMLs-551v8V20XdTY7CklJmO3oPlrIpKwV0rXCp0UU29xZbjnDyjmrCqaGuSiY6mgpGIXy4ursU3_Cp3zJcxPdP4eI/s320/Image_090417_095359_00038.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aside from the beginning, this is the only other cutscene</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>27</b> [45%]<br />
<br />
Overall, I'm glad to be done with this. It probably would have taken 5 - 10 less hours had I been running the entire time. It's my own fault, and I don't blame the game for it, but maybe it wouldn't have felt like such a drag to make it to the end. Unless you're really into Japanese history around this time period, I wouldn't recommend the game. The named characters, places, and battles are really only interesting with that perspective.<br />
<br />
Moving on, we have Super Ninja Boy coming up. Before that post though I have to cut Technoclash, which is another eyebrow raising title someone proclaimed was an RPG. I knew the first few games of 1993 were going to try my patience, but I didn't think it'd take me this long to get through one. Probably the next game I'm looking forward to is Might and Magic 3, which isn't too far away. Let's see if we can get through the next couple within the month. My hope of finishing 1993 this year is probably shot.<br />
<br />
To save you some trouble, here are the ending screens. Aside from Rei and the hero, I'm not sure who any of these people are.<br />
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<br />Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-57899766739214605232017-03-01T21:00:00.002-08:002017-03-01T21:00:45.351-08:00Game #68: Inindo: Way of the Ninja (SNES) - Gearing Up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xByDcARMaa5XMgWqOBvHVS2kSztZbwvwl8FggmVnr5apiJBzrsyL8awHOlc35keid4rLFfNOngaINCIKTSUveo8MPRMrwXIZ49wUpwPwQJVtfBaxkZ74fC-QNNgT_KMN4Da8pq3BluHz/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xByDcARMaa5XMgWqOBvHVS2kSztZbwvwl8FggmVnr5apiJBzrsyL8awHOlc35keid4rLFfNOngaINCIKTSUveo8MPRMrwXIZ49wUpwPwQJVtfBaxkZ74fC-QNNgT_KMN4Da8pq3BluHz/s320/Image_270217_202132_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was often a good indication that I was in over my head</i></td></tr>
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As I mentioned in the last post, I had a bit of grinding before progressing further in the story, so I'm a bit light on material for this post. So I'll dig into a bit more detail, starting with combat. On each character's turn they have the option to attack using melee or ranged weapons, use magic or items, flee, defend (damage is greatly reduced), or move. Each character sits on an invisible hex grid, and is able to move one space per turn with the option to attack using a melee weapon (at half damage) that same turn if an enemy is in an adjacent hex. There are only three rows, so tactically it's very limited. Attacks can also only be directed to a forward hex.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaooQvkyLOG0V693Fpd19eD9RlarASnO4w-rQwPkfjPRg83IXkrlkNVNXEcYHLtxsAbkQolrETYuFEiokyuqiYeaymbH_R9O4mmsIT9-vshegMSJ4qfhiBP1ssft6qhmewS3W2drt-hUPe/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaooQvkyLOG0V693Fpd19eD9RlarASnO4w-rQwPkfjPRg83IXkrlkNVNXEcYHLtxsAbkQolrETYuFEiokyuqiYeaymbH_R9O4mmsIT9-vshegMSJ4qfhiBP1ssft6qhmewS3W2drt-hUPe/s320/Image_270217_202132_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As my fame grew random characters greeted me on the road</i></td></tr>
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Ranged damage always seems weaker than melee attacks, even when attack power was equivalent. If that weren't the case, then maybe having a tank type character out front always defending would be a viable option. Magic is comparatively weaker than melee attacks, but have a base damage that is more powerful than ranged (magic points are still better spent on healing). If lucky enough, characters will land critical hits that do massive damage, although enemies are capable of the same. I would guess critical hits completely ignore armor. Next to healing, debuff then buff spells are the most useful in combat as sleep can knock out even bosses for a few rounds if it lands. Items are limited to consumables; even though equipment is selectable, all that I've tried responded with a message indicating I couldn't use them at that time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW30BHZMsYsJOXClcbQGWPnVuwPEDkFFvH0M75gt-Pnk0xbqF0NUAzdiy8_X725ttW3H1ZlRzdZh5lFMveKaMxAz8mnruWJUACHT2J6XPIQJ0JUMvyuhNJvZ993-xHMrQb5SJoKvTwbDl9/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW30BHZMsYsJOXClcbQGWPnVuwPEDkFFvH0M75gt-Pnk0xbqF0NUAzdiy8_X725ttW3H1ZlRzdZh5lFMveKaMxAz8mnruWJUACHT2J6XPIQJ0JUMvyuhNJvZ993-xHMrQb5SJoKvTwbDl9/s320/Image_270217_202132_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wonder if this name is relevant to the game, or just a notable real world geographical landmark</i></td></tr>
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In the field I have the option to search, which appears most useful for reading signs. As the game day cycles it curiously says it's too dark to read them at night. (Does that mean my characters are stumbling through the night without a light source?) I also have the option to use magic, items, and check my characters' info. The spy option is used in town only, although available in the field, and I described its use last post. Lastly, there's the lineup, where I can choose the order of my characters and their formation in combat among the six hexes on the right side. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu0y-m-iJ3auvP18nMtdwJe_-J2kRjkYpsTbrnVw6ChV4n_z73r5RBjshMsao-vVw33Z3E6d9d_jtnw5gz2yHWzLQUiGLoRrZQAtQXs9gW2Wp3q5hYdQbblLVinKIT2tthWcFXE0amUvq/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00005.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMu0y-m-iJ3auvP18nMtdwJe_-J2kRjkYpsTbrnVw6ChV4n_z73r5RBjshMsao-vVw33Z3E6d9d_jtnw5gz2yHWzLQUiGLoRrZQAtQXs9gW2Wp3q5hYdQbblLVinKIT2tthWcFXE0amUvq/s320/Image_270217_202132_00005.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I courted this samurai for over a month to make him friendly enough to join</i></td></tr>
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I really wasn't looking forward to the grind, so I spent some time finding someone better than my second ninja. After a few false starts (talking to someone for a while before they just disappear to the next town), I managed to find a samurai that was sticking around waiting for war to break out. Naruse is his name and he joined with some of the worst equipment for that point in the game. No wonder he wasn't conscripted yet. I geared him up, and tried to do a side quest at the Sado gold mine. The enemies were even worse than I had been facing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT3r9wxdE7HjXbc3c8FqPm-uDEIh8nnaTmarcwcDNLULNwNhVm2GqVGRgbkz4oEsApgOey9bLZGsKYFwAanTdRGJuGeKRh-CfzZUetrZNza4nwBzIEO6AWq-9r9Z-9UAPiPsCPcIjzyhK/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT3r9wxdE7HjXbc3c8FqPm-uDEIh8nnaTmarcwcDNLULNwNhVm2GqVGRgbkz4oEsApgOey9bLZGsKYFwAanTdRGJuGeKRh-CfzZUetrZNza4nwBzIEO6AWq-9r9Z-9UAPiPsCPcIjzyhK/s320/Image_270217_202132_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The same amount of experience is given to each character, so there's no advantage to having less than a full party</i></td></tr>
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Two levels and 5,000 gold later I was in a much better position. Like many games of the era, I couldn't tell which piece of equipment my characters could use without the risk of purchasing it. So I was left with experimenting. I saved, sold off everything I had, and attempted to buy the very best equipment. This gave me a solid purchasing plan. To make combat a bit easier, I invested in some long bows (the best ranged weapon I could buy), and it was then that I really determined ranged damage was terrible. I was still not quite ready to go back to the main story dungeon (Mt. Ontake). I tried to continue my grind at Mt. Osore, but the encounter rate seemed to take a steep drop. I don't know if it was the time of year, or if the game reacts to my grinding or level. Whatever it was, it was time to move on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMUAhRy4TD41940_HDaNLZ7y1mPu5WVwtg5sZP2jUr8PF0l254qca3XJ0YWJah001XRPyAQk8puZ-rYAPgoJfqGh3usO-JlV-9NSD9Em77bmXIqRVUnPxHMWF2Pfjo_7ijL8T5Wk0t90T/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMUAhRy4TD41940_HDaNLZ7y1mPu5WVwtg5sZP2jUr8PF0l254qca3XJ0YWJah001XRPyAQk8puZ-rYAPgoJfqGh3usO-JlV-9NSD9Em77bmXIqRVUnPxHMWF2Pfjo_7ijL8T5Wk0t90T/s320/Image_270217_202132_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I followed a previous lead on a treasure filled dungeon near Hiraizumi... I was the one that did the demolishing</i></td></tr>
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I upgraded my armor, and bought a Masamune sword for my main character. Having this greatly improved my ability to tangle with the enemies in the next dungeon and the Sado gold mine. I felt like doing a bit more off course though, so I focused on finding the man lost in the mine. I made progress. Slowly at first, but things improved greatly as I leveled up and finally purchased a Muramasa for Naruse. The boss at the bottom of the gold mine was the man I sought, possessed by an evil spirit guarding the gold within. The man fell, and the town celebrated while his widow mourned. I was paid off for my services, and moved on... back to the main quest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGVytSiDKcPwXr5vj-S1zvpDkINMjGItDsz5zsuZlOwNpE2_usF8HaicvlekSPrnuU7fBCKAAEs3wvEQ926FnFibxVHxF9tVgvrVdE4n-aLvYz6-AbhH2CtzuhGk3_GeC6qDjAdG19faY/s1600/Image_270217_202132_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGVytSiDKcPwXr5vj-S1zvpDkINMjGItDsz5zsuZlOwNpE2_usF8HaicvlekSPrnuU7fBCKAAEs3wvEQ926FnFibxVHxF9tVgvrVdE4n-aLvYz6-AbhH2CtzuhGk3_GeC6qDjAdG19faY/s320/Image_270217_202132_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There's been a sharp increase in the number of boss battles</i></td></tr>
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It's difficult to know where to strike a good balance between grinding to meet the challenge and over leveling. For the Sado gold mine, it was a good challenge. For Oda's diary at Mt. Ontake afterwards, it was a cakewalk. Having nearly everyone equipped with the best gear I could buy, I breezed through this dungeon, and the next doesn't pose too much of a threat. I would have had it beat if not for the maze-like design of multiple floors, passages that look identical, and ladders that are difficult to differentiate between up and down. At least I have enough to purchase a fire blade, and become even more unstoppable. Even before I do though, I want to note that I gained a new spell, Burn, which does about as much damage as the Masamune to all enemies. If it weren't for the MP cost, I might consider trading in my healer for a magician that could cast similar spells.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBaZOTdx8PCKtkwE_nB2zRkCDKIrjGTm1ZkPl7WVQ4x1qJBq6oCk8ANV9EofH9mSz9wTaKmnm0cKilfhQEKOKTAZHQTFh7en3R7NeRe83HZ_7aEbaEIg3pm8RlS7Pi_VjIWvQP470CRgB/s1600/Image_010317_203233_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBaZOTdx8PCKtkwE_nB2zRkCDKIrjGTm1ZkPl7WVQ4x1qJBq6oCk8ANV9EofH9mSz9wTaKmnm0cKilfhQEKOKTAZHQTFh7en3R7NeRe83HZ_7aEbaEIg3pm8RlS7Pi_VjIWvQP470CRgB/s320/Image_010317_203233_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Totally unrelated to the sky gem I retrieved earlier</i></td></tr>
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I seem to be just about 2/3rds done with my training. I'm not sure what the next step is after that's complete: if there are additional quests to complete, or if we'll be thrust to confront Nobunaga immediately. I really hope that I get to participate in at least one war battle before the game is over, but each of the states seem content to not attack anyone during these winter months.<br />
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<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 7<b>h</b>00<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 15<b>h</b>12<b>m</b>)Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-33418027541473745432017-02-23T08:52:00.001-08:002017-02-23T08:52:18.839-08:00Game #68: Inindo: Way of the Ninja (SNES) - The Wrong Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHbW7gdMKEhkCXro-vZz9ACg8VOWgLKcOHwlab6oTF2r5dHFma4iLexyhpYXJ9gDbGh3jVGWcwa8ctxzm-U8uCZl5QHV4FnPrTnxKW0IqMPHtqKMr5MJBLmBmjvhBexlcyHSXNkZueHVq/s1600/Image_020117_124107_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHbW7gdMKEhkCXro-vZz9ACg8VOWgLKcOHwlab6oTF2r5dHFma4iLexyhpYXJ9gDbGh3jVGWcwa8ctxzm-U8uCZl5QHV4FnPrTnxKW0IqMPHtqKMr5MJBLmBmjvhBexlcyHSXNkZueHVq/s320/Image_020117_124107_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>68</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Inindo: Way of the Ninja</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>March 1993 (1991 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>SNES</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Koei</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Koei</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Turn based</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Standalone</b><br />
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A combination of life, mood, and the game at hand has caused me to delay this post for far too long. Life is good, but busy. Due to that I really haven't been in the mood to play games, especially this one. It's one of those bland trials, not good, not bad. If I had to sum up this game in a single word: uninspired. Running around as a ninja seeking revenge on an evil warlord sounds like a promising concept on paper, but the implementation is lackluster. Combat is slow, navigating menus is like wading through molasses, and other little things irk me like healing magic randomly failing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlvHghsYYdXpAb72SnFJSXkzgX_Z6iEq8chp-1sZrVyanjEL8URY83tgtnybNEz74FrFNMizjjKx4Tf5jS9xQ_HAAUgFtVgVBliB-cuFyMutlAvQLGRwlAKtu_nTxb0yXZRkUKviAJgsV/s1600/Image_130217_193713_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlvHghsYYdXpAb72SnFJSXkzgX_Z6iEq8chp-1sZrVyanjEL8URY83tgtnybNEz74FrFNMizjjKx4Tf5jS9xQ_HAAUgFtVgVBliB-cuFyMutlAvQLGRwlAKtu_nTxb0yXZRkUKviAJgsV/s320/Image_130217_193713_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Iga ninjas were renown among ninjas, and a feared rival to Nobunaga's power</i></td></tr>
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The hero, who I named Kojiro, was the youngest member of the Iga ninja clan, and as such was sent away for his protection as Nobunaga's forces invaded. Secreted away to a small village, he trained under the tutelage of the elder and his granddaughter Rei. A year later, his training was cut short as Nobunaga's forces appeared at the gate. Outclassed, the hero was struck down. Before the finishing blow could be delivered reports of an attack on Nobunaga forced them to withdraw. The village elder healed Kojiro, and sent him off to the nearby dungeon to retrieve the super secret password to unlock further training dungeons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs2-zdxLx1KPTdwVhiizjWurrx3lejqQZVR792J5smnkE-4hDwvDJThybBAwt8VPN_vjT-CS4DjLCoOVOjXkFz-5tVeq7RmzoHgYZ3wc60D2zKSs1Jx0boHi4ESNjW06EO96tDbfOZef5/s1600/Image_130217_193713_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs2-zdxLx1KPTdwVhiizjWurrx3lejqQZVR792J5smnkE-4hDwvDJThybBAwt8VPN_vjT-CS4DjLCoOVOjXkFz-5tVeq7RmzoHgYZ3wc60D2zKSs1Jx0boHi4ESNjW06EO96tDbfOZef5/s320/Image_130217_193713_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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All the villagers, including Rei, dispersed in the attack. After the dungeon, where I picked up the password, I was treated to a scene where I saw Nobunaga, injured yet alive, walking by with his army. This is where the game departs from history, as Nobunaga was actually assassinated at Honnou-ji temple. The events that unfold take place in a fantastical account with sorcerers, ninja spells, and a 20 year time limit to complete the game (hooray for arbitrary time limits). Days pass while walking around the overworld map, and a single day is spent when lodging at an inn or entering a dungeon. Every month an entire map of Japan is shown, and territory updates are given to show who's invading which region.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllafZl7hWCHHIzCLK6r1O7njjOlomtj6svVQaIWnZc2VbQrscAv4WKhxtp7BxXFNwJosZUr0ZYPB4wcgeJDFsg1J2qRjv59aGvif2plyp1S4e7z4diW_t-6tF6iKEK3hEqV0X9ouaRh69/s1600/Image_130217_193713_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllafZl7hWCHHIzCLK6r1O7njjOlomtj6svVQaIWnZc2VbQrscAv4WKhxtp7BxXFNwJosZUr0ZYPB4wcgeJDFsg1J2qRjv59aGvif2plyp1S4e7z4diW_t-6tF6iKEK3hEqV0X9ouaRh69/s320/Image_130217_193713_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entering the first castle town</i></td></tr>
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Towns offer any number of weapon shops to purchase gear, guilds for selling equipment, medicinal shops to heal and buy recovery items, tea shops to hear about local gossip, fortune tellers to learn about potential party members, and inns to save and recruit. Castles also have some some options that I'll cover later when they become relevant. Until level 7, the game doesn't allow the player to recruit additional party members. Castle jobs are likewise locked until level 15. With little idea of how the game worked, I took a leap and sold off my early gear to purchase a then powerful ninjato leaving me with 0 gold.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjch0i9xsiVTpdhSo9s8wi5qxr7iu2MSwtN53Kh5tVLr1bHhOAHXH8r1b-4QQyLY3u0AnJv-sYzbUb7TIN4sQsGYPIYWqT7o0O7jr_6Ef1uL_bwOn_neLqRmCNUr9NkJ-nfUOu5XdPGl2/s1600/Image_130217_193713_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjch0i9xsiVTpdhSo9s8wi5qxr7iu2MSwtN53Kh5tVLr1bHhOAHXH8r1b-4QQyLY3u0AnJv-sYzbUb7TIN4sQsGYPIYWqT7o0O7jr_6Ef1uL_bwOn_neLqRmCNUr9NkJ-nfUOu5XdPGl2/s320/Image_130217_193713_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Checking out the map from Kii Castle</i></td></tr>
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My next dungeon was said to be at Mt. Fuji, but not having a good grasp of geography I headed west. I was turned away at a border checkpoint at Nobunaga's territory. East it is! Having spent all my gold I found I couldn't rest at inns. The game requires consistent rest, or it forces the party to make camp in the wilderness, wasting a day. Doing so increases the possibility of bandits waylaying the party. These bandits are rarely worth the trouble. Overworld encounters are luckily rare since they offer meager amounts of gold and experience compared to dungeon battles. At least the better gear helped me survive the two battles I came across before reaching Mt. Fuji.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeK6FklUxOmPWj1_F9qh_gkipDaDcueBeiRhGI23GQN1twBJkGLVn-Gn3RSau-sJTS7HGCdYP6wh4ZMJoufcxh9epz7SF8MUeHYAi73BT_dGlHQs-Zzf6VAIApM2TuoCMFmCyVzlGrqRL/s1600/Image_130217_193713_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeK6FklUxOmPWj1_F9qh_gkipDaDcueBeiRhGI23GQN1twBJkGLVn-Gn3RSau-sJTS7HGCdYP6wh4ZMJoufcxh9epz7SF8MUeHYAi73BT_dGlHQs-Zzf6VAIApM2TuoCMFmCyVzlGrqRL/s320/Image_130217_193713_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Now it tells me</i></td></tr>
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At Mt. Fuji I delved into the dungeon alone to retrieve the fire gem. It was difficult due to one enemy that could use magic, and he'd use it every turn. Damaging spells appear to do a set amount of damage, and equipment with magical resistance is limited. There is an injury system where a character doesn't necessarily die after taking lethal damage unless they're injured. Think of it as 1 extra hit after max HP. With the help of a few elixirs I emerged with the gem to learn the flame ninjutsu.<br />
<br />
Due to the difficulty I anticipated needing a full party, so I spent some time grinding up to level 7. To recruit characters they first have to be located as they travel from town to town. Some months they remain stationary, but most appear and disappear from day to day. Each one has a friendliness value that fills up after talking to them, which costs a day of in-game time. It took a good month to get a healer to join, and I lucked into a ninja that showed up already interested in joining me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZaxrXk67GXLTJYhzOAxlJDbisYOMLMv-Cmz3EurEl1Kxy10FrmwRqGnlBRBrlU7kGOz4q7rnMyQKoQIqH-zXBeBnyECzuvf6ODYNtLHO3lUwhrfh-yEJrl-NWozD-S1VENnHhvgfWlGA/s1600/Image_200217_210225_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZaxrXk67GXLTJYhzOAxlJDbisYOMLMv-Cmz3EurEl1Kxy10FrmwRqGnlBRBrlU7kGOz4q7rnMyQKoQIqH-zXBeBnyECzuvf6ODYNtLHO3lUwhrfh-yEJrl-NWozD-S1VENnHhvgfWlGA/s320/Image_200217_210225_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, ONLY ten... does that count the first with the password?</i></td></tr>
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Combat was moderately easier with three party members. I made my way through the earth and sky dungeons collecting the spells repair, purge, fog, and wind (heal, antidote, blind, and damage). Magic is best saved for healing, which as I mentioned can fail and still consume magic. In fact all spells seem to have a chance to fail. Even though I wasn't avoiding any battles, I soon found dungeons unbearably difficult. Mt. Osore was the last one where I could truly contend with the enemies; I picked up the Torch spell there, which would be great if the enemies ever lined up neatly. In the very next dungeon I found my characters dealing single digit damage. Somehow through running, two castings of flame per round, and a mix of enemies from earlier dungeons interspersed with the new impervious plant enemies, I managed to get through Oshima Island. The next dungeon, Mt. Ontake, completely walled me though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwZn0HWqcXsHsjjBmR_WoLjp1ysOjZgRF9M8KnjgS8xF1UNWfioD5efNyKc6uBKFwgMNmx1f3a9f04NXgocC6qYi4Axyc7tugc4slbFhmhC2zkDZlBsmO0Klfr8pAB2PrRRdNOzk3w9Br/s1600/Image_220217_080748_00051.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwZn0HWqcXsHsjjBmR_WoLjp1ysOjZgRF9M8KnjgS8xF1UNWfioD5efNyKc6uBKFwgMNmx1f3a9f04NXgocC6qYi4Axyc7tugc4slbFhmhC2zkDZlBsmO0Klfr8pAB2PrRRdNOzk3w9Br/s320/Image_220217_080748_00051.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kusou's spells are scant on pure damage since he's a healer class</i></td></tr>
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After Mt. Osore I was level 15, and tried out the castle jobs. Castles only hire near the beginning of the month, and can offer spy or war battle work. Spying consists of traveling to the target, and selecting the spy command from the menu. It takes some energy to attempt. Resting is the only economical way to recover energy (there are expensive items that cost as much as the spy job pays). These jobs must be completed within a certain number of days. It pays well, but the inconsistent nature made grinding gold this way inefficient. Even though Oshima provided Blaze and Geyser, a couple of field war battle spells, no daimyo would take my party on as generals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNBJXwLdNK1d_Y3E9ESw50-1ponxhRE1TYna-sivz4QUa7ZZhB8IE3GBlQgnvmDilqb4Y4cDIPi4It3dAdFb_IVe4JevtC075x0CBW7Sm6ryoyha0-pZ3HaUrhb7ydHrM1VsMDBeu-bjJ/s1600/Image_200217_210225_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNBJXwLdNK1d_Y3E9ESw50-1ponxhRE1TYna-sivz4QUa7ZZhB8IE3GBlQgnvmDilqb4Y4cDIPi4It3dAdFb_IVe4JevtC075x0CBW7Sm6ryoyha0-pZ3HaUrhb7ydHrM1VsMDBeu-bjJ/s320/Image_200217_210225_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snoop gathers information, and damage sabotages resource, which might prove dangerous to myself</i> </td></tr>
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Strapped for cash and no way to grind in the dungeon I was told to go to next, I decided to return to Mt. Osore to get a few more levels and some gold for the best equipment. Also, Takeoka just wasn't cutting it. Even though he automatically gained ninjutsu (better ones than I had trained in), his power level was consistently below the main character's. I decided I would court a warrior class the next chance I got, and bid farewell to Takeoka. I considered a wizard class, but damaging spells are far too weak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuDw59n1Db8DOLZwbnTMvz8opi8umyu-7VkjsKlPE5EfB3Xmd5F0gYAQQrl5EMJBbVAHkdVcJsuylAqm8-EWkrGi7Zn0Ps0zswTZOeU0QpJshA5BRbxD2HsBwjzI2trn-MexjblnIYzvq/s1600/Image_220217_080748_00054.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuDw59n1Db8DOLZwbnTMvz8opi8umyu-7VkjsKlPE5EfB3Xmd5F0gYAQQrl5EMJBbVAHkdVcJsuylAqm8-EWkrGi7Zn0Ps0zswTZOeU0QpJshA5BRbxD2HsBwjzI2trn-MexjblnIYzvq/s320/Image_220217_080748_00054.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There's a gambling slots game that would take a while to grind out, but offers some different equipment</i></td></tr>
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<br /><u>Elapsed Time</u>: 8<b>h</b>12<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 8<b>h</b>12<b>m</b>)Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-3721325505538195952017-01-31T08:21:00.000-08:002017-01-31T08:21:23.770-08:00Below the Cut: LandStalker (Genesis)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/16/Landstalker_us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/16/Landstalker_us.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landstalker">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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<b><u>LandStalker</u> </b>- Rating(<b>9</b> RPP)<br />
1) 0 - <u>Character Advancement</u>: <strike>practice/experience based advancement</strike>, stat or level
increases, <strike>multiple classes or
characters</strike>, <strike>customize characters</strike><br />
2) 0 - <u>Combat</u>: <strike>character stats used for combat</strike>, <strike>additional combat options</strike>, <strike>turn based</strike><br />
3) 0 - <u>Items and Equipment</u>: <strike>store to buy and sell</strike>, equipment decisions, item decisions<br />
4) 0 - <u>Story</u>: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; <strike>descriptions for objects, people, and places</strike><br />
5) 0 - <u>Exploration</u>: open world from the beginning, visited locations remain open<br />
6) 0 - <u>Quests and Puzzles</u>: side quests not related to the main quest, puzzles and riddles to solve<br />
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Ever since I played Solstice I've had a soft side for the isometric perspective. It took years of playing to get comfortable enough with the controls to make it through the game. Luckily I had Nintendo Power to guide me through those early NES games. I'm not sure I would have beaten as many as I did without it. My exposure to Genesis games was slight, but I'm sure I would have been enamored with this title just the same. I might give it a proper playthrough one day, but it won't be detailed here.<br />
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As a 9, it's borderline, but in the end it's an action-adventure with some of the worst isometric controls I've experienced (I haven't played them all, granted). Nigel, the protagonist, can only move in four directions, a normal mechanic in these games. Instead of angling the d-pad to map up to up-right or up-left, it's mapped to both depending on which diagonal direction was last pressed. This makes handling imprecise. Due to that, the action sequences are tedious as I often accidentally flew in the wrong direction or swung my sword to the side of an enemy.<br />
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Nigel finds health upgrades, but that's the only stat improvement. (I'm unsure if I should even give a point for that.) Combat strength is determined by equipment alone. There's a good amount of that, and even some situational gear that makes swapping effective for different environmental hazards. Items are varied as well. As for story, setting, and puzzles: that's where the game really shines, but those same aspects are what make it an adventure game, not quite an RPG.<br />
<br />
Without a way for the character to improve, the player has to improve to make progress in the game. Combat misses the mark. It's rote with only a sword to manage enemies (and some limited use items). The store is only acts as a money sink with no way to sell anything. I'm actually not sure if there are side quests, but I'll give the game the benefit of the doubt as I haven't played through far enough to find one.<br />
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In the end, I enjoyed what little I tried, and if I can manage to look past the control difficulties (and rewire my brain to accommodate), I'll probably enjoy the rest of the game. Until that time let's move on to Inindo.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-82233813776841750882017-01-23T20:15:00.004-08:002017-01-23T20:15:57.270-08:00Game #67: Gauntlet IV (Genesis) - Dragons All The Way Up (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivF8u5GDERp1vKLvLDOGTj_rpBDYiCSTnmN01VCMniZTOXCBQwoeBJTC8Jd9XLFQCccd77ahbGKLMvw6Jhdkwmg1mE2SiTK5gRQ7N8gBT0Ig-jOS0KkKB7TDA257nskaNdzf9xWlf8Ng1C/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivF8u5GDERp1vKLvLDOGTj_rpBDYiCSTnmN01VCMniZTOXCBQwoeBJTC8Jd9XLFQCccd77ahbGKLMvw6Jhdkwmg1mE2SiTK5gRQ7N8gBT0Ig-jOS0KkKB7TDA257nskaNdzf9xWlf8Ng1C/s320/Image_220117_163322_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>67</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Gauntlet 4</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>1993</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>Genesis</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Atari Games Corporation</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Tengen</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>Action-RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Active</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Gauntlet</b><br />
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This title surprised me. First, I had written it off the list for no other reason than it was Gauntlet. How could that series have enough RPG elements to include? Especially as we move right into cutting a game like Landstalker. While having a deeper story, and a richer world, it just doesn't offer the same kind of character customization.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqE-MwMw_nWEQYrRk-SxUGyS013c2xnBGd2LqfZyPhu0puMq5a67Wj3KcGCpljobDtVmm_PbrZO9mjBwKcogFWl-w3_QluB2PkYV6-Bsy0KS2wa1mHYtDnU_7M1LhzYuHQGvbYCpXX1zHm/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqE-MwMw_nWEQYrRk-SxUGyS013c2xnBGd2LqfZyPhu0puMq5a67Wj3KcGCpljobDtVmm_PbrZO9mjBwKcogFWl-w3_QluB2PkYV6-Bsy0KS2wa1mHYtDnU_7M1LhzYuHQGvbYCpXX1zHm/s320/Image_220117_163322_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TNE ENG</i></td></tr>
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In Gauntlet 4's quest mode, the story begins with the appearance of adventures seeking a mysterious treasure within an ancient castle guarded by four towers. Each tower holds the key to opening a seal on the castle doors. Take on the role of warrior, valkyrie, wizard, or elf, solo or with up to three friends, and discover the treasure within.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BcS9kh6qx3KQx109t2qLA-FahnrN94bwRG5vDscAWLCtE4Un3tDkoHyCrf6g9vMi9RDlrGl1hQt6bv698frrf_rv9bHoF_3mLoQkn9o36Nu9wxlTLVZXyAXkw61w0_74BjN5z8KSN5D0/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BcS9kh6qx3KQx109t2qLA-FahnrN94bwRG5vDscAWLCtE4Un3tDkoHyCrf6g9vMi9RDlrGl1hQt6bv698frrf_rv9bHoF_3mLoQkn9o36Nu9wxlTLVZXyAXkw61w0_74BjN5z8KSN5D0/s320/Image_220117_163322_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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The key here is the quest mode, which adds experience points and stat increases. A quick check of the scale gives the game a 12 due to meeting all (6) character advancement points, stats have a meaningful impact on combat, item management, a story at the forefront, an open world that remains open, and some small puzzles to solve (mostly mazes). I'll compare that to Landstalker next post, but as a spoiler, the lack of experience and multiple characters drops it below the threshold immediately. So we see essentially a basic dungeon crawler come up over a wonderfully designed world filled with NPCs and lore. Maybe my scale is broken. In any case, I've gone over the numbers enough for now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2HcP2O8Fewcnno86koeEHGytvHj-pbUAo7yLH1b6oFS0BuTUkWY9qf0umd4R8nvd3z3Dtwr7uHDKoQOLoVEjBAK4V5yh8KwucGydfM6mSPL3DmpeDtGqUP4YtS5zAXOjRXIyt87GF7Mq/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2HcP2O8Fewcnno86koeEHGytvHj-pbUAo7yLH1b6oFS0BuTUkWY9qf0umd4R8nvd3z3Dtwr7uHDKoQOLoVEjBAK4V5yh8KwucGydfM6mSPL3DmpeDtGqUP4YtS5zAXOjRXIyt87GF7Mq/s320/Image_220117_163322_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the fire tower, which has damage tiles</i></td></tr>
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Each character has a ranged attack, melee attack, and magic attack (requires potions). The power of each attack is determined by a particular power stat. Shot speed, movement rate, and defense make up the rest of character stats. These stats, and HP, are raised by spending experience points. The amount required increases with each stat raised. Stats are also augmented by equipment purchased from vendors throughout the towers or in the central hub at the beginning of the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNCeSTtS-NctcKpKUbSlEaOTL4gvto2HIw_86_I_w7Ora4VU4Req9DUreML6g5d9avw24ncxJCkytxbjYZG4yoC0Eu1Qy2yLaGkU77tIsN3uxs_xwn-tB6Tl8vOjjfaNAdEqHaareDOzY/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNCeSTtS-NctcKpKUbSlEaOTL4gvto2HIw_86_I_w7Ora4VU4Req9DUreML6g5d9avw24ncxJCkytxbjYZG4yoC0Eu1Qy2yLaGkU77tIsN3uxs_xwn-tB6Tl8vOjjfaNAdEqHaareDOzY/s320/Image_220117_163322_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's also possible to lower stats, shown above I drop my shot speed to the minimum </i></td></tr>
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The goal of each tower is to either reach the top of fire and air, and the bottom of earth and water. A dragon awaits in each guarding the power to break the seal. To navigate there requires finding the proper path of up and down stairs as well as trap tiles that change the layout of the floor. Finding all four trap tiles clears the floor (removing enemies and treasure). There are keys to open doors, and treasure to collect for added gold. Gold is needed to purchase equipment and items from the vendors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamNDBuJZ8IA5CYJOmIuaDKlrfp3wUJsS1GMaeuZbQBpJiBbFHcxvtIdscJwhVlN5KPoW24A9AIKE2VVnY2JBxKmhRGb81A90mSc5zeUr0dzWElYvMxZ8HdQtX9CLhJuy3fkJ0adSwVy_M/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamNDBuJZ8IA5CYJOmIuaDKlrfp3wUJsS1GMaeuZbQBpJiBbFHcxvtIdscJwhVlN5KPoW24A9AIKE2VVnY2JBxKmhRGb81A90mSc5zeUr0dzWElYvMxZ8HdQtX9CLhJuy3fkJ0adSwVy_M/s320/Image_220117_163322_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Buying each level of equipment is inefficient as there's no way to sell old equipment</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As with other Gauntlet games, health starts at 2000 and is constantly drained. This is also the max HP, and can be raised by 100 point increments for an experience point cost. Luckily I chose the fire tower first, and found a heal ring early on. Only one item can be readied at any time, and the heal ring prevents this drain. The float ring allows the player to walk over stairs and teleporters, handy to reach some otherwise inaccessible treasure. There's a mirror ring that gives reflective shot, and a fight ring that allows a character to melee with death and mimics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFetKf9LYMWm0pZpTeZxTr_RIZ7RJKcp7VUDl-xeVk9U98fw_b_3UEzcCkli1nfEeS1UoR2Y1vJfAvr1iQF5HqH-Guu-v4R4kvPkfcxd8IFoUAhNb-ud3jx5QPcqPPIVk-cGzlfMy6htq/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00032.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFetKf9LYMWm0pZpTeZxTr_RIZ7RJKcp7VUDl-xeVk9U98fw_b_3UEzcCkli1nfEeS1UoR2Y1vJfAvr1iQF5HqH-Guu-v4R4kvPkfcxd8IFoUAhNb-ud3jx5QPcqPPIVk-cGzlfMy6htq/s320/Image_220117_163322_00032.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Each tower has special tiles, fire=damage, water=slip, earth=slow, and air=stream which move the character randomly; the castle has confuse tiles that shift the direction of the d-pad</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to the special tiles of each tower, there are tiles in every location that prevent shots or magic. These add an additional layer to puzzles. In one instance I needed to slow my shot speed to destroy a destructible wall located across a couple screen lengths worth of no shot tiles. Death is only vulnerable to magic, but how do you handle him surrounded by anti-magic tiles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHmrlkKszmN7QTTV0q3qpmww_MnjDjw7d-3YMUsa0ALyf2Usejl__3gl3F4q7XtQv5PsLHvzbCu3EHNK1GnrNMDrahYIRFmRV6cLKc8Kjq6K5-rYr9Nakdnnht0Uwm_bi6lD2pLCcp-lP/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00036.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHmrlkKszmN7QTTV0q3qpmww_MnjDjw7d-3YMUsa0ALyf2Usejl__3gl3F4q7XtQv5PsLHvzbCu3EHNK1GnrNMDrahYIRFmRV6cLKc8Kjq6K5-rYr9Nakdnnht0Uwm_bi6lD2pLCcp-lP/s320/Image_220117_163322_00036.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the earth tower, some of the downstairs worked as pits with no corresponding up stairs</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The enemies are well varied with ghosts immune to melee, dragons weaker at melee range, and wizards that phase in and out. Normal enemies don't really pose much of a challenge. A couple of potions can kill nearly all enemies on a single screen, and those along with food respawn when transitioning to floors. Add in the heal drink to restore health to max, and the warp wing that takes the character back to the central hub, you can imagine the majority of deaths I had were from the dragon bosses where these options are disabled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbTs-yx0HTJ2CUi616dAR3zWBlVHLjAFw_QMPOE0qzlpi1IdC56QQQ1s1sn42xRLopJQ5GG9DiuTMC3-qeGeU4UOqbSerRmkZDmsYJ_Ik_5IFhKS47wPdpo3Lm_BFRKkmhVWwv7piDD4h/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00037.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbTs-yx0HTJ2CUi616dAR3zWBlVHLjAFw_QMPOE0qzlpi1IdC56QQQ1s1sn42xRLopJQ5GG9DiuTMC3-qeGeU4UOqbSerRmkZDmsYJ_Ik_5IFhKS47wPdpo3Lm_BFRKkmhVWwv7piDD4h/s320/Image_220117_163322_00037.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There was that one time I ran through an army of ghosts surrounded by deaths--dying to regular enemies removes the bonus stat potions found behind each dragon, but they're easy enough to collect again</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The castle is like the towers, except it begins on the 5th floor, and must be navigated to the basement before heading to the top. Atop is another dragon, but this one draws power from four elemental orbs that must be sealed before it takes damage. This has to be done while dodging all the normal shots the dragon has, and only lowers his defense for a short period of time before the orbs regain their light. It took a couple attempts to get it right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVi1xbyMy21d5aqDRe-ATQZpiozB9MFPMrBPxM6Ulzgl8-yVCZNOT2Rh0vRjFhoLztoBzB8euPcs2Ua2tezy7rM7UhfzmBJxMpSwDO8A2p2jqWs9J2RnDmCxxZ8OOZB1SVSLgzYU9oKgj/s1600/Image_210117_005402_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVi1xbyMy21d5aqDRe-ATQZpiozB9MFPMrBPxM6Ulzgl8-yVCZNOT2Rh0vRjFhoLztoBzB8euPcs2Ua2tezy7rM7UhfzmBJxMpSwDO8A2p2jqWs9J2RnDmCxxZ8OOZB1SVSLgzYU9oKgj/s320/Image_210117_005402_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here's the password for right before the final dragon, note the name of the character must match as well</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beyond the dragon was a treasure beyond imagination. I arrived on the roof where a disembodied voice asked if I was ready to enter the land of eternal youth. I then had a choice to enter or not. I chose to enter. I wanted my treasure. You decide if I made the right choice. That same voice proclaimed that finally an heir was found, and the spell was broken. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqmHgUVIFUXDDCRt1nKyd5Q6GdoxDymDo-kzyl2B1NDlGiEinPAJI5SRkG33v4Iztgb2BAV9-6FLpXK4o5n3Cb5kpHYBm0qPqUchJ7ZVVbOhC9XVAutl8JXGu8C2CCj2fROTLD3FzuAvC/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00050.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqmHgUVIFUXDDCRt1nKyd5Q6GdoxDymDo-kzyl2B1NDlGiEinPAJI5SRkG33v4Iztgb2BAV9-6FLpXK4o5n3Cb5kpHYBm0qPqUchJ7ZVVbOhC9XVAutl8JXGu8C2CCj2fROTLD3FzuAvC/s320/Image_220117_163322_00050.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Suddenly I was in control of a dragon breathing hot death on a character that looked like the wizard</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had turned into a dragon. The other option would be to return to town without the treasure, and always wondering what could have been up there. I definitely wasn't expecting an ending like this, but even in the best of RPGs so far, which I have to say this didn't quite scratch that itch, we haven't seen an evil ending like this. I'm glad I chose it first. The other sounded rather disappointing.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 8<b>h</b>22<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 8<b>h</b>22<b>m</b>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMTV0kUjMgF7ls6bK5l2Cf1tUB3Ji-mx9yGA-Ly5l6Hx0mmoKXM39w7lHYbc0YIA7F8e_gD1XpUCmYeQEM-uCkYRLYBuPLFtV9J27Afpk3r1LasDDJ8ACJVVau3gv5pZ3LLfml1O1Wxuq/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00055.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMTV0kUjMgF7ls6bK5l2Cf1tUB3Ji-mx9yGA-Ly5l6Hx0mmoKXM39w7lHYbc0YIA7F8e_gD1XpUCmYeQEM-uCkYRLYBuPLFtV9J27Afpk3r1LasDDJ8ACJVVau3gv5pZ3LLfml1O1Wxuq/s320/Image_220117_163322_00055.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All adventures who succeed become another dragon, killing the last successful adventurer</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- Combat definitely has some challenging aspects, but on a fight to fight basis it's pretty weak. There aren't many options, especially ones that differ between the characters. If for some reason the player dedicated his time to melee combat, it does give more experience after all, then that character would be woefully unprepared for the dragons. There are a good variety of enemies, but not enough to keep things interesting past the first tower.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI7S87nxa9Eu11CV1WBH5XnrA32h-1HEKxq0wVK84Xew2H8FESkOWHhdi6nupPv_g-2IvgA5HpvWHw-aUswxVIJrsjHd_5wEmdWRONLOVxAM_OwRL5fhW2BJG2ssxg0crRoFWLgT7qHHU/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00054.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI7S87nxa9Eu11CV1WBH5XnrA32h-1HEKxq0wVK84Xew2H8FESkOWHhdi6nupPv_g-2IvgA5HpvWHw-aUswxVIJrsjHd_5wEmdWRONLOVxAM_OwRL5fhW2BJG2ssxg0crRoFWLgT7qHHU/s320/Image_220117_163322_00054.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Only dragons, but where do they all come from?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- There are a lot of ways to customize the characters, and each seems to be viable, although some are definitely better than others. Appearance is fixed, even the color of each character (in this mode). Controls are responsive, although max speed can get a bit unwieldy.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqdtYjGXQ1Q3mjY77RhnFHFlRMgE99JXUkr9-vRa4UsB9UiTGvULRPXMvw8LD4Qk8Qb-UJgMk06bW7JcTqpmGqS1Y1Hb9BNq_gZp_m5QSesVGTg-3UbAcTmyTMWNASDAOQ3Vv6xL-cPIu/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00056.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqdtYjGXQ1Q3mjY77RhnFHFlRMgE99JXUkr9-vRa4UsB9UiTGvULRPXMvw8LD4Qk8Qb-UJgMk06bW7JcTqpmGqS1Y1Hb9BNq_gZp_m5QSesVGTg-3UbAcTmyTMWNASDAOQ3Vv6xL-cPIu/s320/Image_220117_163322_00056.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The same credits are given during the demo mode</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- With only a main quest to speak of, the game does well to mix in puzzle elements beyond just mazes. There aren't any side quests, and really there's only a single solution to the game, even if the towers are open to any order.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSQjiOvZoV6IbNuTjcWOQTg2chQJ_QSLNtnt3W_qbCUu-zDfhUKGVmizdRE04OfzG6ramxX7G650XXHKfRo0OUjN9xgCo8mXI8G-PBb_31sYZeM3mMSHfmPQWEAD0BhtiZ0vLViE9E6fP/s1600/Image_190117_003813_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSQjiOvZoV6IbNuTjcWOQTg2chQJ_QSLNtnt3W_qbCUu-zDfhUKGVmizdRE04OfzG6ramxX7G650XXHKfRo0OUjN9xgCo8mXI8G-PBb_31sYZeM3mMSHfmPQWEAD0BhtiZ0vLViE9E6fP/s320/Image_190117_003813_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Each tower gives a symbol on the character, showing which ones are completed</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- The story really doesn't matter. It's Gauntlet, go through the dungeon and hack everything to death. The only decision in the game comes at the end, but it carries a lot of weight. The traders in the hub congratulate and give advice throughout, while a voice welcomes the adventurer to continue on through to the end. It's unclear whose voice that was in the end, but I would guess the final dragon.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfylpARz-JfpSCvxsfHJlXYDbLNjCQjzbhCoGaVrNH1Nx_Hv1oLseXQL6WZgZhPIMVQxR2zDLNKlh-j9aY5lyoWiQI1ndKvrXzJAzKoUAmqEU-tqXkXfnZ3e6rj_2-jOhAVxzcw_6x7n4q/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00059.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfylpARz-JfpSCvxsfHJlXYDbLNjCQjzbhCoGaVrNH1Nx_Hv1oLseXQL6WZgZhPIMVQxR2zDLNKlh-j9aY5lyoWiQI1ndKvrXzJAzKoUAmqEU-tqXkXfnZ3e6rj_2-jOhAVxzcw_6x7n4q/s320/Image_220117_163322_00059.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are more people in the special thanks section than all others put together</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There's not a lot to collect, but if you're looking to buy all items, then that won't happen without a lot of grinding. With no lack of space, there's no reason to worry about where to put the next item. It's easy to tell the strength of each piece of equipment<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zvas9TyZT5d_LoAXHANjrDDqVw-oyTrc-5CSmM6vTQDKCGNO1n1FPDFMRnzVFA9U__EbT7HgLZmwciWajR60coc7nTt_XwwCq-dvckMyPfDMyBy4A7Axl1lf6HXBYB8Wquz4Eegawpsc/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00060.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zvas9TyZT5d_LoAXHANjrDDqVw-oyTrc-5CSmM6vTQDKCGNO1n1FPDFMRnzVFA9U__EbT7HgLZmwciWajR60coc7nTt_XwwCq-dvckMyPfDMyBy4A7Axl1lf6HXBYB8Wquz4Eegawpsc/s320/Image_220117_163322_00060.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seriously, it goes on for a while</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- I was a little disappointed that a lot of standard Gauntlet sound effects were missing. Green elf never needed food badly. The music is top notch though, with a lot of unique tracks. With a limited area, it still kept my interest in exploring every corner to clear out each floor.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70IEYGIFw2z4Qq5wr-rF0IiwQ5ukqaG1KQpQBmct4inagmLWSUNbK9FRoqAuaEWLUQyBtDuKrFe5VkPmCAzdXU9xRk1tak218MK_VpPOCB7S5aGBiaI_BzpMznLukdIMQZd0hc5j59YKo/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00057.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70IEYGIFw2z4Qq5wr-rF0IiwQ5ukqaG1KQpQBmct4inagmLWSUNbK9FRoqAuaEWLUQyBtDuKrFe5VkPmCAzdXU9xRk1tak218MK_VpPOCB7S5aGBiaI_BzpMznLukdIMQZd0hc5j59YKo/s320/Image_220117_163322_00057.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A great example of wonderful Genesis music</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>21</b> [35%]<br />
<br />
Overall a nice distraction after Ultima V before we get into another lengthy RPG. Gauntlet IV isn't a typical RPG, but it's an early example of just enough trappings in an attempt to woo RPG fans to check out the game. I've found that I'm definitely more of a fan of turn-based combat. A sprinkling of action-RPGs do well to stave off burning out from this project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W_cUlBH6DtLf4O3Eyxg1iy0tmW2W49B61csbUrVIm2hmj2qRkmkqqA_7bvhYOSWXHvJNaDNQ5jly0PEJfGgitD765-PP-2ji4c2Jw6p9N6XBqJWHICkmrQsqUc7BVbLrXckt06Fj8ShU/s1600/Image_220117_163322_00064.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W_cUlBH6DtLf4O3Eyxg1iy0tmW2W49B61csbUrVIm2hmj2qRkmkqqA_7bvhYOSWXHvJNaDNQ5jly0PEJfGgitD765-PP-2ji4c2Jw6p9N6XBqJWHICkmrQsqUc7BVbLrXckt06Fj8ShU/s320/Image_220117_163322_00064.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What other game could I be a dragon?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up, Inindo: Way of the Ninja. A game that I missed on the SNES, and probably for good reason. It's a port from an early Japanese computer game, which gives it a very dated look on the SNES. It seems interesting, but I can see it dragging on for far too long. First though, I'll be cutting Landstalker from the pack of RPGs. Go ahead, question my reasoning. It could very well be wrong.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-79040484791656397512017-01-16T20:51:00.000-08:002017-01-16T20:51:13.696-08:00Game #66: Ultima: Warriors of Destiny (NES) - Warriors Rushed (Finished)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik483CyJ0rU4zN1NFC9TQCHUTVc8mtt_QyeHN4SEnEerK3VIOvoLUnPjCB85cqYydGo-dWqgMx1E1oUrCzWIpXHp14KguudbEFmG4HYNq3FUdM9j-spMYjyJOBiyXhapPUIOz7Z68Yrs3o/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik483CyJ0rU4zN1NFC9TQCHUTVc8mtt_QyeHN4SEnEerK3VIOvoLUnPjCB85cqYydGo-dWqgMx1E1oUrCzWIpXHp14KguudbEFmG4HYNq3FUdM9j-spMYjyJOBiyXhapPUIOz7Z68Yrs3o/s320/Image_150117_182305_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A slight improvement on the standard black screen with The End</i></td></tr>
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Well that was an unexpectedly fast end. In fact, the game itself feels rushed: combat has some serious balance issues, the Avatar's companions don't level up, and combat spells are superfluous with no way to generate income to replenish reagents. When I dropped Jaana for the escaped Gorn inside Blackthorn's castle, I was expecting a higher level character. Instead, he was level 3 as well, but at least his strength was higher. I found Hassad inside a cell, and received the word of power from him. Blackthorn was in the central hall, watching me do both without reacting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBNmuWnH7l6NFwtFfIG5AjotM-9QKlRADgwS2a_q33uvmv1QRP5F8iofDJliw_poeSydV14UzX6mctpoNDL9kEfsCLO9UKzJCpAo-NZNtchho4v1oNZ5_tfJ_ZCtzTdzwd4DHyjaLjBx2/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBNmuWnH7l6NFwtFfIG5AjotM-9QKlRADgwS2a_q33uvmv1QRP5F8iofDJliw_poeSydV14UzX6mctpoNDL9kEfsCLO9UKzJCpAo-NZNtchho4v1oNZ5_tfJ_ZCtzTdzwd4DHyjaLjBx2/s320/Image_150117_182305_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't mind us, we're just going to take Gorn, and be on our way</i></td></tr>
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Blackthorn stands guard in front of a sealed door. Talking to him results in combat with four daemons unless the Avatar has learned the oppression's secret password. There's also an insignia badge to gain as well, but it's only the password that's necessary to avoid combat. Beyond that door is Lord British's crown, the power of which was greatly overstated. It's said to seal magic, but the enemies don't even use magic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-pUEiN2FEEZns7pN3NqB5sH1bJbRYvsIw6jbPX9MkCtOX3e8phfvGXw8SEaAdz8nj5cRBZeUVTrRE6UDtLOXGYc4brT21KQAHVIFkVbzKfxW1XQA3ydhScouYShOICH6I_bINnuqf5O9/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-pUEiN2FEEZns7pN3NqB5sH1bJbRYvsIw6jbPX9MkCtOX3e8phfvGXw8SEaAdz8nj5cRBZeUVTrRE6UDtLOXGYc4brT21KQAHVIFkVbzKfxW1XQA3ydhScouYShOICH6I_bINnuqf5O9/s320/Image_150117_182305_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Banishing the second shadowlord, I just noticed that equipped items are all blue or white, which isn't the same as they appear in inventory</i></td></tr>
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After Hythloth was completed, and the shadowlord banished, my only lead was to speak to the owner of the Arms of Justice. The reason it took so long to find was because I didn't note the place. I didn't note it because they didn't sell anything there. It was just a man. His name is Chamfort, the smithy. He was already useful in giving me a mantra, so I wrote him off when I first visited Empath Abbey and Yew. On this subsequent visit, he gave me the password to the resistance. Giving this to Thurd, to get the jeweled sword, only rewarded me with a regular sword. Providing it to Landon, and then Fiona provided the power word for Covetous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44ih3LjOOb0HsUeunbGNLoVkNvBGv6Z1wsiMzuC3TXT_24sjM7H-q2lkz6x7myqPOOmKakAp5BI_BHttrz3ONuuMcMg2Y3z6su62H-Wk2KWrbCUqO7EozddcpfNOhf7C0vL3WLytI9uYz/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00008.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44ih3LjOOb0HsUeunbGNLoVkNvBGv6Z1wsiMzuC3TXT_24sjM7H-q2lkz6x7myqPOOmKakAp5BI_BHttrz3ONuuMcMg2Y3z6su62H-Wk2KWrbCUqO7EozddcpfNOhf7C0vL3WLytI9uYz/s320/Image_150117_182305_00008.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the bottom of Covetous was a full set of magic equipment for the entire party</i></td></tr>
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I was still missing the power word and location for dungeon Wrong, which was the key to getting rid of the final shadowlord. Without a good lead, I went through dungeon Destard, which led to the amulet that allowed me to enter dungeon Doom. I hadn't found that either, or its power word (turns out it didn't need one). So, without any more leads I dived into Shame, which led to Doom, where I immediately died to the shadowlord of hatred. I suppose that's the reason we need to banish them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF5-AcoiV5ZIKo2yL3Az8DkX9QCXVITzQP1zq3rsN7ufXsDS4ac2xixB9pXxCb2_FqxQtpgpLpVkDvRdXkVMnMiP5xbUYpv2QqJxipqsr_tlKDhggB4CcjOPtFSSGV5LX53bHohNNwIH4/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF5-AcoiV5ZIKo2yL3Az8DkX9QCXVITzQP1zq3rsN7ufXsDS4ac2xixB9pXxCb2_FqxQtpgpLpVkDvRdXkVMnMiP5xbUYpv2QqJxipqsr_tlKDhggB4CcjOPtFSSGV5LX53bHohNNwIH4/s320/Image_150117_182305_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dying is actually the only time we see Lord British, and he's not even really there</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, the way to Wrong was the only way to go. To find it I searched every mountain range, and discovered it far to the west of Minoc after searching many others. The word of power I lucked upon. There's an NPC in the jail of British Castle. His greeting (first thing he says), is "Good Morning" with the dialogue option to ask his job. Every NPC has different options, and some unlock additional topics either through conversation with them or a different NPC that refers to them. The answer to his job, "prisoner." That's it. This gave me no indication, and no one else did, that he was a member of the resistance. A different prisoner mentioned the resistance, so I decided to check out his options after learning the password. Nothing new was gained, so I thought why not talk to the rest of the prisoners. Pure luck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_O8chpBJIlsqfSgbS2Uc1XwJuKcRmLbWW1l1usf0jqynMkQvCewgqKiQA_sEv5zBCPWXWP51OCCJbE0_ExC9i_gJRICY5lch8vvbZk-qxv1UwnuWknmxxd1_eGYpRALoPECqHsPqwgv0/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_O8chpBJIlsqfSgbS2Uc1XwJuKcRmLbWW1l1usf0jqynMkQvCewgqKiQA_sEv5zBCPWXWP51OCCJbE0_ExC9i_gJRICY5lch8vvbZk-qxv1UwnuWknmxxd1_eGYpRALoPECqHsPqwgv0/s320/Image_150117_182305_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>British's Sceptre was used to banish the magic barriers in Doom, and I thought, the crown must be useful for something</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the final shard gained from Wrong, I banished the final shadowlord, and returned to Doom. With no guardians, the dungeon was the same as any other. I made my way through it thanks to the pack-in map, and arrived at a house with a mirror. Taking the direct hint to use the box from British's castle on the mirror, I freed British and the ending played out. Suddenly, Lord British had an orb that opened gateways, and we were speaking to Blackthorn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUN1rCM10RNTjlLWGu7oqM3slZUZow9U9BCw90HpUUsLvH04Or71-Pqe5RR5x7u7vYHqeiu4JdtKFiL7kBz65XOEE4jAyohoR2nXVusRA0vO0tBBaMuby2qVJPLFO0k-EhAEOJgnLcCoQ/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00014.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUN1rCM10RNTjlLWGu7oqM3slZUZow9U9BCw90HpUUsLvH04Or71-Pqe5RR5x7u7vYHqeiu4JdtKFiL7kBz65XOEE4jAyohoR2nXVusRA0vO0tBBaMuby2qVJPLFO0k-EhAEOJgnLcCoQ/s320/Image_150117_182305_00014.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blackthorn was given an ultimatum of facing punishment or exile through a strange red gate I could swear I've seen before</i></td></tr>
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Blackthorn chose banishment. Lord British then sent the avatar home after a grand banquet. All is right once again. What was in the box? We'll never know. A lackluster ending to a lackluster edition of this game. I'll say it again, it feels rushed.<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 4<b>h</b>25<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 15<b>h</b>00<b>m</b>)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9JCjhAy1NWFI-Q0aC6tF18DY-hZ0mTpPbvM_DreUl77anFkJ0HSfSGVX_SDXsRwysnKI7VE_WPBI0pYT3qj2l-yp9UA8Aq76sPl6uD8wPLEkZzxOpZ36Ix_As0s98B8qe2LMjAyJX_gD/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9JCjhAy1NWFI-Q0aC6tF18DY-hZ0mTpPbvM_DreUl77anFkJ0HSfSGVX_SDXsRwysnKI7VE_WPBI0pYT3qj2l-yp9UA8Aq76sPl6uD8wPLEkZzxOpZ36Ix_As0s98B8qe2LMjAyJX_gD/s320/Image_150117_182305_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We don't even get to see the banquet</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- There's no strategy to combat. In the beginning, monsters are so deadly it's best to avoid it completely. The punishment for dying is nearly nonexistent though, so explore away. Stats do play a role, but there's some reaction time to activating combat, and the AI won't attack until the Avatar attacks. If monsters dropped chests or gold, maybe it'd be worth it; as it is, it's not.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-ToGPi33Do4ajfZ-oRFhVvTHoV3V2wWFhyphenhyphenHQGj7ZZcrmMsNlo8GbfHO2-mvErGxn-VdSuX9HnhhgBb3F4tuRPZs6MAqRLhUICuvQNIuNtwwkAb-nClbopxuC5nsO5fxiFnKDCjouc1Kd/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00016.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-ToGPi33Do4ajfZ-oRFhVvTHoV3V2wWFhyphenhyphenHQGj7ZZcrmMsNlo8GbfHO2-mvErGxn-VdSuX9HnhhgBb3F4tuRPZs6MAqRLhUICuvQNIuNtwwkAb-nClbopxuC5nsO5fxiFnKDCjouc1Kd/s320/Image_150117_182305_00016.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blame</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- The controls are terrible. There's no customization (e.g. the Avatar is always male). The only thing I could partially credit here is the ability to advance in power through repeated combat. That's a tedious proposition though, and not very rewarding.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>1</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRtzWGQAweJraPeottWvYxNP35Xqr7KFO93YrhCMKj_Um6CqVX5vg1xEtsKg65Yrx7ZNHNo4L9csvBKi0KJVOLQp3-ywfcmGqUhLMSylHaWOk5h98WLNBTSoyf9sGeAaWqnhcskir6DNs/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00017.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRtzWGQAweJraPeottWvYxNP35Xqr7KFO93YrhCMKj_Um6CqVX5vg1xEtsKg65Yrx7ZNHNo4L9csvBKi0KJVOLQp3-ywfcmGqUhLMSylHaWOk5h98WLNBTSoyf9sGeAaWqnhcskir6DNs/s320/Image_150117_182305_00017.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blame</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- There are enough clues to discover and continue on with the main quest. Strangely, there aren't any side quests. I suppose some of the main quest feels optional (going to shrines and meditating), but they aren't really differentiated from the main. I awarded points for the open world, and multiple ways to approach each task along the main quest. There wasn't anything obviously out of place.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5L9-WmaJOKLC_FsmYGooyJp1MuoGI09kll2dkvhiS0Yxj_GQA9l8bArxb3wM7CernNj8GEIrplN74_at_NxaU1VpM-LfHXgXRCVd2SVhHxqdIQJ6Xk9P9MXUvkDHgRodqFVQ1F-qgCqc/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5L9-WmaJOKLC_FsmYGooyJp1MuoGI09kll2dkvhiS0Yxj_GQA9l8bArxb3wM7CernNj8GEIrplN74_at_NxaU1VpM-LfHXgXRCVd2SVhHxqdIQJ6Xk9P9MXUvkDHgRodqFVQ1F-qgCqc/s320/Image_150117_182305_00018.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blame</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- The best aspect of this game is done better on PC with a vastly deeper world, more NPCs, and a parser far beyond what a menu driven system can handle. The descriptions for places, items, and inventory is severely lacking with 3 types of scrolls and talisman all with the same generic name (only color or shape differentiate them). For an Ultima game, I should give negative marks for the lack of player influence on the story. No matter who you rob, or how you act, there are no consequences. The Avatar can turn over Fiona to the oppression, or sell out the resistance to Thurd, and nothing changes.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vDDVjBDZWG7c6leD9LRLt2G3oDUfyLE_VKA52Ba3YHx707fl0H_O75PgRZINiYFSPpH5FWSyLdawrbq1N05nf-QTucKTnhQHpwmoLoIWuEL89GOTsU5rVgGrucLf0pf7PoTs7Q5V6Bz0/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vDDVjBDZWG7c6leD9LRLt2G3oDUfyLE_VKA52Ba3YHx707fl0H_O75PgRZINiYFSPpH5FWSyLdawrbq1N05nf-QTucKTnhQHpwmoLoIWuEL89GOTsU5rVgGrucLf0pf7PoTs7Q5V6Bz0/s320/Image_150117_182305_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This wasn't that bad, at least things were identifiable</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There are a lot of items, and a very limited inventory. I had to drop many items as I came across them. It's hard to tell if one weapon is better than another, but the armor is fairly obvious. In the end, find the magic equipment, and you can ignore nearly everything else. I say 'nearly' because gold is still an issue, and the best way to accumulate wealth is by finding equipment and selling it off.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86qdjfumhIlqDM3hIikre5u5fXHKaosiRevQQnAY27I2yGH8TClu-ei4cYgNOUcnaBytocYLRvj0X1AeQQHiTIRzUAalrSh8gquWU4LWbtIGhvADKRrFwi2i_N09zAsZJMlhJnyeUePab/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00020.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86qdjfumhIlqDM3hIikre5u5fXHKaosiRevQQnAY27I2yGH8TClu-ei4cYgNOUcnaBytocYLRvj0X1AeQQHiTIRzUAalrSh8gquWU4LWbtIGhvADKRrFwi2i_N09zAsZJMlhJnyeUePab/s320/Image_150117_182305_00020.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BLAME</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- During the game, the entire game, there's one, one music track. In towns, in the wilderness, at sea, in dungeons, in the underworld, everywhere, one track. There are also no sound effects. Just the music, on a 20 second loop. All game. Now, that's not the only music the game has to offer. There's the title music, the intro music, and the ending music. Combined, you hear those for maybe three minutes. The world is somewhat interesting at first, at least the towns, but there's nothing really to discover--merely equipment, potions, and scrolls.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqanB0j-XdTS34-rXHgYFFFWWYaoaAxTXyuu8IL26w4rugX7HKg9QUhZLATzZeAWEZJTUQpv0lczPap0jxrBB4zBQZdsW1Cad7IPXXBVzCe5QfHzMGGZb1AZKYIEV71Wj19jmJMXgx4lK/s1600/Image_150117_182305_00021.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqanB0j-XdTS34-rXHgYFFFWWYaoaAxTXyuu8IL26w4rugX7HKg9QUhZLATzZeAWEZJTUQpv0lczPap0jxrBB4zBQZdsW1Cad7IPXXBVzCe5QfHzMGGZb1AZKYIEV71Wj19jmJMXgx4lK/s320/Image_150117_182305_00021.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Second helping of blame</i></td></tr>
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<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>17</b> [28%]<br />
<br />
Overall a poor rendition of an Ultima game. I'm not sure what motivated Origin to take over development of this console port, but as you can see, none of the Quest of the Avatar development team was involved. It's difficult to find information on why the changing of the guard took place. Maybe the previous two games didn't sell well in Japan... notably, it seems this title was released only in the US. Maybe the company that ported Quest of the Avatar were too busy with the port of The False Prophet, which we'll see early in 1994 (although some sources place it in late 1993). Anxiously, I see that they were not involved in The Black Gate, which seems to be all Origin staff once again.<br />
<br />
Moving on, we have Gauntlet IV. I'll have an extensive post about why I consider it an RPG, or an extensive post about why I was fooled into thinking it was one. Place your bets now.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-85052433530386693902017-01-09T20:23:00.004-08:002017-01-16T15:28:01.336-08:00Game #66: Ultima: Warriors of Destiny (NES) - Promised Destiny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwNPaulMCYQUsk52Pz0RPZ4lXehLTOAREHzWkaXCaahvQzXLOfY3OaKJm6pORXvaX-UcCPMXR-qZESowV9ALqSfrckmUGFUmUyG9WvQL7-ur43tIvnLC5T75xDWvsQPfyT1-DK8ZqvZim/s1600/Image_020117_124107_00049.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwNPaulMCYQUsk52Pz0RPZ4lXehLTOAREHzWkaXCaahvQzXLOfY3OaKJm6pORXvaX-UcCPMXR-qZESowV9ALqSfrckmUGFUmUyG9WvQL7-ur43tIvnLC5T75xDWvsQPfyT1-DK8ZqvZim/s320/Image_020117_124107_00049.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>66</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Ultima: Warriors of Destiny</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>January 1993 </b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>NES</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Origin</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>FCI/Pony Canyon</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Active battles (enemies take turns over time)</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Ultima</b><br />
<br />
It's difficult to know where to start with a new post. I struggle how to approach condensing my time with a game into a limited amount of words. Knowing which details to put in, and which to leave out comes down to my personal experience and how much of an impact a part of the game had on me. I try to point out fun Easter eggs as well. In the end, I hope I do the games some justice with my summary. Even the bad ones.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjPj4jj8j994fcBnOzvkUg5xseJCOjgJaJN4HX-lNYXthyINOMKt7UMba4KLoTVxbmy4TI7R2fHlozOLabmW1hp4lvN3EHNKkl91QV4tsGATf_vKH_-BVn-evIbbVNnYqF7_WvoL3DdcK/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjPj4jj8j994fcBnOzvkUg5xseJCOjgJaJN4HX-lNYXthyINOMKt7UMba4KLoTVxbmy4TI7R2fHlozOLabmW1hp4lvN3EHNKkl91QV4tsGATf_vKH_-BVn-evIbbVNnYqF7_WvoL3DdcK/s320/Image_080117_155326_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Like Quest of the Avatar, this game begins with a series of moral questions to determine character stats</i></td></tr>
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Once again the Avatar is transported to the world of Britania, but all is not well as he had left it. Lord British is missing, and someone named Lord Blackthorn has assumed leadership. Three shadowlords roam the world imposing their evil visage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhSDgoCpDpmnxF4qLBXZqLeC5w-X4UsBvVVe7P-1U1Ulja4oDkppHZ5Vy1wuyh4rq6MBKvh3Jr_bGcVaLok7c7ZmA2GuApBTT8cbE_eLP1HCBSOL6JB0l_tdPhLrrvF0MS-qz21bzSdXp/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhSDgoCpDpmnxF4qLBXZqLeC5w-X4UsBvVVe7P-1U1Ulja4oDkppHZ5Vy1wuyh4rq6MBKvh3Jr_bGcVaLok7c7ZmA2GuApBTT8cbE_eLP1HCBSOL6JB0l_tdPhLrrvF0MS-qz21bzSdXp/s320/Image_080117_155326_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shamino is attacked while bringing the avatar back</i></td></tr>
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<b> </b><br />
The shadowlords, sensing I was the avatar, fled before facing my wrath. The avatar dragged Shamino to Iolo's hut where we tended his wounds while Iolo filled me in on the story. Lord British disappeared while exploring the Underworld. Blackthorn was a kind ruler in his stead until the shadowlords appeared and corrupted him. Iolo pleads that I find Lord British and restore him to power.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCU0K-UYDbhmgUi3ELnr13X0JYvLzGpKoMMVA97xuFoRAQrKm6bkTrdPycdV86wS4g3OkEDYeAW5-kDCVSmcrLk-z8PPffNXLTX_wlSi-yUws4MHWiJGYIruq1IN0XSUwgQiK3tmuBwpg/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCU0K-UYDbhmgUi3ELnr13X0JYvLzGpKoMMVA97xuFoRAQrKm6bkTrdPycdV86wS4g3OkEDYeAW5-kDCVSmcrLk-z8PPffNXLTX_wlSi-yUws4MHWiJGYIruq1IN0XSUwgQiK3tmuBwpg/s320/Image_080117_155326_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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Tackling an open world like Ultima is daunting at first. Lucky for me the map came with the game, and it's similar to Quest of the Avatar. The only notable changes are Yew moved to the south of Empath Abbey, and Blackthorn's Castle arose from the volcanoes where Mondain's skull was found. I set out to first visit every town and collect all the clues I could on a first pass. First though, I had to wrap my head around the new interface, and the day/night cycle for NPCs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFApQjcV1CnxkrX6dFuesslWl9ZAQNtJFAjqCE7flKJKxUFoAICtKWmSzxJUvekQyyGFa3UJcebwMcRiZ_2WaCIkhaNqYdFgALU4r1pfJJREm6g25Y_nXndN-u-O9KHCxrc5BQhllxZ8D/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFApQjcV1CnxkrX6dFuesslWl9ZAQNtJFAjqCE7flKJKxUFoAICtKWmSzxJUvekQyyGFa3UJcebwMcRiZ_2WaCIkhaNqYdFgALU4r1pfJJREm6g25Y_nXndN-u-O9KHCxrc5BQhllxZ8D/s320/Image_080117_155326_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>David the pirate shows up at night in Iolo's hut... got something to tell us, Iolo?</i></td></tr>
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Before I even left Iolo's hut I gained the sextant from David, and learned of a couple people in Buccaneer's Den. The sextant gives the coordinates away from British's Castle at 0,0. So, I made my way south, passing a solitary house in Yew where a faithful inquisitor of Blackthorn lives. He wanted me to confess something, but I thought better of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-IAE0ZAhbQjFOfDbzpwB6OYvt2t8IJiwROau0jw9nEUSRvbnPhb7FIHvdIKw27f8VJAchqjIoTLyQf7YUHMJ0We2pZ-axITlnhHqnSCw7aydPs032P1zmtTgWR9qeOy7q2mh_eM24kBL/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-IAE0ZAhbQjFOfDbzpwB6OYvt2t8IJiwROau0jw9nEUSRvbnPhb7FIHvdIKw27f8VJAchqjIoTLyQf7YUHMJ0We2pZ-axITlnhHqnSCw7aydPs032P1zmtTgWR9qeOy7q2mh_eM24kBL/s320/Image_080117_155326_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dialogue and shopping happen on a separate screen</i></td></tr>
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I started in Empath Abbey and Yew, then down to Britain and Paws. I picked up lock picks in Paws. On the way back to Yew to open up a locked door I accidentally walked into a poison field, which is a slightly blue tile on the ground. Poison at the beginning of the game killed Iolo. I resurrected him at the chapel, but it raised him at 1 HP and still poisoned. The next game tick turned him back into a ghost. The game has an active system where the game ticks by for AI in combat and movement. This gives the game a bit of stuttering feel, especially when moving. Healing and resurrecting Iolo again took quite a chunk of my starting money.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqLIzOBAcQR7GJ7X6I5y6ZioyFTQpVZ4R8qRVu2lZR50PEZTsN54BuWF3hKp-JkPq_acQ1d1fmAdr2vBXzEE9GOV0WBBxrMNVH0sSK4ojiGaTJiB8BhEEyt1ioRRVX3EsRoSoObmc9PLF/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqLIzOBAcQR7GJ7X6I5y6ZioyFTQpVZ4R8qRVu2lZR50PEZTsN54BuWF3hKp-JkPq_acQ1d1fmAdr2vBXzEE9GOV0WBBxrMNVH0sSK4ojiGaTJiB8BhEEyt1ioRRVX3EsRoSoObmc9PLF/s320/Image_080117_155326_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Found a magic carpet in British's castle early on, which helped me reach all the towns</i></td></tr>
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The controls are just as clunky as the movement since they're only detected at certain intervals. The developers seemed to have realized this as holding down a button for an action will queue it, effectively pausing the game, until the button is released. They got rid of the menu system completely. The A button access and uses items in hand, usually weapons. The B button is used to interact with the world, searching the ground for items or talking to NPCs. The start button accesses the party's inventory where potions and scrolls are used immediately, while other tools are equipped to a hand and used during the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CugXDFb2auOr5a3orCc_kbV6FrmtvlbFAs423GkzkAwYIUzv8jhV6RJ0aiBdHlvWvTZA7N5wyeBfY0ugPRfmcCvpHJGE2PQJZoX69BGsOiYyc0F1Hi4TRxs6NpZccWR8tVl67c37VmeR/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CugXDFb2auOr5a3orCc_kbV6FrmtvlbFAs423GkzkAwYIUzv8jhV6RJ0aiBdHlvWvTZA7N5wyeBfY0ugPRfmcCvpHJGE2PQJZoX69BGsOiYyc0F1Hi4TRxs6NpZccWR8tVl67c37VmeR/s320/Image_080117_155326_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Only four characters can join the party at one time, and I opted to have Jaana tag along as she seemed to know more about the resistance movement</i></td></tr>
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Like the previous game, the Avatar's quest takes him to every town to learn mantras of the eight virtues. Each mantra is chanted at shrines hidden throughout the land. The dungeons that run counter to the virtues are now sealed though, and statues guard against any attempt to enter without finding the proper word of power. What makes this difficult is the small view window coupled with the day/night schedules of the NPCs. I've found NPCs in houses previously empty because I had searched at a time they weren't there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgJsDGGtqa1mDVm8oNLbTOE2__JiJV9Zakj3j1nhrnS3Qd9Wu63Cb0M3rtsxOq9N4OwRX8B3vZqPb20yFH8C0Zgnir9o4WgQbQXyhgcK3IgpbI-eXGhSPANzUgUsK20SspuXXMqqUNqEj/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00014.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgJsDGGtqa1mDVm8oNLbTOE2__JiJV9Zakj3j1nhrnS3Qd9Wu63Cb0M3rtsxOq9N4OwRX8B3vZqPb20yFH8C0Zgnir9o4WgQbQXyhgcK3IgpbI-eXGhSPANzUgUsK20SspuXXMqqUNqEj/s320/Image_080117_155326_00014.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord British revives the Avatar when he dies; I later found out that the cost for death is half the Avatar's experience, which can actually lower his level</i></td></tr>
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Another issue I've had with the game is a lack of income. Enemies don't drop chests or gold. In fact, they don't drop anything. There's food that slowly depletes, and the lack of income makes me hope I don't run out of both. I've been staying afloat by picking up everything no matter where it lay. This includes a magic shield, sword, and axe in Boardermarch that made combat actually manageable. Strangely though, the Avatar is the only one that gains experience, and thus levels. Levels seem to improve the Avatar's HP, and determine which magic he's able to cast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoGXIVWx31Aq_Qbuu4rFcVeqkQh1njmAHmnD9wTbdVrwSInrIcVnHjzSmgyzec7zcB9WdOvtk-YACjgJyeaaSjRHMyBNF-YP2YqKXPrTNfBlQyRFBsmbz1O_M0OkclUsQlfqUOJaPvlj1/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoGXIVWx31Aq_Qbuu4rFcVeqkQh1njmAHmnD9wTbdVrwSInrIcVnHjzSmgyzec7zcB9WdOvtk-YACjgJyeaaSjRHMyBNF-YP2YqKXPrTNfBlQyRFBsmbz1O_M0OkclUsQlfqUOJaPvlj1/s320/Image_080117_155326_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are a couple places that have NPCs outside the towns, Sin'Vraal's hut is one where I learned a bit about the nature of the shadowlords</i></td></tr>
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Every town corresponds to a virtue, and inside or near each one I've found the mantra and power word related to it or at least some clue for it, except for a couple power words. I've managed to chant all the mantras at the appropriate shrines, the easier of the tasks. I was then told to find the Codex of the Avatar, which I did, but it was mostly a bunch of gibberish about the virtues (noted for later in case it becomes important). The power words are guarded by a group called the great council. I found the first near Britain, but following the clues to Minoc I hit a roadblock. I can't find the man that guards the power word to Covetous.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNBkhJ_5wZXDTrTuM_m0OrGnEkg8ljhtE1oYnK3cCGThT5pMI-EiP0J1aXV1cr3dHPLOcyW6fpU9hegnuxO0iOJLI8hSc256aM_8-gP2we1uR7_pqEISxtEbGP3yyRJ97ypnTzTOqZmmo/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00016.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNBkhJ_5wZXDTrTuM_m0OrGnEkg8ljhtE1oYnK3cCGThT5pMI-EiP0J1aXV1cr3dHPLOcyW6fpU9hegnuxO0iOJLI8hSc256aM_8-gP2we1uR7_pqEISxtEbGP3yyRJ97ypnTzTOqZmmo/s320/Image_080117_155326_00016.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I found her, but she says nothing of her father or the power word</i></td></tr>
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I suspect there's some place to locate him that I just haven't tried at the correct time. Likewise, I've been told to seek out the owner of the Arms or Justice, but I've been unable to find such a place. I'm guessing he's the one that will reveal the power word for dungeon Wrong. I'm fairly close to the end now, at least the end of my clues. I've fully explored the dungeons of Despise and Deceit. Each dungeon leads to the Underworld, which appears similar to Britania. Under Despise was a man, Captain Johnne, that told me he had found the jewel of Mondain, but it shattered into three shards. The shadowlords were born from these shards. I would have taken him into my party, but I didn't find out until later that to make a party member leave they need to have nothing in their hands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgJFTz6KSxVm5hQtyJUoEGGHpQoxQU8DUJK4huNizoG5bBYWDDVz1-3dQm-nzjyc2ZzPYyici80jR0fi5WA45i98Ath-9xSyutzD9Qbinp93362AvKGI5ZgS5Bb1Rsb-FIzeVb3oCZXtB/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00017.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgJFTz6KSxVm5hQtyJUoEGGHpQoxQU8DUJK4huNizoG5bBYWDDVz1-3dQm-nzjyc2ZzPYyici80jR0fi5WA45i98Ath-9xSyutzD9Qbinp93362AvKGI5ZgS5Bb1Rsb-FIzeVb3oCZXtB/s320/Image_080117_155326_00017.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I bought a boat too</i></td></tr>
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To banish the shadowlords, we needed to find the shards located somewhere in the Underworld, at the bottom of three different dungeons. Deceit led to the shard of Falsehood, and I banished the shadowlord Faulinei by learning his name, blowing the horn of honesty in front of the flame or truth, and chucking the shard into the flame as soon as he appeared. There wasn't any fanfare, so I hope I did it correctly. The next two are located at the bottom of Hythloth, which I just found the power word for inside Blackthorn's castle, and Wrong, which may be the roadblock that extends this game for far longer than needed. Aside for Covetous, I'm also missing the power word for Doom, which seems to be the final dungeon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbWwhHMxTHKJrfXGGuihraOI45V1vdwUBks2jE6jIp7W7UL1bu9l1BnUQF0bEDNOf8PmLK-9GSjfmNZqn9Rp5UwdFigarK-m70ayY6UeCFZh_VPhQ5AonqUs6iptoEQ6ksfTDMckubYRB/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00018.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbWwhHMxTHKJrfXGGuihraOI45V1vdwUBks2jE6jIp7W7UL1bu9l1BnUQF0bEDNOf8PmLK-9GSjfmNZqn9Rp5UwdFigarK-m70ayY6UeCFZh_VPhQ5AonqUs6iptoEQ6ksfTDMckubYRB/s320/Image_080117_155326_00018.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inventory management became a concern at one point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple things of note, I did find a grappling hook that once belonged to a pirate, and lets me scale mountains very slowly. I had a clue that Lord British was in the Underworld trapped in a mirror, and I needed a box from his private room to release him. While fumbling about, I realized that one of the objects in his room was a harpsichord, and I just happened to have some sheet music to the magical piece called Stones. Using this on the instrument opened the portcullis, and allowed me entry.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2hXiwL1gr_VQyVcua2UKoaNFPe_cs_m8kteJCxuEK8os3wHqeqLDwcGSJRrhK5EIhZLiPWTUbu2leP2RJJr4RS9T8Y_5dxUZfXlOMb4MnJ4-sjgLF5cEs721kuOMEtr6_JwnfBNwGkfb/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00020.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2hXiwL1gr_VQyVcua2UKoaNFPe_cs_m8kteJCxuEK8os3wHqeqLDwcGSJRrhK5EIhZLiPWTUbu2leP2RJJr4RS9T8Y_5dxUZfXlOMb4MnJ4-sjgLF5cEs721kuOMEtr6_JwnfBNwGkfb/s320/Image_080117_155326_00020.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Instead of including horses, this guy talks about meeting a special horse that asked him to pass along a message, and the word Infinity is just given to the Avatar</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The moon gates are still present, but much less effective. They only appear at night now, although sometimes they're randomly open during the day. The phases of the moon are much slower, so the number of locations I could travel to is much more limited. I tend to travel over land for more convenience, or use the ankh talisman to transport to a random town until I arrive at a closer one to my destination. Due to the money situation reagents are in limited supply, so I don't rely on spells that often. I mainly use them for healing and curing poison. Before I found the skull key, I also used a spell to unlock magical doors. There are a lot of combat spells, but the magic sword kills all enemies so far in a single hit, and switching to the spell book seems like a waste of time. The only other spell I've used is disperse field that allows me to pass energy fields. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaAxPZ6dopMX27wG-SIUukTogAqWptWb-UzmQz9ylM699dFF4HqKfSUWRNhBw6TU1NnrleaXplVzBb-u1tyRqB9kf_V3kEAodj5n__eKUJibTS7ApF73WP6Mun1A9COgZ0CtgHvtVMkke/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00035.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaAxPZ6dopMX27wG-SIUukTogAqWptWb-UzmQz9ylM699dFF4HqKfSUWRNhBw6TU1NnrleaXplVzBb-u1tyRqB9kf_V3kEAodj5n__eKUJibTS7ApF73WP6Mun1A9COgZ0CtgHvtVMkke/s320/Image_080117_155326_00035.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finding some treasure in a dungeon; equipment can only be sold to shops that sell it--this is how I've been subsisting (and yes, that is the ghost of Iolo following the party)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not sure what's at the bottom of Shame or Destard, but I have the power words for both. I suppose if I run out of leads, or get stuck, then I can explore them for fun. I've almost found a way into Blackthorn's inner circle, but I need to find a way to expose Fiona of Minoc as a member of the great council. There's a man in Serpent's Hold that wants to trade the resistance password for his fabled jeweled sword, which I can't imagine is much better than the magic sword. Rumors of glass weapons don't really interest me. I'm sure I couldn't afford them anyway. The Avatar arms are supposed to be at the bottom of Covetous. I wonder if the Underworld is actually connected, and if I could scale the mountains without going through all the dungeons.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nqt9Xf3mwTf9ZTTPQLX_eVsb90gtb3Oj93OdEE-luVfkqtXH1DMasv1MEd88V0arRXusGBITXXlW28OqTrwvvbmh01uPOEa2GvOiZ_itwN4ti3PeqTfMSHL_X-IguTCJlygCqiO7ffes/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00037.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nqt9Xf3mwTf9ZTTPQLX_eVsb90gtb3Oj93OdEE-luVfkqtXH1DMasv1MEd88V0arRXusGBITXXlW28OqTrwvvbmh01uPOEa2GvOiZ_itwN4ti3PeqTfMSHL_X-IguTCJlygCqiO7ffes/s320/Image_080117_155326_00037.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In case that wasn't enough quest items, there's British's sceptre, crown, and amulet to find, although their use is shrouded in mystery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can see why this game wasn't well received. I'm definitely liking the story and feel, but I think I'd like it better on the PC. This revision of combat and interface is clunky, and reduces the amount of strategy involved. Most of the puzzles have become simpler with a lock and key method of adventuring extending to dialogue. Not that it would help with my current situation, but key words like Infinity and the dungeon power words might have had more of a riddle to them. Overall, I'm enjoy it, but hope to finish soon.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9ACVvoOfNKrR3KE2gV-4FTNtBCb_1WyZkNx7UKPBfS_qXUcAIiWMku892qXcnvlauyjY3YHQM70FIe9l_HK2v7azbjecnL_VVqRUBGixZugnuAr6JUbNCulWV_JXkF0OZ_whK9CXo-i0/s1600/Image_080117_155326_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9ACVvoOfNKrR3KE2gV-4FTNtBCb_1WyZkNx7UKPBfS_qXUcAIiWMku892qXcnvlauyjY3YHQM70FIe9l_HK2v7azbjecnL_VVqRUBGixZugnuAr6JUbNCulWV_JXkF0OZ_whK9CXo-i0/s320/Image_080117_155326_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It feels strange that the world doesn't wrap </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 10<b>h</b>35<b>m</b> (<u>Total Time</u>: 10<b>h</b>35<b>m</b>)
Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-67050424005190154962017-01-07T13:19:00.003-08:002017-01-07T14:23:42.861-08:00Rest Well 1992; Welcome 1993Spending an entire year to play through the game year of 1992 isn't very encouraging for catching up to current releases. Given that, and the general configuration nightmare for capturing consoles in the 7th generation, I've decided to cap the blog at the 6th generation. I'm still unsure that we'll ever make it through the whole list, but I think this covers most of my youth and the games I know I missed. Who knows what the future holds, things may change once we get closer.<br />
<br />
Quickly I just want to expand on the trouble for capturing games. First, the DS is a bit of a nightmare. I haven't been able to get a capture device for it, I seem to have missed that ship, so the final game I had on there, Sword of Hope 2, will be played on emulator I think. Second, the XBLA and WiiWare games (really there's only two), could all disappear by the time I reach that point in the blog. I haven't looked into the PSN for PS3 and PSP to see if those have exclusive titles as well, but the same goes for them. This eliminates a lot of headaches down the road.<br />
<br />
Now on to the games (what you really came for). To recap, most of the games unknown to me prior to going in were largely a disappointment. Traysia was a travesty. Warriors of the Eternal Sun and Order of the Griffon were quaint yet shallow adventures. Wizardry II was much better than the first, and even though I didn't like Dragon Warrior IV as much as the third, it was a great game (if only for Taloon). Arcana, Soul Blazer, and Mystic Quest were all just as I remembered, incredibly fun. Might & Magic was surprising well made, and many of the issues I had in the second were not repeated in this later port. Overall, not a standout year in RPG gaming, but all the same it had its moments.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jMvifxCRNmEZdKMA2JF69EnvC4nLOBNFGdvBTucJtSSluqVrCVW9KeCtxxetVNnskDrGpRAQcUpRrz6L5cdCVNbT_VYwjw1n8-9Iz5kFnQIuzqTZ18Sb9qU245T1mL_SViQ5xdMZPhdh/s1600/1993-full.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jMvifxCRNmEZdKMA2JF69EnvC4nLOBNFGdvBTucJtSSluqVrCVW9KeCtxxetVNnskDrGpRAQcUpRrz6L5cdCVNbT_VYwjw1n8-9Iz5kFnQIuzqTZ18Sb9qU245T1mL_SViQ5xdMZPhdh/s640/1993-full.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I feel like this is the year RPGs turn sharply up, at least during the last half of the year</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally we reach 1993. The big news is the release of the 3DO. Hoping to make a splash, the console holds its own for many years, but never really finds the right market. I think the whole CD game thing is a fad and will never take off. Now, normally I take MobyGames for a solid source when it comes to release dates, and that's why I had the first RPG released for 3DO, Guardian War, as May of 1993, a solid five months before the console released. I only noticed while taking screenshots for the game, and saw 1994 copyrights everywhere. So, I've moved that game to early next year.<br />
<br />
In other console news, the Jaguar was released, but we won't see an RPG for it (the only RPG for it) until 1996. The Amiga CD32 failed to release in the US that same year due to some licensing issues. The closest it got was Canada, which leaked a few into the states through the secondary market. The NES top-loader failed to breathe life into the console in the US as we see the last RPG released for it this year, and the last game released the following. Lastly, Laserdisc games became a thing; thankfully no RPGs accompanied it.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Original Titles</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/0/0/22400_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/0/0/22400_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/563501-the-7th-saga/images/129059">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>7th Saga</u> - Produce's first RPG on the scene. Published by Enix of America, it's infamous for an attempted re-balance gone wrong. Considered too easy, someone decided to tweak the character's stat growth. Due to the insane difficulty this imposed on the late game, it wasn't very well received due to long necessary grinding. I had this as a kid, and since I never hated any RPGs I played, I loved it. The characters, seven to choose from, gave the game a lot of replayability. I know for sure I beat it with everyone except Kamil. Maybe I should do this run with him.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/2/8/0/46280_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/2/8/0/46280_front.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/gameboy/585735-great-greed/images/146676">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Great Greed</u> - I honestly have never heard of this game, and confused it in my mind with Knight Quest. The story doesn't sound promising. It's an environmentally conscious game propping themes of conservation and waste reduction. Namco isn't really known for its RPGs, but we'll see if they had a one off success before moving back to arcade titles.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/8/8/5/50885_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/8/8/5/50885_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/588452-lufia-and-the-fortress-of-doom/images/140276">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<u>Lufia & The Fortress of Doom</u> - Remember how I said I loved all games I played as a kid. Well, here's another. I played, and replayed this game so often that you'd think I actually owned it. I actually rented it for three weeks straight at one point. I'm sure I'll gush all over this giving it a shiny wax coating of nostalgia once we get there, but it comes at the very end of the year. So, we'll just have to wade through the rest of the games first.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/35006-lunar-silver-star-story-complete-playstation-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/35006-lunar-silver-star-story-complete-playstation-front-cover.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/lunar-silver-star-story-complete/cover-art/gameCoverId,35006/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<u>Lunar: Silver Star Story (Complete)</u> - The hits keep coming. This one I debated over quite a bit; in the end, I decided that I'm going to play the PS1 version. I know that it's more of a remake than a true port, and will have much improved graphics. I just don't feel like covering it in the blog twice. I'm not sure there are enough differences. Much like I played the NES version of Quest of the Avatar, and didn't cover the SMS in much depth, I feel it's best to play the definitive version of a title across all consoles. As for using the release date of the SegaCD rather than the PS1, my only argument is that it'd be a glaring omission from 1993. Really the main reason is that I already own the PS1 version, and I don't want to wait to play it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/0/0/11000_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/0/0/11000_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/588651-shadowrun/images/140382">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<u>Shadowrun</u> (SNES) - Shadowrun was the first PnP RPG I ever played. My dad owned a lot of D&D modules and books, but for whatever reason, he didn't try to play them with us. I'm not sure why we chose Shadowrun; maybe it was the cover art, but we decided to try to play it as a family. It was a lot of fun that first night. I don't remember playing it at all beyond that, but it definitely encouraged my interest in RPGs in general. As for this game, I played it once or twice, but never got very far. I'm not expecting anything amazing. For those wondering about the Genesis game, it was released in 1994 as far as I can tell.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/13492-shining-force-genesis-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/13492-shining-force-genesis-front-cover.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/genesis/shining-force/cover-art/gameCoverId,13492/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<u>Shining Force</u> - After hearing so many great things about this series, and never playing it myself, this is the game that I'm most excited to get to. I didn't have much access to RPGs on the Genesis, and never really thought that I might be missing games on systems I didn't own. I didn't even bother looking at sections in the rental store for consoles we didn't have at home. Had I seen this, I'm not sure I would have known I'd enjoy it as the only other tactical RPG out by this time was Warsong, also on the Genesis. It wouldn't be until Ogre Battle that I would be enraptured by strategy RPG cross overs. Eagerly anticipating this one while I play every game before it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/205672-sorcerer-s-kingdom-genesis-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/205672-sorcerer-s-kingdom-genesis-front-cover.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/genesis/sorcerers-kingdom/cover-art/gameCoverId,205672/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<u>Sorcerer's Kingdom</u> - This one I'm leaving as a bit of a mystery for myself. I've heard mixed things, and I believe it's a rather obscure title. As long as it doesn't turn out like Traysia, I think we'll be fine. Developed and published by the same company as Langrisser/Warsong gives me a bit of hope, but I'm doing my best not to over sell it to myself.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Ports</b></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/6/6/3/50663_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/6/6/3/50663_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/588299-dungeon-master/images/188101">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Dungeon Master</u> - I never really took to the real-time blobber RPGs. The only one I remember enjoying in a somewhat limited playtime was Eye of the Beholder (next year). Dungeon Master kicked off the sub-genre with a bit of technical wizardry originally for the Atari ST. I'm not sure which version the SNES port is derived from, but I think they're mostly all the same. I'm not sure FTL (original developers) had a hand in this other than providing the license. I just hope it wasn't translated into Japanese and back into English like Drakkhen.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/2/3/0/49230_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/2/3/0/49230_front.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/nes/587337-advanced-dungeons-and-dragons-hillsfar/images/157032">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Hillsfar</u> - Widely panned as the worst NES RPG (some say worst NES game), and with an RPG label that's somewhat questionable, I'll dive into this title with gusto. I have played the PC version, and remember being disappointed by the game then, so I'm not expecting anything worthwhile here. Depending on how short it is, and monotonous, I may play through multiple characters to get a feel for each class. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/95919-inindo-way-of-the-ninja-snes-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/covers/l/95919-inindo-way-of-the-ninja-snes-front-cover.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/inindo-way-of-the-ninja/cover-art/gameCoverId,95919/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Inindo: Way of the Ninja</u> - KOEI once again makes their mark on the RPG genre, this time with a bit less simulation. Originally released on multiple Japanese exclusive computer systems, this game found it's way on to the Super Famicom, and somehow made it stateside. Taking on the role of a ninja attempting to stop the onslaught of Oda Nobunaga sounds like a fun idea. Let's see where it takes us.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/6/8/4/24684_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/6/8/4/24684_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/588491-might-and-magic-iii-isles-of-terra/images/147124">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><u><u><u>Might & Magic 3: Isles of Terra</u></u></u></u> - My experience with Might & Magic from my childhood started and ended with the first game, and then really only as far as an eight year old might get (mostly character creation--maybe that's why I like creating characters so much... I digress). I'm looking forward to seeing what this game has to offer. I'm expecting another 40 hours of investment to get my bearings before a 10 - 20 hour sprint to the end. Forget the number of games, it's long hours like this that will really stretch the blog out. In much the same way as Lunar, I'm using the TG-CD date, but playing the SNES release.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/2/9/1/22291_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/2/9/1/22291_front.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/nes/563471-ultima-warriors-of-destiny/images/145517">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><u><u>Ultima (V): Warriors of Destiny</u></u></u> - The Ultima games continue to dominate on console. Not really, but maybe there was enough success with Quest of the Avatar to release this one. Maybe there was some legal obligation with the licensing to localize it for the US market. A better question to answer though is why would they continue to change the engine for the game. Pony Canyon may have considered using the same engine to release both this and the sixth game, but the next installment was pushed back to the SNES. It's all conjecture on my part, but I can't imagine what drove them to continue on with these releases right up until the seventh title. Were they really selling that well? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sequels</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/2/1/52021_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/2/1/52021_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/589272-dungeon-master-therons-quest/images/196632">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Dungeon Master: Theron's Quest</u> - I wasn't sure how to consider this game, and finally decided to call it a sequel to Dungeon Master. I've read that it's more like a remastered version, taking dungeons and puzzles from the first two PC titles in the series. It follows the story of Theron as he journeys through 7 dungeons in search of treasure. It'll be interesting to play this shortly after the original on SNES. I wonder if I could actually reuse my maps.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/3/5/52035_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/3/5/52035_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/turbocd/589281-exile-wicked-phenomenon/images/157367">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Exile: Wicked Phenomenon</u> - The final adventure of Sadler. I'm expecting another rather short title. This time the entire party participates in combat sections, and somehow Rumi is back. As I mentioned before, I'm curious to see if they even bother explaining her reappearance. One notable thing about this title is that I've heard the difficulty is very high. Something about the English localization made the game nearly impossible to complete. Sounds like a challenge.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/2/7/21027_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/0/2/7/21027_front.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/gameboy/563274-final-fantasy-legend-iii/images/128961">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Final Fantasy Legend III</u> - SaGa continues! FFL2 improved on the first, and I'm excited to see what comes of this third installment. I've heard a lot changes, and most of those changes fall flat. I wonder if I should go into this with the mindset of a standalone game, and take it for what it is without the weight of past titles to judge against it. Maybe that should be true of every game.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/6/3/47463_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/6/3/47463_front.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/genesis/586204-gauntlet-iv/images/146735">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Gauntlet IV</u> - The odd duck out, I wasn't even going to consider this for inclusion until I took a closer look at it. It's going to sound funny, but I think this somehow qualifies under my scale. Obviously something's broken and I should re-evaluate how I evaluate games. Really though, the character has improvements, there's a store for buying and selling, and there's a persistent world to explore. It should also be a rather short game to break up two longer titles.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbprWML7wRYN2QjYryrQkP0TeEWobN-OMrUZH2JnWRxYPaSORDJKgbmRWy5DN23QzVueN2i2q7152N2EmG2a97Y59ojuxANK-qPN5DHCqBuOtvK1S2BqTaLBBEkIr-48mZDmJPuMjiwN14/s1600/ninja+boy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbprWML7wRYN2QjYryrQkP0TeEWobN-OMrUZH2JnWRxYPaSORDJKgbmRWy5DN23QzVueN2i2q7152N2EmG2a97Y59ojuxANK-qPN5DHCqBuOtvK1S2BqTaLBBEkIr-48mZDmJPuMjiwN14/s200/ninja+boy+2.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't recall where I got this from</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Ninja Boy 2</u> - After slogging through the first game, I'm looking forward to these titles less than I was when I started the blog. A Game Boy version with a different story, but the same kung fu action, we get to see the twins leap back into action. I don't expect much to have changed, and I'm sure I won't be disappointed. We can only go up from here, right?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/mana/images/a/a7/Secret_of_Mana_(US).png/revision/latest?cb=20120420213458" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/mana/images/a/a7/Secret_of_Mana_(US).png/revision/latest?cb=20120420213458" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://mana.wikia.com/wiki/File:Secret_of_Mana_(US).png">ManaWikia</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Secret of Mana</u> - A masterpiece. Well, maybe that's going a bit too far, especially with Lufia and Lunar in the same year. Still, this stands well above the masses. As a sequel to Final Fantasy Adventure, it's amazing to see the ideas of that game expanded in a 16-bit title. I played this as a kid, and... well, you know. At some point, I had to sell my copy of the game, and will be playing it on the WiiVC. At least I don't have to worry about the battery save for this one.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/3/4/0/51340_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/3/4/0/51340_front.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/588742-super-ninja-boy/images/147173">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Super Ninja Boy</u> - Was this really necessary? Releasing two different games in the same series at the same time seems like a strange decision. I'm not completely convinced that all three games are different, but after playing the first I gave a quick glance at the plots and they seem different enough. I'm just expecting the game to not actually play any different, but with 16-bits maybe they developers were inspired. A 3 hour estimate on howlongtobeat.com had me hopeful, but I think that's either someone who played the game before or a speedrun.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Expected Cuts</i></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQa9tMcqxeTiV51S5T7anOgb0TB1Lkv0PTTTf1RlquFzNTbfvp1UvW6lSBoVkKHepXcQTUkYyLVsyyWVCFe1j2badaPTZJOm7rZNMlNiK5kFVlpMH5njQdz6RQFp-RJJrghF4M3kDW6MP/s1600/ActRaiser_2_title+screen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQa9tMcqxeTiV51S5T7anOgb0TB1Lkv0PTTTf1RlquFzNTbfvp1UvW6lSBoVkKHepXcQTUkYyLVsyyWVCFe1j2badaPTZJOm7rZNMlNiK5kFVlpMH5njQdz6RQFp-RJJrghF4M3kDW6MP/s200/ActRaiser_2_title+screen.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<u>ActRaiser 2</u> - Take an already cut game and gut the only aspect, fans might say the soul, of the first game that might have qualified it in my list, and we're left with an exceptionally difficult action platformer that offers great variety of locations and control. The moveset of player character rivals some fighting games. As a standalone title, it could have done very well. As a sequel, it was ignored by those who didn't like the first game, and shunned by those that loved it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/346231-dungeon-explorer-ii-turbografx-cd-screenshot-title-screen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/346231-dungeon-explorer-ii-turbografx-cd-screenshot-title-screen.png" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/turbografx-cd/dungeon-explorer-ii/screenshots/gameShotId,346231/">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Dungeon Explorer II</u> - Fool me once, shame on you. You're not going to fool me again! Seriously though, this is more of the same. I don't see any changes from the Gauntlet inspired game that would cause me to reverse this decision. It might be a fun game to check out, but it's definitely not an RPG. Pay no attention to the fact I'm going to play and blog about a Gauntlet game. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/47350-e-v-o-search-for-eden-snes-screenshot-title-screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/47350-e-v-o-search-for-eden-snes-screenshot-title-screen.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/e-v-o-search-for-eden/screenshots/gameShotId,47350/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>E. V. O.: Search for Eden</u> - An interesting game. Even with the leveling up mechanic, the evolution and character model changes, this just isn't an RPG as I see it. I'm not sure what I would consider missing from it as a store, equipment, and items don't really fit it. It's a fun action game. Let's just leave it at that for now. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/48583-landstalker-treasure-of-king-nole-genesis-screenshot-title.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/48583-landstalker-treasure-of-king-nole-genesis-screenshot-title.gif" height="140" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/genesis/landstalker-treasure-of-king-nole/screenshots/gameShotId,48583/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>LandStalker</u> - More RPG than the game above, it's a real borderline case where I just couldn't bring myself to include it for a full posting. The game plays much like you would imagine an isometric action-adventure game. Judging jump depth is probably the most difficult part, aside from navigation puzzles and generally trying to figure out what the game wants you to figure out. I think I'll play it in my spare time, and give it a rather full length cut.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/93935-technoclash-genesis-screenshot-title-screen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/93935-technoclash-genesis-screenshot-title-screen.gif" height="140" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.mobygames.com/game/genesis/technoclash/screenshots/gameShotId,93935/">MobyGames</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Technoclash</u> - No... Just, no.<br />
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Looking over the list, I have to say it's going to be an impressive year. We're finally getting into the boom of 16-bit gaming, and there aren't any of the games this year that I'm not at least curious about. In fact, I'm really looking forward to playing most of them. I've already started Ultima, and so far, it's not really as bad as I'd heard. Maybe that's just my lowered expectations talking.</div>
Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-35140352522380099722017-01-02T18:18:00.001-08:002017-01-02T18:18:28.741-08:00Game #65: Soul Blazer (SNES) - Restore the World (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx86QxV8QLx5Q3GN9Kv30CMoIec5MUPaY5xZXHG5J7_ur6GiP9tX6LarFAiOMIGs9YLE_i8pLT0hQTRmFAD2V-gCD96fJoLLhaBn-fa4-b4CZBCwPL4eFfJfzgeVE9Hm_xP6wMKtODoHgc/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00029.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx86QxV8QLx5Q3GN9Kv30CMoIec5MUPaY5xZXHG5J7_ur6GiP9tX6LarFAiOMIGs9YLE_i8pLT0hQTRmFAD2V-gCD96fJoLLhaBn-fa4-b4CZBCwPL4eFfJfzgeVE9Hm_xP6wMKtODoHgc/s320/Image_010117_111658_00029.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>65</b><br />
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<u>Title</u>: <b>Soul Blazer</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>June 1991 (February 1988 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>SNES</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Quintet</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Enix</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Action (top-down)</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Standalone (or The Quintet World)</b><br />
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The first game in what many fans consider a Trilogy, Soul Blazer actually seems to have more in common with ActRaiser than Illusion of Gaia (Time in PAL regions). Soul Blazer offers just a bit more character development than ActRaiser, which is why I considered it an RPG and ActRaiser was cut (<a href="http://allconsolerpgs.blogspot.com/2015/07/below-cut-actraiser-snes.html">though given an in-depth article</a>). Instead of controlling the Master himself, we take on the role of his servant to save the world from a great evil.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XE73LlFlQL-ttC81LPbTHJfFUmRcOgAomWd_XSNYjs3vjl1W2Bi1eJ_O6IoGUGLdTYBkkqL0lRQOkSeqWsfEC4-EVl4uprcR0pQxqiB9UWcW3LacBBp-KyQaABMqCfqt816U5N473yes/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XE73LlFlQL-ttC81LPbTHJfFUmRcOgAomWd_XSNYjs3vjl1W2Bi1eJ_O6IoGUGLdTYBkkqL0lRQOkSeqWsfEC4-EVl4uprcR0pQxqiB9UWcW3LacBBp-KyQaABMqCfqt816U5N473yes/s320/Image_010117_111658_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Action-RPGs are always so much shorter than the standard fare</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Trouble arose from the Freil Empire. King Magridd was obsessed with increasing his riches. One day he overheard of a great inventor named Dr. Leo. With Dr. Leo's help through indentured servitude, a machine that opened a portal to the world of evil was created. Magridd made a pact with the king of evil, Deathtoll. For every living thing sent to Deathtoll, he gave in return a bit of gold. Magridd accepted. Soon there was nothing left in the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBuuMC8y3ob3FJ8cSa-CupkR5SOzj02CoIca_2OC2i4WSL04dt5ZKhTK1pM8ZGvhbbmJdJ0Lrbi0Gwh5mbsLs3etwEB34DGltGC0QV6L4Wtn5XM7TvlseAlll2avK9GTvg6jxCduk8C1v/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00033.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBuuMC8y3ob3FJ8cSa-CupkR5SOzj02CoIca_2OC2i4WSL04dt5ZKhTK1pM8ZGvhbbmJdJ0Lrbi0Gwh5mbsLs3etwEB34DGltGC0QV6L4Wtn5XM7TvlseAlll2avK9GTvg6jxCduk8C1v/s320/Image_010117_111658_00033.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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I named the servant Opidius, and began his journey in Green Valley after a short tutorial section. The game consists of six areas. The general story is the same in each; all living things have been trapped away inside monster lairs connected to the world of evil located in hazardous fields. Each area has a town section that's rebuilt by destroying all enemies that spawn from a monster lair and sealing it away. Sealing a monster lair can also change the field to open new areas or reveal something hidden (treasure, jewels, or more lairs). The fields are accessible from town in some way, and to facilitate quick travel, each area has three teleporter pads.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6DXDkeC56PoIJVcH3jGC26fmQw32uybDQpovXboc93kRHsf05ClZDa_9xwK2CwnbTD1OVd033TOF77VYDAKkBfWSkl5hP4pbI5bTUKBj_fgNR53HJgeLXyKxLCPNZlWXZMhdwrKpJ6JN/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00034.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6DXDkeC56PoIJVcH3jGC26fmQw32uybDQpovXboc93kRHsf05ClZDa_9xwK2CwnbTD1OVd033TOF77VYDAKkBfWSkl5hP4pbI5bTUKBj_fgNR53HJgeLXyKxLCPNZlWXZMhdwrKpJ6JN/s320/Image_010117_111658_00034.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Magic costs gold GEMs dropped by monsters and found in treasure chests</i></td></tr>
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Releasing the town slowly unlocks NPCs and buildings that house them. NPCs can be people, plants, animals, or in one area, even animated objects like drawers, doors, and dolls. Speaking to those in town grant items that enable further progress in the field. A dream rod found in the first field is used throughout the game to enter the dreams of those sleeping. The dream world often reflects the real one, and can unlock sections in the field when revisited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf3RQ5CSbd4wr7G0ur6Wj-R6TTXVCHagS2J4c90f7BIIEuI_lGHoHGQlXuo_S2oof38USyxipKELIvBf1rDViMDrKJ5FloXXmNWfka365-t0pOxzoOkOTfwf-YlEQRLZOeVCxC25Nx76_/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00040.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf3RQ5CSbd4wr7G0ur6Wj-R6TTXVCHagS2J4c90f7BIIEuI_lGHoHGQlXuo_S2oof38USyxipKELIvBf1rDViMDrKJ5FloXXmNWfka365-t0pOxzoOkOTfwf-YlEQRLZOeVCxC25Nx76_/s320/Image_010117_111658_00040.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I opened the passage to the left in Lisa's dream, which allowed me to get the paintbrush in the living world</i></td></tr>
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Levels increase HP, and while damage is derived from weapons, there's a minimum level to use each one. Armor isn't restricted in this way. Items can provide additional boosts, or healing from a medical herb, but items are passively used, which means having the medical herb at the ready to heal excludes the use of bracelets for attack or defense boosts. Magic is really powerful, but limited due to the GEM system. It's always cast from the glowing magician spirit circling the character throughout the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4AgIEUOh1ci00iiaIfpTaZL8nYjAtTrOh8V8PDBNpO3kW4fodwBCzSRqKH-ri1YXuC4kMIG5knXSTBddeSP7eOf1tv8oVMX_Bc8mPJRDWdZW43riLb3IfpflVSJg5bbi4krlXLErTwz-/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00043.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4AgIEUOh1ci00iiaIfpTaZL8nYjAtTrOh8V8PDBNpO3kW4fodwBCzSRqKH-ri1YXuC4kMIG5knXSTBddeSP7eOf1tv8oVMX_Bc8mPJRDWdZW43riLb3IfpflVSJg5bbi4krlXLErTwz-/s320/Image_010117_111658_00043.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All bosses are immune to magic</i></td></tr>
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Combat is fairly simplistic with only a basic sword swing plus an additional thrusting technique that holds the sword out dealing a minimum amount of damage. While the sword is held out, the character movement is changed to strafing, locking the character facing a single direction. This is helpful for both dealing damage with the sword and sending the fireball into the right direction. Dying is really only a threat during boss battles, but with losing all GEMs as the only drawback it's not much of a setback.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOyIk07TLSYSbRSsCav3kmloOV3Hf65vjFHfkW9QnIKT_5eQ-JJ-hCgxiRPKz6QQJECoNrKyjhAhWQWT9d_G4H_NZELGiRkmTDqdQ84VOFMLfQMBH83-8d57UaHeY80oPw1SjvMvUlfjK/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00044.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOyIk07TLSYSbRSsCav3kmloOV3Hf65vjFHfkW9QnIKT_5eQ-JJ-hCgxiRPKz6QQJECoNrKyjhAhWQWT9d_G4H_NZELGiRkmTDqdQ84VOFMLfQMBH83-8d57UaHeY80oPw1SjvMvUlfjK/s320/Image_010117_111658_00044.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Once the first area is completed, the player is able to move between areas, and we see the floating palace used to teleport within the areas</i></td></tr>
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After rebuilding Green Valley, I moved on to Green Wood. In this area we learn that not only have living things been trapped, but many have died in an effort to fight off the evil monsters. Turbo, once the faithful pet of Dr. Leo and his daughter Lisa, perished along with Monmo and another mole that went to save her. The field in this location is a swamp punctuated by three temples: water, fire, and light. To proceed, I had to find Turbo's grave to obtain proof I was a friend of the forest before the rafts in the swamp would ferry me to the boss. All the NPCs here are animals and trees that live in the forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie728QPQw9trjyMu5jLlQTxMWDNt0PnYZPQ5RJ6MgtdZ8LZEzQLfIAGKp4QO2y3FZgfkn08UZ7LlQfhzebRdpnzCLcJ0HYuDNW76idGcDt_XTJ6DHjjW_tq5UYcMHNplGDunHNSFc9DDe8/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00048.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie728QPQw9trjyMu5jLlQTxMWDNt0PnYZPQ5RJ6MgtdZ8LZEzQLfIAGKp4QO2y3FZgfkn08UZ7LlQfhzebRdpnzCLcJ0HYuDNW76idGcDt_XTJ6DHjjW_tq5UYcMHNplGDunHNSFc9DDe8/s320/Image_010117_111658_00048.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't think I ever solved this hint, but I thought I tried to talk to all the rafts</i></td></tr>
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Each area culminates in a boss battle. Green Wood had three statue heads representing the three temples. After a boss is defeated, sealing the boss enemy lair releases an important NPC. Speaking with them rewards a colored stone. Collecting all six unlocks the way to the world of evil where we face off against Deathtoll. The next area was a water palace called St. Elles with islands and underwater sections that required bubble armor to traverse. Each area has an NPC spirit (except the fourth area) that provide additional effects like increasing visibility or adding protection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnDbvqZwisZjsa2k9-iq4gw4_KhR0KJi6S8IL3Twamaq1MO7Vbj8Z1J4UFOJaVPETWhfEOpvp0GgGSlKRwWmtvbu9_PQDtUo9ZTQUgf_qumoxU9jvORCqWbjqczdS-1Y9XpXFuRuVCwgL/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00084.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnDbvqZwisZjsa2k9-iq4gw4_KhR0KJi6S8IL3Twamaq1MO7Vbj8Z1J4UFOJaVPETWhfEOpvp0GgGSlKRwWmtvbu9_PQDtUo9ZTQUgf_qumoxU9jvORCqWbjqczdS-1Y9XpXFuRuVCwgL/s320/Image_010117_111658_00084.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The game has a number items that have limited use over the game, like the thunder ring used in only one area to clear a single lair full of invulnerable monsters</i></td></tr>
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The story has a big theme surrounding reincarnation. Many of the animals had past lives as humans that died in tragic accidents. The next area is called Laynole, and was home to gnomish NPCs that lived their entire life cycle within a year. For pets, and to ride, they tame snails. One of the items for the area is called mushroom shoes, which have snail goo to make them sticky for the icy areas. Some of these solutions seem rather forced, I have to admit. The boss here was a Naga or Merman with a trident.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRPeIdwihTlRqoakZwg_PvODMDfYdUqKT1BrUle_lkIg_Bv8e38dgR9fJI9_pGrhzzXvc3ERZii0QoTrqahARzkO8ojuTDNGPfY-40vSwhqBFKS0aaQqkkoPWwpeqgu8DrlIN7ZpFzFNI/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00109.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRPeIdwihTlRqoakZwg_PvODMDfYdUqKT1BrUle_lkIg_Bv8e38dgR9fJI9_pGrhzzXvc3ERZii0QoTrqahARzkO8ojuTDNGPfY-40vSwhqBFKS0aaQqkkoPWwpeqgu8DrlIN7ZpFzFNI/s320/Image_010117_111658_00109.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wise words are sprinkled about the game, or maybe this is just an excuse not to get the player stuck in a dream loop</i></td></tr>
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The next area is Dr. Leo's lab, or an old residence of his, probably both. All of the animals there remember him fondly, and speak of a time when his whole family lived there. Early on I found the Zentatsu sword that finally allowed me to defeated metal and heavily armored enemies. There were a few lairs with those sorts of monsters in the first three areas, so I took a short trip back for them. My sword still whiffed through the light spirits in the light temple. I'd have to wait for the spirit sword located in Magridd's castle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JXqi8je9pnkCr_VRXPxaTurEznEFBs84OTqtK_R0y-BIg2lyhEzeHXtxNBkmFM68ZmrO_Gd5YN13k7Sfvg4XH8fz4OGtFAyNDgduawTTtEZEqnRgtqDgX4B-ArEfQWi6sO2TJ8V9IC9G/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00126.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JXqi8je9pnkCr_VRXPxaTurEznEFBs84OTqtK_R0y-BIg2lyhEzeHXtxNBkmFM68ZmrO_Gd5YN13k7Sfvg4XH8fz4OGtFAyNDgduawTTtEZEqnRgtqDgX4B-ArEfQWi6sO2TJ8V9IC9G/s320/Image_010117_111658_00126.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Two of the fields are miniature towns with some invisible enemies</i></td></tr>
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The other fields are in the basements filled with Dr. Leo's mechanic inventions gone rogue. There are some hot areas that I needed to cross with the ice armor. Often I'd forget to switch back to a more recent armor and die as a result of taking extreme damage. Weapons and armor often have additional effects, like cutting magic cost in half or the luck sword that increases the chance of getting large GEMs. Defeating the boss here released Lisa's doll, Marie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qyIJt6TT43bfwVzkrJaIcscOiuOTTXS2t7C3T1xEjLyZwQyVOs8ltTAeePHBeObBcXi4cGzjph40jyEf-r-GYbv6XIsFS92osrNv_k8IhnK0G68GfNLe_Bg7c6ElC3O-OVC_WzJqLZrY/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00137.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qyIJt6TT43bfwVzkrJaIcscOiuOTTXS2t7C3T1xEjLyZwQyVOs8ltTAeePHBeObBcXi4cGzjph40jyEf-r-GYbv6XIsFS92osrNv_k8IhnK0G68GfNLe_Bg7c6ElC3O-OVC_WzJqLZrY/s320/Image_010117_111658_00137.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The boss was one of the hardest with random movements and attack patterns coupled with an elusive hit box</i></td></tr>
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I haven't talked about a lot of solutions for progressing in the game because most are covered elsewhere in greater detail, and actually aren't too difficult. One of the most annoying ones I experienced as a kid was in this final area though. Once you clear the dungeon field, a guard blocks access to the west tower, the next area. There's a guard standing on a pass card while attending a concert, but the harpist there has a broken string. The only related clue is another bard on the other side of town who makes reference to a friend he had that always talked about his lucky string. The last time the bard saw his friend, he was being taken to a torture room for trying to free Dr. Leo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ1oDX2r4vVJSyfSezHVChpViObVEQoLJyfDfiQi2OQkCZtl3Brcqdgw3HWcKHjoE-5LUqQdyNYcBQAL9KLr8QPNNDVvM5TmwbzB7FI_GPF0vUmriUucPJVtZIo37xgjZ9eLn0gyRxpCC/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00144.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ1oDX2r4vVJSyfSezHVChpViObVEQoLJyfDfiQi2OQkCZtl3Brcqdgw3HWcKHjoE-5LUqQdyNYcBQAL9KLr8QPNNDVvM5TmwbzB7FI_GPF0vUmriUucPJVtZIo37xgjZ9eLn0gyRxpCC/s320/Image_010117_111658_00144.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I just happened to walk over this skeleton for really no reason, but this is easily missed</i></td></tr>
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There are a lot of little lock and key solutions like this, but none where the key was so secretly hidden. I pressed on, reviving the town that brought about the world's imprisonment. Finally, I unlocked Dr. Leo next to the airship that brought him; however, the queen had other ideas for Dr. Leo, and wouldn't let him leave. They had already retrieved Lisa from Green Valley as a bargaining chip. Dr. Leo saw no other way out, and went back to the queen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBKnKF6_DCp9VlcDg3gDeHqI55u6yGv_WvAKEnvlalth5gsbwsxxTEkUr5CfRP0BWn__uX0184g-Q-wMZ76n80V1YYVyYUwd9pIVoI1uj7WehN-US-DrBQMMGh9BLzN9DqHBGM3uPXtPv/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00149.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBKnKF6_DCp9VlcDg3gDeHqI55u6yGv_WvAKEnvlalth5gsbwsxxTEkUr5CfRP0BWn__uX0184g-Q-wMZ76n80V1YYVyYUwd9pIVoI1uj7WehN-US-DrBQMMGh9BLzN9DqHBGM3uPXtPv/s320/Image_010117_111658_00149.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No one quite knows where he got the explosives</i></td></tr>
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Another RNG based boss made for an annoying battle, but his attacks are easy to dodge and there were safe attack spots. King Magridd was released by sealing the boss lair. He regretted his actions deeply, apologized for the way the queen acted, and provided the final stone. With all six stones I gained access to the world of evil. Deathtoll was sealed away within though, and I needed the magic of the phoenix to gain access. To get it I had to find the red-hot stick (3rd area), mirror (2nd area), and ball (world of evil). Returning these to the king of Leynole awarded the phoenix magic and revealed the castle where Deathtoll resided.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vYy9edLeco3x0oBJBFuzST_vRRuIXbnFqxKyyHaGoh5af6gcrhmn_7R9hoKIWrKjYCHUMD6yRC9sxQaNkNAW-VTOUBUS8SUjUleFOhobWVImWZp1sTTkBS2kQ79Yfb7tlKJswbarFgPD/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00179.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vYy9edLeco3x0oBJBFuzST_vRRuIXbnFqxKyyHaGoh5af6gcrhmn_7R9hoKIWrKjYCHUMD6yRC9sxQaNkNAW-VTOUBUS8SUjUleFOhobWVImWZp1sTTkBS2kQ79Yfb7tlKJswbarFgPD/s320/Image_010117_111658_00179.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Compared to other bosses, Deathtoll is epic without a health bar showing, but a bit easier than most</i></td></tr>
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After Deathtoll fell, the spirits of the sky that accompanied our hero decided to stay behind to seal the portal from within the world of evil to make it harder to open. Upon my return, the master proclaimed I had saved all creatures. He then entreated me to return to the people I had rescued to say my farewells. King Magridd suggested that he'd build statues of the hero and Dr. Leo in a new town using his ill-gotten gains. Marie, the doll, spoke of how tools want to be useful, but when used in the wrong way they feel the pain inflicted. The snail Nome missed Dr. Leo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrE1F-Dxy5fFlUGjOAoahyphenhyphen2KzpGwQHWnwIX3kOiwBY9233K-dYIYL_YxtJIrNTDCwfS1uS9kTEsCdPzkscbdy27U9sCTlRNELZQYLNGGH4CWEvdVxtEs4XOhqDgZdOpn5hGAAHjjZr0Pq/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00211.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrE1F-Dxy5fFlUGjOAoahyphenhyphen2KzpGwQHWnwIX3kOiwBY9233K-dYIYL_YxtJIrNTDCwfS1uS9kTEsCdPzkscbdy27U9sCTlRNELZQYLNGGH4CWEvdVxtEs4XOhqDgZdOpn5hGAAHjjZr0Pq/s320/Image_010117_111658_00211.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lue the dolphin had some good news</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turbo's spirit told us that he and Dr. Leo would rest well after the honest life they lived. Finally, Lisa was sleeping. In her dream she asked us to return to her some day. She didn't care if I was an angel or a human, even though I clearly chose to tell her I wasn't human when she asked during the game. In any case, I have to promise her.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDPC6nzkS7faPpI6lyTDVcBErEs040Y7ms_Jx2v93HxJKlX6WicdI2ShqnciyP7qk3NrfqvkCkMDayDjjoN0q7lt5VDP3gtYQ4-fyh06U3bvrHy8Ujzc3_eJL37yTWJLugOdC5lS5Oooh/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00212.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDPC6nzkS7faPpI6lyTDVcBErEs040Y7ms_Jx2v93HxJKlX6WicdI2ShqnciyP7qk3NrfqvkCkMDayDjjoN0q7lt5VDP3gtYQ4-fyh06U3bvrHy8Ujzc3_eJL37yTWJLugOdC5lS5Oooh/s320/Image_010117_111658_00212.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What's the purpose of even waiting for this input?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hero returned to heaven, but couldn't get over his feelings. A year passed by, and he still yearned for Lisa. Giving up his memories, he returned to Earth as a human. Lisa found him, but without his memories he didn't recognize her. Even though I told her I remembered, she either didn't believe me, or the question was worded in a way that I gave an unintentional truthful answer. I'm actually not even sure why the hero and Lisa grew so close, they barely interacted.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UXPjE1vnZoZTM7yuUQ_5rSy23iFnS7b4ucfYnWIt-bkxCCxBiQ2l4HX_zRUsTT3eHU93ZMRbUpJo4cWLZk4YxyaEzIkEMBwYSY-IXC-1U6LRkVyLgD0LBJGbK4G8n7OWs3H4UYR98GIG/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00257.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UXPjE1vnZoZTM7yuUQ_5rSy23iFnS7b4ucfYnWIt-bkxCCxBiQ2l4HX_zRUsTT3eHU93ZMRbUpJo4cWLZk4YxyaEzIkEMBwYSY-IXC-1U6LRkVyLgD0LBJGbK4G8n7OWs3H4UYR98GIG/s320/Image_010117_111658_00257.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I selected Yes for "yes, I remember you," but she sure didn't take it that way</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 6<b>h</b>17<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 6<b>h</b>17<b>m</b>)<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Combatant </b>- For being so simplistic, combat is a blast. Taking out enemies with some quick magic is satisfying, and the sword has a wide damaging arc that still hits even when it may not look like it should connect. It's a very satisfying experience, although not a very strategic one.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OsM92IApc5f4sU7q5y_DzmK7IdjzA-HBzWgEPpT1ASISfZuI28WWr_8ygy9TxrRJ00kgFV7uT8Q5V7fz9nSHqjsZNQ7PWyyRK2iildggn4-3az_mFzV_Pj-yxYQlJ5lV5GK-LWGhyrBJ/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00217.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OsM92IApc5f4sU7q5y_DzmK7IdjzA-HBzWgEPpT1ASISfZuI28WWr_8ygy9TxrRJ00kgFV7uT8Q5V7fz9nSHqjsZNQ7PWyyRK2iildggn4-3az_mFzV_Pj-yxYQlJ5lV5GK-LWGhyrBJ/s320/Image_010117_111658_00217.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lisa stares into the sunset, blinding herself for life</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- It is possible to grind levels for additional health, but not really necessary. There's no customization. I think they missed a big chance to have equipment represented on the player's sprite. At least the controls are on point.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmwrMouVjd7bLdYpk6Vg65y7J1snituSbwDGHO9GrYmTd35fOuWilsYTepyPf6KkkC5fZoeWG3a_ILKTOX9TZ5BHxPRHqOwbuC5DMQDIKgASaE4XhMmhesqY2G8rGyFr0gkEQ326vrkS0/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00172.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmwrMouVjd7bLdYpk6Vg65y7J1snituSbwDGHO9GrYmTd35fOuWilsYTepyPf6KkkC5fZoeWG3a_ILKTOX9TZ5BHxPRHqOwbuC5DMQDIKgASaE4XhMmhesqY2G8rGyFr0gkEQ326vrkS0/s320/Image_010117_111658_00172.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All these different pieces of equipment, and the hero always looks the same</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- There are main and side quests that offer some variety. The rewards for the side quests aren't exceptional, but they're there. In fact one collection quest to find all 8 emblems of the master was so obscure that I only managed the three most obvious. The puzzles are built well into the world, but only single solution exists to progress, which can lead to some frustrating situations.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C7aXEEe5yw1MpUjCqq5JbgtQMHZ0yeXPEzLUDJSUghCsJWDKSRoDtj5t9h1euzf4mELE15gmtD_ndzECDTnqeXVw_-20qePHt68XktfEPSo7mMkbgp8Wg0fC5LIdcCC6GGaWtUeSd4el/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00047.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C7aXEEe5yw1MpUjCqq5JbgtQMHZ0yeXPEzLUDJSUghCsJWDKSRoDtj5t9h1euzf4mELE15gmtD_ndzECDTnqeXVw_-20qePHt68XktfEPSo7mMkbgp8Wg0fC5LIdcCC6GGaWtUeSd4el/s320/Image_010117_111658_00047.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That sounds like a nice reward, until I realized that it wouldn't be possible until nearly the end of the game</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- I think I've gone over the lack of influence enough. I question the reveal that the character isn't human as the response from Lisa was quite muted. The story touches upon various aspects of life and moral living without being preachy. All pieces of equipment and items have a bit of description to go along with them as well. I grew up with this game though, so I'm a bit biased, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34agUkk33Os5TDsuYJhObFUij-65W8rPtwfZ8V1it3R2oL9vLHBmW28_TV_D6spLfqWTHJvuv4TgIVOQSprxhqm_SgERs4yqu2KSQwsHyTFu866XIx98qO-21MQg-4sCx-szUrB5vy57o/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00233.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34agUkk33Os5TDsuYJhObFUij-65W8rPtwfZ8V1it3R2oL9vLHBmW28_TV_D6spLfqWTHJvuv4TgIVOQSprxhqm_SgERs4yqu2KSQwsHyTFu866XIx98qO-21MQg-4sCx-szUrB5vy57o/s320/Image_010117_111658_00233.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This blank space is unusual, and makes me wonder if someone was removed from the credits</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- There are a good number of unique items to find, but nothing worthwhile to collect, except the master's emblems. This gives the treasure seeker something to dig into. Everything else (all armor, swords, and magic) is found through clearing all monster lairs. There's no economy to speak of and no stores. Medical herbs are given away. The item menu has a nice layout, but some key items are used and leave blank spaces.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug7HNrqUnxHGKuk79K5ojyGfNQC0WG1M2xUWEGfWqwQkREL2cOD5zrIHOTx4EEEREuv2ggyu15t1ZarWILIkxlETmGzUIiU0bXfbFZ4s5e4XSoOnEo-kC7131LzEsQrXvs9Xgx9qsV4cQ/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00174.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug7HNrqUnxHGKuk79K5ojyGfNQC0WG1M2xUWEGfWqwQkREL2cOD5zrIHOTx4EEEREuv2ggyu15t1ZarWILIkxlETmGzUIiU0bXfbFZ4s5e4XSoOnEo-kC7131LzEsQrXvs9Xgx9qsV4cQ/s320/Image_010117_111658_00174.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My inventory at the end; unlike the equipment menu, the gaps here are not nearly as nice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- At this point I'm not sure I'll find a musical score or graphics that aren't at least endearing to the game. I'm not really a good judge for that kind of thing. The music here is fantastic, and I adore this kind of sprite work. The world is a bit limiting, but there are secrets to find everywhere. The whole feel just works.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>25</b> [42%]<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEszu-LFgHkDIwtUn1mxu8bgvSAZ4LGPmbnDLkV4IOwbK8eA91Y23IfzcOv2byOo4jQR79AVRdHzpWZRhRnIzTjPaKJPlCnitZ93iBoMEpNHAwnav1EskVi7vP3gomXtU7eMLU_2x089G/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00245.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEszu-LFgHkDIwtUn1mxu8bgvSAZ4LGPmbnDLkV4IOwbK8eA91Y23IfzcOv2byOo4jQR79AVRdHzpWZRhRnIzTjPaKJPlCnitZ93iBoMEpNHAwnav1EskVi7vP3gomXtU7eMLU_2x089G/s320/Image_010117_111658_00245.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'd have included more of the credits, but the spacing makes it so they span 25 screenshots</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Overall I can't sing the praises of this game enough. It's just brilliant. Although it didn't rate the best as an RPG, it's the highest rated action-RPG so far. I know I didn't go into a lot of detail about the dialogue, or how the story progresses, but that was partially intentional. Go play it if you haven't. It's easily completed over a weekend. Once again, highly recommended for everyone.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZjjJzsSFlOpuGP1aftxbQoXecKlWQpwvy5f4GROPYAZrLSlkrVPlsAEp8jQP9rLhcRDApLbpwlAawUBfG-ZvZ7xtCXW6cxfqsqyeWdfEYnk52_NbdFVxZAEF6Pr-X88WpenyluZLp9dm/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00230.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZjjJzsSFlOpuGP1aftxbQoXecKlWQpwvy5f4GROPYAZrLSlkrVPlsAEp8jQP9rLhcRDApLbpwlAawUBfG-ZvZ7xtCXW6cxfqsqyeWdfEYnk52_NbdFVxZAEF6Pr-X88WpenyluZLp9dm/s320/Image_010117_111658_00230.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, and this guy, great job</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up is Ultima: Warriors of Destiny for the NES. I've heard it's a terrible port, but hopefully the underlying game is still well preserved. But first, we need to review the year ahead. That's right, we've passed another year of gaming, and are embarking on the year 1993. The number of games continues to grow, and I'm currently looking at including 20 full games to play, with 5 cuts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xh48xhZUnKePfP11AgdWDtrumpNgDd7VcwXcDNpKQWV1AG-RoO8SYZFpyghyl2BJJnr062vpBM6QBQKvMqyasKrfErmFx4E2NBN1aj8VukCEy331a-L2zQ1cmJrq4JRVFUU1LK6bafhs/s1600/Image_010117_111658_00247.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xh48xhZUnKePfP11AgdWDtrumpNgDd7VcwXcDNpKQWV1AG-RoO8SYZFpyghyl2BJJnr062vpBM6QBQKvMqyasKrfErmFx4E2NBN1aj8VukCEy331a-L2zQ1cmJrq4JRVFUU1LK6bafhs/s320/Image_010117_111658_00247.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Expect more great games from this publisher</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b> </b>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-65601855517185638912017-01-02T00:08:00.001-08:002017-01-02T00:08:38.897-08:00Below the Cut: Spiritual Warfare (NES, Genesis, Game Boy)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/7/3/7/46737_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/7/3/7/46737_front.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/nes/587637-spiritual-warfare/images/146988">GameFAQs</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Spiritual Warfare</u> </b>- Rating(<b>7</b> RPP)<br />
1) 1 - <u>Character Advancement</u>: <strike>practice/experience based advancement</strike>, stat or level
increases, <strike>multiple classes or
characters</strike>, <strike>customize characters</strike><br />
2) 1 - <u>Combat</u>: <strike>character stats used for combat</strike>, additional combat options, <strike>turn based</strike><br />
3) 1 - <u>Items and Equipment</u>: <strike>store to buy and sell</strike>, <strike>equipment decisions</strike>, item decisions<br />
4) 2 - <u>Story</u>: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; <strike>descriptions for objects, people, and places</strike><br />
5) 2 - <u>Exploration</u>: open world from the beginning, <strike>visited locations remain open</strike><br />
6) 1 - <u>Quests and Puzzles</u>: <strike>side quests not related to the main quest</strike>, puzzles and riddles to solve<br />
<br />
What better way to engage the video game era children in the bible than slap some bible references on to poorly ripped off Nintendo games? That seemed the train of thought for Wisdom Tree. Spiritual Warfare puts the player into the shoes of the only citizen in town not corrupted by the evils of the world. As a soldier in the lord's army, it's up to the main character to convert the heathens back to the way of the lord by... throwing fruit at them.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_Game_Boy/Box/Thumb/Thumb_Spiritual_Warfare_-_1994_-_Wisdom_Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Nintendo_Game_Boy/Box/Thumb/Thumb_Spiritual_Warfare_-_1994_-_Wisdom_Tree.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: <a href="http://www.gamesdatabase.org/game/nintendo-game-boy/spiritual-warfare">Games Database</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Like the Zelda games, there's a single character with no experience or levels. The only stat increase is health, and from new equipment. There's no real customization. Combat is action based, and since there are no character stats that improve, you're locked into actively aligning and shooting at enemies (with fruit that represent virtuous traits, mind you). There are no stores to sell at, and equipment is merely upgraded. I think there are a variety of items, but I didn't play very far.<br />
<br />
I'll give it credit for the story, which is rather unique and includes biblical as well as historical and social references. The game is broken up into scenarios, so there's no way back once a level is completed. There are bible verses to fill in, so I gave it credit for riddles. The ultimate goal is to find the Armor of God, and defeat Satan. I think I've been more than fair with the score, but if anyone has
suggestions for adjusting it as always please let me know what I missed
in my cursory glance. If you want to read about this and other Wisdom Tree games, then <a href="http://www.encyclopedia-obscura.com/gamessw.html">Encyclopedia Obscura</a> is a good source.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-15083575765204897732016-12-31T18:34:00.001-08:002016-12-31T18:34:46.484-08:00Game #64: Exile (TurboGrafx-CD) - Another Arabian Night (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEKb51cFLR9gs_jzC7UJCKd40Gnrws6W2IjMzMtqqVudzDCVhqUdB2bVr-XguchUDgBBWAECMpZVBcLJH6e4b5LuQMQ2TUGpUbHF_Q-ORwU5VdsB11bCiF5npz9FZzwu43Ab7D84TiRlv/s1600/Image_291216_163932_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEKb51cFLR9gs_jzC7UJCKd40Gnrws6W2IjMzMtqqVudzDCVhqUdB2bVr-XguchUDgBBWAECMpZVBcLJH6e4b5LuQMQ2TUGpUbHF_Q-ORwU5VdsB11bCiF5npz9FZzwu43Ab7D84TiRlv/s320/Image_291216_163932_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>64</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Exile</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>1992 (December 1991 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>TurboGrafx-CD (Genesis)</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Renovation Games</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Working Designs</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Action (side-view)</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>Exile (XZR)</b><br />
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It always feels weirdly different jumping into a series at game two compared to jumping into an established character at the start of a new game. There's a sense of events that already took place, even if they're summed up. Characters are introduced as though the main character has a history that goes unspoken. The intro video sets out the background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5EV3SelMXGNnv9_VofwXqrQWMy9hHHK7q4Iuai335HUa9ba03drXHiZ6SFyD-jikf1bpZ2b_ZoR931EalkUCt79OG31UWVx250gsJAY2ldikbOiRrgIX2KueXggBZ_J0ySBDVgUBooXE/s1600/Image_291216_163932_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5EV3SelMXGNnv9_VofwXqrQWMy9hHHK7q4Iuai335HUa9ba03drXHiZ6SFyD-jikf1bpZ2b_ZoR931EalkUCt79OG31UWVx250gsJAY2ldikbOiRrgIX2KueXggBZ_J0ySBDVgUBooXE/s320/Image_291216_163932_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the only timeline for release I can find for the game</i></td></tr>
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The land of Shaltar was in the midst of religious wars with different factions claiming to hold the one true nature of God and the world. The Cerjeuk dynasty was the largest, and most efficient at oppressing the masses under their law. Sadler, the main character, led a revolt last game that brought it to its knees. However, the peace was short lived as the Klispins (a not so subtle change from Christians), sensing the weakness in Shaltar, invaded.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SqFE7eNBZ1XKMFS0c371zJMcoluzENgICY5G-Unkr-w_lk0IJE0F4wZopeE9iu_LXj6Vwl4v77rswkhx_Jx81bqnqmxPFyw4Fo4tqOCFB81_2YmMIKM2hkazQEMReEz0fdI2M1vrrfoh/s1600/Image_291216_163932_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SqFE7eNBZ1XKMFS0c371zJMcoluzENgICY5G-Unkr-w_lk0IJE0F4wZopeE9iu_LXj6Vwl4v77rswkhx_Jx81bqnqmxPFyw4Fo4tqOCFB81_2YmMIKM2hkazQEMReEz0fdI2M1vrrfoh/s320/Image_291216_163932_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The didn't even bother taking out the crosses of the crusaders</i></td></tr>
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Yuug D'Payne, an ally of the Klispins, sickened by the unfettered destruction of Shaltar decided that he should become the one great ruler to unite all people to end the senseless violence. An ominous voice declared it a mighty dream, and the game was afoot. Sadler begins his journey in his hometown of Assassi. He's joined by Rumi, who brings news of a spy roaming the desert.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHZ8YDIZyaDlx6aVDfZRt8Y9Z2iFeHf_uwe67fTkJ5BmKQ65P-_UrNY9ZouO7opExmDZ-7i16Rz4NdnuE-EGs7FEfBWwvtPfIXCXWRBFvWS-j3aU-xnkRH_VVlZF-jaIXwXO_OuBJdIC7/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHZ8YDIZyaDlx6aVDfZRt8Y9Z2iFeHf_uwe67fTkJ5BmKQ65P-_UrNY9ZouO7opExmDZ-7i16Rz4NdnuE-EGs7FEfBWwvtPfIXCXWRBFvWS-j3aU-xnkRH_VVlZF-jaIXwXO_OuBJdIC7/s320/Image_301216_125755_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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The initial town helped fill in some of the past information. Sadler's traveling companions wander around town, and are recruited for another adventure after Sadler speaks to the man that saw the spy. Equipment is very straightforward to upgrade as price dictates strength. Items are bit more difficult to guess at. They fall into four categories: HP and MP recovery, and short-term AP and AC boosts. In the Japanese version these were exact drug references with drawbacks, but for the American market it was altered to more obscure names like heart poison without the bad side effects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPjVrqqdspI9j5OR9rPK-MfcJSGFYUZJTC_ZibcmAD-RzAmZNQLAmqGfoiHjOt3lxFELa0ypHKc3G6FMJuWVJGDFUJoesSzJ-XyFn2nKRf-Rd3OQflN-Z1Yo8SAXO6dFQG-Kf8bdb02AH/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00004.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPjVrqqdspI9j5OR9rPK-MfcJSGFYUZJTC_ZibcmAD-RzAmZNQLAmqGfoiHjOt3lxFELa0ypHKc3G6FMJuWVJGDFUJoesSzJ-XyFn2nKRf-Rd3OQflN-Z1Yo8SAXO6dFQG-Kf8bdb02AH/s320/Image_301216_125755_00004.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes I wish games would do away with the fancy names</i></td></tr>
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We picked up Fakhyle and Kindi on the way out. While they're supposedly in the party, Sadler is the only controllable character. The party made its way to the desert, and found a new oasis. It was a clever trap set by an ant-lion. As a first dungeon it was a bit rough, especially with giant dragonflies appearing without much time to react. I grinded up to level 5, making it a bit easier. Also notable is the 70 second music track with a fade out and 3 seconds of silence at the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtHaOh69IO35TJJnTa4_16hTPQzteTOApG_Z4oay8c1A79TnGLXdIPYuHCt8VL3K2sVNBn3tMXm-DN_Oyc-r58pCZLWzgOFN3S6hipjMeVDWNVsgTWTiQBlGY1dK6EIjtuBXdDxW5kPhY/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00026.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtHaOh69IO35TJJnTa4_16hTPQzteTOApG_Z4oay8c1A79TnGLXdIPYuHCt8VL3K2sVNBn3tMXm-DN_Oyc-r58pCZLWzgOFN3S6hipjMeVDWNVsgTWTiQBlGY1dK6EIjtuBXdDxW5kPhY/s320/Image_301216_125755_00026.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Action scenes are definitely not captured well with my setup</i></td></tr>
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We found the body of a man clutching a letter beyond the ant lion. It was addressed to Sadler from Yuug D'Payne (leader of the Knights Templar) requesting he make haste to Homis Shrine to discuss matters of great importance. The party rested. Next stop was El-in where Sadler fought his way through many crusaders in order to reach Homis Shrine beyond. Yuug joined the party after discussing his plans to unite all people. Fakhyle and Kindi stayed behind to mind the shrine. As we parted ways, Fakhyle gave Sadler his magic stone Kamuhri.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOQ5I7c9K_eqzxTtq3h2GoN21_q0k0KRYGtPw4HEDKiEJoH5peH6ujMDbziL-4-YGPhJIuZv4AaS93fTXEoMV9AJj0rt7VFbNA2KECYsKf9G46sqX0lRfpfxbhX2Ssro3zgkOBpZUkx4D/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00028.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOQ5I7c9K_eqzxTtq3h2GoN21_q0k0KRYGtPw4HEDKiEJoH5peH6ujMDbziL-4-YGPhJIuZv4AaS93fTXEoMV9AJj0rt7VFbNA2KECYsKf9G46sqX0lRfpfxbhX2Ssro3zgkOBpZUkx4D/s320/Image_301216_125755_00028.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Of course, Rumi tagged along as a plot device</i></td></tr>
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Yuug laid out the plan to overthrow the Klispins. The Katari sect knows the whereabouts of something called the Holimax somewhere in the land of Ghilan. Thus we arrived in Grunoble... actually, I'm not sure how that led us to that town, but it's where the party arrived. Rumors of the Klispins invading the next town over, where the Katari sect resides, permeated from every person. As we traveled through the forest, Rumi was kidnapped by druids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsk4oYJwamdaDlUIGfBchB3pl9NKsRhSJY9oaJ1dEEXnYh32TjTnpw0CoR5OluNFultfaXemTwNZYe3KyPPnjJ2MI2wjMhyphenhyphen9v8WSC2U2riR-N1MQuR5ds3-ScfTu6mv2qNJ-Vrkksr9WX/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00030.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsk4oYJwamdaDlUIGfBchB3pl9NKsRhSJY9oaJ1dEEXnYh32TjTnpw0CoR5OluNFultfaXemTwNZYe3KyPPnjJ2MI2wjMhyphenhyphen9v8WSC2U2riR-N1MQuR5ds3-ScfTu6mv2qNJ-Vrkksr9WX/s320/Image_301216_125755_00030.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The over world map includes a camp scene with party portraits, and destinations that transition from one location to another</i></td></tr>
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Combat is pretty basic, walk around a side-scrolling environment and slash or down slash enemies. Magic augments this a bit by adding three levels of fire or ice magic to a sword strike, and is toggled on or off via the menu. There's also regeneration magic that I used often. After wandering about Mosnee, I came across a sheep one of the shepherd boys in town lost. Bringing him to the sheep rewarded me with a prism, which Yuug was able to affix in an alter located inside a circle of standing stones. Somehow this act broke a stained glass window inside the nearby building, and I rescued Rumi from inside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF4WF2gHaUbDtmDclhyphenhyphenCZ4UD4lJMXDpHWKpp3_gqehtw0zamuVnC0OkyssIwKo8T8dpFWfZXDGDLSWWPHnF58I_G8xIzcdmiPuapbofFJTeqG-7_BW_G-1fZOt6i_4KUMAELy4ciILcoS/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00038.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF4WF2gHaUbDtmDclhyphenhyphenCZ4UD4lJMXDpHWKpp3_gqehtw0zamuVnC0OkyssIwKo8T8dpFWfZXDGDLSWWPHnF58I_G8xIzcdmiPuapbofFJTeqG-7_BW_G-1fZOt6i_4KUMAELy4ciILcoS/s320/Image_301216_125755_00038.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This has dialogue talking about needing the blood of Rumi to finish their Cosmic Fantasy has me thinking Cosmic Fantasy 2 came out after this, or it's referencing the third game that never arrived</i></td></tr>
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With Rumi saved, the party headed to Albee in search of the Katari sect. We found the village burning to the ground. Our search for survivors payed off as we discovered men Yuug had sent in search of the Holimax. Their final message was that all scouts had returned, except for those sent to Caira. Another religious sect was said to be there, the Manichi whom the Katari worshiped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWb0_O0_Id4rNVjYgZtQs0cbqpWd4vMWiVpB0P0yXK729nJ7zaivZHY2xZniRR8dnvajSbIF1f569Phyu7plqCIygyh-9vQZjtRSks2Fblai2KJ8CokO1NQZe7765AB7tv7U5tE6NND-z/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00042.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWb0_O0_Id4rNVjYgZtQs0cbqpWd4vMWiVpB0P0yXK729nJ7zaivZHY2xZniRR8dnvajSbIF1f569Phyu7plqCIygyh-9vQZjtRSks2Fblai2KJ8CokO1NQZe7765AB7tv7U5tE6NND-z/s320/Image_301216_125755_00042.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is one of the scenes scrubbed from the Genesis port</i></td></tr>
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Upon our arrival in Ayodoya, the party was informed that Prince Larma went to Lanker Isle in pursuit of a woman named Mireyu. Turns out that is Yuug's sister, although he didn't react to the first mention of her name. We found the prince in a cave, severely injured.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvINmN8pTK5qVPca340DrGe6w0AqOfyf_CJeDGp5RYFGTb-UIr8RvkIjRpuc7qxrDY-d2Ao6jPSnSWP0wdzMdADlFR6xCfBoz6NcqFoOuJH6KyuNB7BYLBUBiDri5jaZuuQPsZ3Ura3xN/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00044.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvINmN8pTK5qVPca340DrGe6w0AqOfyf_CJeDGp5RYFGTb-UIr8RvkIjRpuc7qxrDY-d2Ao6jPSnSWP0wdzMdADlFR6xCfBoz6NcqFoOuJH6KyuNB7BYLBUBiDri5jaZuuQPsZ3Ura3xN/s320/Image_301216_125755_00044.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This may be a cultural thing, but it always strikes me as odd how shocked characters are when they learn someone is related to someone else</i></td></tr>
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We searched the woods for Mireyu and the remaining Katari while Rumi stayed behind to tend to Larma's wounds. The guard at the edge of the woods described a vampire phoenix called Guruda. I'm not if that's an intentional misspelling of Garuda to differentiate it, or merely an alternative one. According to the guard, it was the same bird that drained all the blood from Mani before swallowing him whole. The same man taken from history, but given more myth and legend in this game. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2q-F16h-td53pKMuD0o-QQEWCaw1i-upNaSKhBeAgh1O0e23P_YQ9ZPZTwjMfmGD-R3RkG4iay6TRJ7Ldwv0HdFP8NFzgh8f2DF3xTKdC_9-dpnYWECFhVewf3hyIbILt7UKrhY6ZwP0/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00048.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2q-F16h-td53pKMuD0o-QQEWCaw1i-upNaSKhBeAgh1O0e23P_YQ9ZPZTwjMfmGD-R3RkG4iay6TRJ7Ldwv0HdFP8NFzgh8f2DF3xTKdC_9-dpnYWECFhVewf3hyIbILt7UKrhY6ZwP0/s320/Image_301216_125755_00048.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> The first and probably not the last time I'll see this happened at the claws of the Guruda</i></td></tr>
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I found someone named Jofre in the forest who helped to take down the protective barrier of the Guruda once I brought him the diary of Mani he had dropped near the statue where the prince lay. Then I died a number of times to Guruda. At least the music in that stage is some of the best. I grinded up a few levels, bought some tonics, and finally bested the beast. I definitely wasn't using most of the tonics, especially the attack power and armor class buffs. It didn't help that I couldn't spare the cash to purchase more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKAFC5JfAz9PwHxCzxcOYv69i6H5USU39KY8Lyx7y48OaOjIxwqSn7Y_iw5qyhRs3sbnmOwnmgAkWz7t4uAjx-eWZ9W4x181Qg2WWvAUKGT4S8QSPz_ao8GCIqxhiJC2F3V4rwUOJYLiD/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00050.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKAFC5JfAz9PwHxCzxcOYv69i6H5USU39KY8Lyx7y48OaOjIxwqSn7Y_iw5qyhRs3sbnmOwnmgAkWz7t4uAjx-eWZ9W4x181Qg2WWvAUKGT4S8QSPz_ao8GCIqxhiJC2F3V4rwUOJYLiD/s320/Image_301216_125755_00050.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finding the right timing for my strikes as he darted back and forth proved difficult</i></td></tr>
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I rescued Mireyu, and recovered the remains of Mani. We attempted to follow the directions to resurrect him detailed in his diary, but a page was missing. Prince Larma directed us to Baiyon tower where original copy of the ritual resided. Sadler barely escaped the collapsing tower after retrieving the book. Yuug, Rumi, and Jofre were trapped within. With no time to waste, Sadler returned to Mani's body and performed the resurrection ritual after the prince translated the final page.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8MpKlItKQiddHimWbVpbpMK0YTUbPvIETDwQ0cWtkWHiHpgIagHxHCIQUBfmZ1fdVfmZBzT5hTpizrInRhaf-OzcOyTgsuPeCQuxztsF_abwpambJyVdd0_TayTgUSFZWcuhLVYgj9c0/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00051.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8MpKlItKQiddHimWbVpbpMK0YTUbPvIETDwQ0cWtkWHiHpgIagHxHCIQUBfmZ1fdVfmZBzT5hTpizrInRhaf-OzcOyTgsuPeCQuxztsF_abwpambJyVdd0_TayTgUSFZWcuhLVYgj9c0/s320/Image_301216_125755_00051.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I question if this disembodied spirit is truly Mani as he eggs me on to find the Holimax</i></td></tr>
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Additional history of the Holimax was revealed by the spirit of Mani. Shimbatha was an evil being that desired the Holimax, and battled an unnamed man after that man hid away the Holimax. Sadler was now the chosen one to bring peace to the world by finding the Holimax. The search continued in the east, in the town of Tachikawa. A man named Ninkan, held at Oniga Isle, was the last holy man from Mt. Koya that understood the teachings of master Kukai. Because of that, the jealous priests conspired and locked him away. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iGowgkdCaTfz4Q8cSAERL_bpiCVSeNGN-DtmqP4oV-QeEUn7gVBlqlj3pL542IGMhaWdEl-tk38PWZkuoE7xzObHM3TQPCWj1Tmiel5zdCghleniCYBSZu_Nq-HtJS-0oo-cNarrNcRF/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00055.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iGowgkdCaTfz4Q8cSAERL_bpiCVSeNGN-DtmqP4oV-QeEUn7gVBlqlj3pL542IGMhaWdEl-tk38PWZkuoE7xzObHM3TQPCWj1Tmiel5zdCghleniCYBSZu_Nq-HtJS-0oo-cNarrNcRF/s320/Image_301216_125755_00055.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To rescue Ninkan I needed to retrieve the key to his cell from Mt. Koya, although it jammed in the lock anyway and I used the pick axe of one of the slaves</i></td></tr>
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Ninkan suggested that harmonizing the two mandalas of light and time was the key to the Holimax. While Ninkan worked on focusing the energy into the mandalas after I retrieved them, he sent me to another temple on My. Koya to disperse some evil energy. After destroying a chimera, I was sent to light the candles in the temple of light. As I lit the candles, a vision of Kukai appeared and directed me to Yaban Chara the bohemian in El-in, one of the few able to arrange the mandalas in systematic harmony.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj0A-kV8WuFvpLvkFp3dCD2NhPox51f_PEI4S5TOmJ-SEIR9nsQyQPlNqqlSCXSMNDRLSYYYazAEXjYymjWciSdeMSQZxfrhtoYqkb2N2o4PkA4EinmgUxhvTNxVBLmNGPV00GLtJJTt-/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00066.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj0A-kV8WuFvpLvkFp3dCD2NhPox51f_PEI4S5TOmJ-SEIR9nsQyQPlNqqlSCXSMNDRLSYYYazAEXjYymjWciSdeMSQZxfrhtoYqkb2N2o4PkA4EinmgUxhvTNxVBLmNGPV00GLtJJTt-/s320/Image_301216_125755_00066.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A rush of light blinded Sadler, and a moment later he found himself in front of El-in, the city where he first met Yuug</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yuug was there with bad news. Rumi and Jofre did not make it out alive. Kindi and Fakhyle were also missing. Yuug asked me to attend him as he made his way down a strange passage. As Sadler entered, he was struck by a strange force that shook his whole body.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3rAr_dxDt_I8mWOoaARgFO4-qo2EKkHJcZIfmVk6q0LT2TOumTT46gdeADEOJ6HJedlY6OesEBkEsLuuRIJp6A1Lxs4OrWZZBZBBIn8iHMIh_Oz4DLXgEEmg4WF7jkEtLH8gWKyEifCT/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00095.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3rAr_dxDt_I8mWOoaARgFO4-qo2EKkHJcZIfmVk6q0LT2TOumTT46gdeADEOJ6HJedlY6OesEBkEsLuuRIJp6A1Lxs4OrWZZBZBBIn8iHMIh_Oz4DLXgEEmg4WF7jkEtLH8gWKyEifCT/s320/Image_301216_125755_00095.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another risque scene censored in the Genesis version</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sadler and Yuug suddenly appeared in Eleusis at the time of a festival to Backos (not sure why they didn't go with the more common spelling Bacchus). Not all was well though, as many residents told of kidnapped daughters to attend Backos at his temple. I ran into Pythagoras inside. I pointed him to the exit, and continued on to the ritual room where they were sacrificing the girls. I managed to rescue a single girl, Simone, but the story line lay with Pythagoras who called Yuug, Hyram, who was supposed to be building Homis Shrine at the moment. Strange, the Homis Shrine was built in...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q-e50qJbUcm3k8mvxuhC2yVKyXbJD1r1NmDTggcqEADK5QQYHMTwh1ukwk721uaSAfgmxc_jn3ouVluRI6hg7uAF9zYGEkicTAcnImOUlC2UpS2BqN4Awf4b2D2FIaZCWkXiktkvmWdB/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00103.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q-e50qJbUcm3k8mvxuhC2yVKyXbJD1r1NmDTggcqEADK5QQYHMTwh1ukwk721uaSAfgmxc_jn3ouVluRI6hg7uAF9zYGEkicTAcnImOUlC2UpS2BqN4Awf4b2D2FIaZCWkXiktkvmWdB/s320/Image_301216_125755_00103.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Magical time travel seems to be a theme to this series as well</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While everyone was busy building the shrine, Sadler searched the place for Hyram after avoiding a giant blood stain in front of the entrance. I went back to question Pythagoras when no sign of Hyram was found, but he had already departed to Croton Academy. Sadler rightly assumed the blood was from Hyram. Pythagoras was troubled by the news of Hyram's death as he was the only one that knew how to turn the Heramusso into the active Holimax. The shrine was meant to focus energy, and harmonize the mandalas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZICs7bRjtCztrv0c4LHb2q4bjvzk8NOi9GZK7JmIxj16SbGM-frphTr3y0KbgaQF7-g3JJ6qYlp003eDcM4wVfSwYH5sOORgEJF4UDmUDvjI9qTC38wQtmt1FjbGcZB7TC1zewp-YxVoz/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00104.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZICs7bRjtCztrv0c4LHb2q4bjvzk8NOi9GZK7JmIxj16SbGM-frphTr3y0KbgaQF7-g3JJ6qYlp003eDcM4wVfSwYH5sOORgEJF4UDmUDvjI9qTC38wQtmt1FjbGcZB7TC1zewp-YxVoz/s320/Image_301216_125755_00104.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With all his knowledge we deduced he was the man we were sent to find</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sadler knew from ancient history that Hyram was dispatched by three followers. We found them in a random house at the academy. Yubelum strong-armed the other two into killing Hyram and hid his body inside that building. We returned the Heramusso to Pythagoras, and he helped us activate it, turning it into the Holimax. Finally everlasting peace will exist again... well, not really.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrEzBOcMB6iot1CIvDbBGyNyA2IxcQU_qluCwJ69syjcYr9NUdslnfO5gf3eSwAzk8l62N46jYzvcafqv7zJ8f-ZVHH-8KIG-253PA8u7jh5TPqXmBi8RLs-gCd297ZhAw6d9rtieyU2/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00105.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrEzBOcMB6iot1CIvDbBGyNyA2IxcQU_qluCwJ69syjcYr9NUdslnfO5gf3eSwAzk8l62N46jYzvcafqv7zJ8f-ZVHH-8KIG-253PA8u7jh5TPqXmBi8RLs-gCd297ZhAw6d9rtieyU2/s320/Image_301216_125755_00105.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turns out the whole Holimax quest was an elaborate plot to resurrect Shimbatha, who had possessed Yuug from the beginning</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The final battle took place back at Homis Shrine. Shimbatha summoned a dark mirror image of Sadler, which was easily killed by timing attacks around his jumps while dodging below them. Shimbatha politely requested Sadler remove his head so he could add it to his tree of those that sought the Holimax in ages past. As a final boss he posed a good challenge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJxnh-rSjoLdAx5hyphenhyphen5H7Q7vUtcKqX9c1mU0bs1W5kOVjdEftU1mrAyQARciBSYCRGt58er0uTSx86rI6DFAChNbuycjmNfGBEI2gb8RX7mU4M7BEfVO8C5XfcaZVPM95JMW0O46QcOWJO/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00119.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJxnh-rSjoLdAx5hyphenhyphen5H7Q7vUtcKqX9c1mU0bs1W5kOVjdEftU1mrAyQARciBSYCRGt58er0uTSx86rI6DFAChNbuycjmNfGBEI2gb8RX7mU4M7BEfVO8C5XfcaZVPM95JMW0O46QcOWJO/s320/Image_301216_125755_00119.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Although the range of his attacks from off-screen is a bit cheap</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found myself having to stock up on items to survive as I just didn't have enough tonics. I'm glad there was no pretense of a final dungeon to slog through in order to face Shimbatha again. During the ultimate attempt against Shimbatha I found a rather strange bug. I started having some technical issues with the stream, so I entered the tonic menu while I sorted them out. Whatever did it, I came back to silence after about 10 minutes idling in the menu. Sound effects continued to work, and the voices and music picked up in the ending sequence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qikoTHF3PEFfbB1k8Difw9L1PgjO1Ardwnad-WNYL-pFNCjUI36byj9odAFno77lUaTYjBm94oWBBvuCeDq2emPndA2jo3XXhYqShRfClDhCe2_maMDc7Vn5YWc55oLahn9oczLXquz5/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00136.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qikoTHF3PEFfbB1k8Difw9L1PgjO1Ardwnad-WNYL-pFNCjUI36byj9odAFno77lUaTYjBm94oWBBvuCeDq2emPndA2jo3XXhYqShRfClDhCe2_maMDc7Vn5YWc55oLahn9oczLXquz5/s320/Image_301216_125755_00136.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And stay down!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shimbatha begged once more for Sadler to deliver his head and inherent power. Instead, Sadler plunged his sword into Yuug's body, severing the material connection Shimbatha had created and honed with the Holimax. As he passed into the void, he claimed that Sadler would remain cursed (a curse possibly referenced in the first game). As Sadler turned away, he recalled Rumi's words of hope for a utopian world, and Sadler remarked that it was a fool's dream that will never be possible.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 3<b>h</b>37<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 3<b>h</b>37<b>m</b>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gN63WtwZg9Xlb0TGpU1tX0VXJGDTZKHLPhbP7udDEs3eC20gFkkouBh2lGUqrUL2shVZKr111vOlsz65uXmmKp77qojh4s_Xt4LSTQi1FZCn3je4Y0KW06Iyu0RYL9j7c-n37OooANRY/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00140.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gN63WtwZg9Xlb0TGpU1tX0VXJGDTZKHLPhbP7udDEs3eC20gFkkouBh2lGUqrUL2shVZKr111vOlsz65uXmmKp77qojh4s_Xt4LSTQi1FZCn3je4Y0KW06Iyu0RYL9j7c-n37OooANRY/s320/Image_301216_125755_00140.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>RIP Rumi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- As an action game, this scores well in combat due to stats playing an important role. Magic is a useful way to grind, but the majority of combat doesn't require it. Enemies aren't really varied, and most will just charge you. Experience and gold rewards even out by the end, but most of the game they seem painfully low, which makes grinding necessary.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiWc9ehKaRujkjiXTUYmD6E8ZYE3RsAww5-2Iqk5MHC8D-r7Hlp58uBWIIXlf6GHCzwrMzGEDOul783socNeW2Iz2rgmqyde3GZZCRna1a_Pq-UqYLLRFT3QJonZE43-xEnUEbsLh6zQc/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00141.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiWc9ehKaRujkjiXTUYmD6E8ZYE3RsAww5-2Iqk5MHC8D-r7Hlp58uBWIIXlf6GHCzwrMzGEDOul783socNeW2Iz2rgmqyde3GZZCRna1a_Pq-UqYLLRFT3QJonZE43-xEnUEbsLh6zQc/s320/Image_301216_125755_00141.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Working Design team</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- Important for an action game, the controls are really nice with my only real complaint is thrusting down stops all forward momentum. The turbo buttons don't add much. The ability to grind to your wanted level is available. There is, however, nothing customizable about Sadler.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlGrMj7Jdf3jAzFY4v90c0QzzQVdgvdY0FsfaGHxg2qF94zJfJwND809nnf6oGvkuSey7f3bygxkDPn3wPgghkPM_czWt9P0rLLhw_uflQtOcz95o0aJ_J8EHF4QhY707bopZ0PRBTg9H/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00047.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlGrMj7Jdf3jAzFY4v90c0QzzQVdgvdY0FsfaGHxg2qF94zJfJwND809nnf6oGvkuSey7f3bygxkDPn3wPgghkPM_czWt9P0rLLhw_uflQtOcz95o0aJ_J8EHF4QhY707bopZ0PRBTg9H/s320/Image_301216_125755_00047.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jofre chants some ancient magic, and I'm just sitting here with my fire, ice, and healing spells</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- There aren't any puzzles. The main quest is well laid out, so there's no real possibility to get lost (although Mt. Koya is a bit pain to search for all the key items). There aren't any side quests, puzzles, or mini-games.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>2</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT8aNi3hbdpkWoNHnMsboWFKJy9N7reUzKivOM8vbl1FtSh1V2AWJyAtM3QQ7BwlUZkGM0CfA4_8QRdU8AonVudvwI50lCHCURug4Pt6gWmkUzfoeTtfWnJDsjRCL6Bw2n3Glo5npuJMA/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00143.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT8aNi3hbdpkWoNHnMsboWFKJy9N7reUzKivOM8vbl1FtSh1V2AWJyAtM3QQ7BwlUZkGM0CfA4_8QRdU8AonVudvwI50lCHCURug4Pt6gWmkUzfoeTtfWnJDsjRCL6Bw2n3Glo5npuJMA/s320/Image_301216_125755_00143.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wait, who's that?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Instigator </b>- The story is well put together, although a bit short. It's also a bit disconnected as Sadler jumped quickly between different areas without much description about how he reached them. The NPCs were helpful in pointing me in the right direction whenever I needed it. The only thing truly lacking is a way to influence the story through Sadler's actions.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>4</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhBdMrtztpo93sh4g6VzAZwDgp9ydxukBn_aQz6UFoLhRNAkUyApQ7G3fx6fLLQgi37XzZj9KZaVkP-wvaKfntHm-X9Tp1abKJG7AMjVvxuphVvstHjzL275QM2amLG5AjxqfO_OF_EcF/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00145.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhBdMrtztpo93sh4g6VzAZwDgp9ydxukBn_aQz6UFoLhRNAkUyApQ7G3fx6fLLQgi37XzZj9KZaVkP-wvaKfntHm-X9Tp1abKJG7AMjVvxuphVvstHjzL275QM2amLG5AjxqfO_OF_EcF/s320/Image_301216_125755_00145.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That's... Rumi... the game doesn't even bother to explain how she's alive, or how Sadler returned to his own time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Collector </b>- Only the standard fare of items and equipment with nothing to really collect. Tonic, quest items, and equipment each have a separate inventory, which is nice; however, money is so tight until the very end that I had to sell off my equipment as I upgraded them. Strength is derived directly from the cost, so it's easy to know what to drop. There aren't any collections tracked in an obvious way.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5WuYJoc-23F0ahubnnNglTPpLNktn0v62yWURQuRURAhUPlsSg_b6kiIVdGYGG0Rr22EVzMRPZU-fVaG5pWDK7HGsFTKo6XlZxtnTlD-bwFrepVETjQzwLkOPUEEvgjZCg_OprJK6QbK/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00167.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5WuYJoc-23F0ahubnnNglTPpLNktn0v62yWURQuRURAhUPlsSg_b6kiIVdGYGG0Rr22EVzMRPZU-fVaG5pWDK7HGsFTKo6XlZxtnTlD-bwFrepVETjQzwLkOPUEEvgjZCg_OprJK6QbK/s320/Image_301216_125755_00167.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thanks Cindy, whoever you are</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Explorer </b>- I enjoyed the music when it didn't cut out or have obvious loops. The graphics were well done, and the voice acting is the best I've heard from a console game. There aren't enough areas to really dig into and explore though, and past locations are completely cut off. The actual dungeons weren't all that interesting, but at least they varied in appearance.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPWbNI4P5P_6KQ4hykknn3XZp4sDGYrYr-QC8XOOFSfH-1qgB76OUJ6MblfkPM07Yw7ApvQiHZoDVD5ChztXBkQ8f-BYF-4DM-4gCc-g5OEmVTsK2J9lXX4FRqVkX6C10hfwpXeK2vPY-/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00169.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPWbNI4P5P_6KQ4hykknn3XZp4sDGYrYr-QC8XOOFSfH-1qgB76OUJ6MblfkPM07Yw7ApvQiHZoDVD5ChztXBkQ8f-BYF-4DM-4gCc-g5OEmVTsK2J9lXX4FRqVkX6C10hfwpXeK2vPY-/s320/Image_301216_125755_00169.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh yeah, thank you too, hope you enjoyed this review</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>18</b> [30%]<br />
<br />
Overall it was a solid action game, but not a lot of depth. At least it didn't overstay its welcome. The Sadler character is interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they wrap up his story in the final chapter. Especially how they explain Rumi's return, although I suspect it'll just get glossed over. At least we don't have to wait long. Next gaming year starts soon, and includes the sequel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTrPh3BTNdyPOMNb8dSaKYTevIHytLtRh3maT8eTnRyOKWN4yK51VYG1VCEwFUBBYYQ9sWohgtUYSV-OdnJQwq9uH6jKRGcKeeXm-zXGQbrjvFypmgi7mhvAqiIKXHMXr3TlKEs27tpC4/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00031.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTrPh3BTNdyPOMNb8dSaKYTevIHytLtRh3maT8eTnRyOKWN4yK51VYG1VCEwFUBBYYQ9sWohgtUYSV-OdnJQwq9uH6jKRGcKeeXm-zXGQbrjvFypmgi7mhvAqiIKXHMXr3TlKEs27tpC4/s320/Image_301216_125755_00031.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This woman that strips to entice the sequel probably isn't in the Genesis version either</i></td></tr>
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Next up we have Soul Blazer, another game that I grew up with. It should go rather quickly. First though, we need to cut a rather odd game. Spiritual Warfare seems to be unlicensed on the NES, and I'm not sure it was released in any official capacity on the Genesis. It's a religiously focused game, but while interesting to explore it seems to be a rather blatant Legend of Zelda ripoff that doesn't offer much more than a platform for Christian preaching<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEadBe1wb3cmKdAJgC7rOb5lDarlO8_LWnhr9k24zLfQVmobjA67wo6k4qdFg_kgxJ8e7dGW9zH9AKUL87YOvQODWLjBlpgePU6GKulVK3ix8rrMgUD8iI1g3wLnmAPf9MrbKatNUoLrS/s1600/Image_301216_125755_00147.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEadBe1wb3cmKdAJgC7rOb5lDarlO8_LWnhr9k24zLfQVmobjA67wo6k4qdFg_kgxJ8e7dGW9zH9AKUL87YOvQODWLjBlpgePU6GKulVK3ix8rrMgUD8iI1g3wLnmAPf9MrbKatNUoLrS/s320/Image_301216_125755_00147.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Journey On, and Happy New Year</i></td></tr>
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<b> </b>Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4946916641850178817.post-66619852660137092232016-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:002016-12-29T16:06:00.648-08:00Game #63: Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes (TurboGrafx-CD) - It's In Your Hands Now (Finished)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLumveCaaNaBnLr0Ezr-E1Z9A4UCgp2PGgZWwkl_6n_yzU7YmNoYj3TxxZjOIEjdMX24P26ni5-b_ihjXKhyphenhyphenWii0ktmv0diwSrMMkypWsW-IZGCZgvJQSrwMy7WWvZkeJCbT3tnsLNQWFu/s1600/Image_191216_194700_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLumveCaaNaBnLr0Ezr-E1Z9A4UCgp2PGgZWwkl_6n_yzU7YmNoYj3TxxZjOIEjdMX24P26ni5-b_ihjXKhyphenhyphenWii0ktmv0diwSrMMkypWsW-IZGCZgvJQSrwMy7WWvZkeJCbT3tnsLNQWFu/s320/Image_191216_194700_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Game </b><b>63</b><br />
<br />
<u>Title</u>: <b>Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes</b><br />
<u>Released</u>: <b>December 1992 (October 1991 JPN)</b><br />
<u>Platform</u>: <b>TurboGrafx-CD</b><br />
<u>Developer</u>: <b>Nihon Falcom</b><br />
<u>Publisher</u>: <b>Hudson Soft</b><br />
<u>Genre</u>: <b>RPG</b><br />
<u>Exploration</u> - <b>Top-down</b><br />
<u>Combat</u> - <b>Turn based</b><br />
<u>Series</u> - <b>The Legend of Heroes (Dragon Slayer)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Here's a title that I didn't expect much from, and thus wasn't disappointed. The voiced dialogue is major selling point for the game, but isn't much to write home about. The sixth game in the Dragon Slayer series, this title sparked a new series that continues to this day as The Legend of Heroes. Like other games on the TG-CD, this didn't find much of an audience, and the states wouldn't see another title until the PSP generation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaYwhp4eZ2O-4LMcZ1pQ_bU1enLwCurtHJjFrexlhEgaOOvQCeQn2HtUZ0m8wu2fv4FLqd1qfCIKRAUFwvz10-r2HdNQlUhGn8svrkcsj09gLzmGwajTF_nKiwxwsJMXKGjZsLHgJbYJL/s1600/Image_111216_194233_00000.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaYwhp4eZ2O-4LMcZ1pQ_bU1enLwCurtHJjFrexlhEgaOOvQCeQn2HtUZ0m8wu2fv4FLqd1qfCIKRAUFwvz10-r2HdNQlUhGn8svrkcsj09gLzmGwajTF_nKiwxwsJMXKGjZsLHgJbYJL/s320/Image_111216_194233_00000.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's knock this one out in a single post, apologies for the length</i></td></tr>
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The game is broken up into chapters, although the game world remains completely open. The story begins in the kingdom of Farlayne on the world of Isrenasa. King Corwin ruled over the peaceful land. That peace was upset by a monster invasion, and Corwin fell in the ensuing chaos. Baron Drax, the king's advisor, took over leadership as the heir, Prince Logan, was but six years old. For the last 10 years he's prepared to reclaim the throne.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Let's do this</i></td></tr>
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I'm lucky enough to have the manual, and was surprised at just how much information I'd consider spoilers clearly spelled out. For one, all six chapter titles are listed. Drax is described as ruling with a heavy hand, and an active resistance movement opposing his rule. Ethan is a monk with the resistance yet he hides his true identity, and with the first chapter is titled The Uprising, I'm pretty certain to face off against Drax. The other notable spoiler is that Princess Mica who is engaged to Prince Logan; this is voiced as a surprising event when revealed in the fourth chapter. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlyVXLbEn9LwQWbPSnax-y3vUKVpWcIoKyunT0_prYnNO1YWakc6YIlnTSR4SdoqxI3yQxvnKEvjHGN5I2AAj-y3jMzhlNgtjBPpCfaI9DNcVnMzZGxc0vqavZFNa17CS-PncNlfQlXQS/s1600/Image_191216_194700_00031.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlyVXLbEn9LwQWbPSnax-y3vUKVpWcIoKyunT0_prYnNO1YWakc6YIlnTSR4SdoqxI3yQxvnKEvjHGN5I2AAj-y3jMzhlNgtjBPpCfaI9DNcVnMzZGxc0vqavZFNa17CS-PncNlfQlXQS/s320/Image_191216_194700_00031.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*Plop*</i></td></tr>
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Two months before Logan was to return home for the coronation, monsters attacked the island of Exile where Logan had been hidden away for the last 10 years. Even though Elias, his tutor, did his best to keep him safe behind the city walls, Logan would secret away to battle the slimes in the field (but he still started out at level 1). With the impending danger, Elias handed over the royal sword, armor, and shield, so that Logan could survive the deadly monsters that inhabited Who Cave as he journeyed to Sylvan in search of help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01JJMZMnAMd_hyphenhyphen0F4PKO2fAdGXjQ1i_eBhDRlc06k2CkTagejIIJTVIB7vr-skAD41cDr_9hmViCqBLrvsTTALw9vLD-W06HnKpzdI5LFopMSj51__Df5fH5OfEuML8xUFoBCxEddakgP/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00003.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01JJMZMnAMd_hyphenhyphen0F4PKO2fAdGXjQ1i_eBhDRlc06k2CkTagejIIJTVIB7vr-skAD41cDr_9hmViCqBLrvsTTALw9vLD-W06HnKpzdI5LFopMSj51__Df5fH5OfEuML8xUFoBCxEddakgP/s320/Image_261216_101625_00003.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wonder if it's possible to grind up enough to survive even one battle against the Kowls, and how the game would deal with it</i></td></tr>
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One of the most unique features in this game is the ability to manually assign bonus points (or allow the game to automatically assign stats upon level up giving an even distribution). After the first level, I decided manual assignment was the way to go. There are four stats: strength affects damage and HP, intelligence increases MP, speed allows for more actions in battle, and luck increases critical hit chance as well as evasion percentage. Only armor increases defense. For Logan I focused on strength during the early levels to give him more HP in the long run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsDCUtMlCa30F_JgDJsIN2Kvb-CDKn-mYHi21kIaiQ05XCormoCbm1hukg7odMTfKQsseFmUZnRfc8Fe06oVk3KYcqsFMt7f9w2YdXBt2Bd26h0-XBY3Phqb8DxulDyiZtBntTmR6OE0O/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsDCUtMlCa30F_JgDJsIN2Kvb-CDKn-mYHi21kIaiQ05XCormoCbm1hukg7odMTfKQsseFmUZnRfc8Fe06oVk3KYcqsFMt7f9w2YdXBt2Bd26h0-XBY3Phqb8DxulDyiZtBntTmR6OE0O/s320/Image_261216_101625_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We returned to Sylvan to find Drax gloating about how he sent the monsters to kill Logan and his father 10 years earlier; this is all told through some interesting voice acting</i></td></tr>
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Rumor of Logan's return and capture reached the resistance. Ethan came to his rescue, but unfortunately couldn't recover his equipment (royal gear never to be seen again). The game does well to give a lot of characters unique names, like Keith the Cobra who watches over the secret passage into the dungeon that Logan and Ethan emerged from, and Old Bob who sits in the bar reminiscing about the old days of King Corwin. Neither are relevant to know, but they're there just the same.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcKQHOkfgJcEA5AT1fP3xxH2ptiAb-31rnxYVlXvpf5og0X44w2evAVhqUYTSoDGFgTKD7mFyehbMv9fGqkGE28VnenUhcXCBBjZOA0CKsL6qvtsp7LhzUHVHF0afmF5AKHBvRyn0mo-k/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcKQHOkfgJcEA5AT1fP3xxH2ptiAb-31rnxYVlXvpf5og0X44w2evAVhqUYTSoDGFgTKD7mFyehbMv9fGqkGE28VnenUhcXCBBjZOA0CKsL6qvtsp7LhzUHVHF0afmF5AKHBvRyn0mo-k/s320/Image_261216_101625_00010.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There are a couple of times in the first chapter where the game breaks the fourth wall to tell the player to grind levels</i></td></tr>
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Aryn, Elias' brother, leads the resistance, and is thrilled to see Logan alive. He's assisted by Sonia in drawing up plans to overthrow Drax. The first step is to go to The Pits, a mining town where Drax forces the villages to dig up precious resources. Overtaking the commander there was easier said than done; even at level 8 and with Markus' help, a mage that offered to join me as soon as I reached level 6, we were no match for him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKg9GornychFUxlStdRn0xUfqS1BGklIa0c6yEZ6Evvv56hJxzctRSBAdxCSNnShREa50k70xv2S2DUp5eW87Aac2f2D5D4GCpSbtUuAA6eYBrvIXI2hwtSJslzDik1oYKmo3NHPe7rf2/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKg9GornychFUxlStdRn0xUfqS1BGklIa0c6yEZ6Evvv56hJxzctRSBAdxCSNnShREa50k70xv2S2DUp5eW87Aac2f2D5D4GCpSbtUuAA6eYBrvIXI2hwtSJslzDik1oYKmo3NHPe7rf2/s320/Image_261216_101625_00011.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I had to actually go to the next town beyond The Pits to gear up before beating him</i></td></tr>
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We freed the salves, and recruited Giles into the party from their ranks. Drax's forces fell quickly to the overwhelming militiamen assembled in the town of Revere. However, Drax escaped on a boat headed west. Chasing Drax out of Farlayne dispersed the monsters. Logan's mother, Sylvia, thanked and welcomed him home. Chapter 2: The Chase began with Logan receiving his birthright, the Doom's Tear -- a magical jewel with the power to destroy the world, before he set off in pursuit of Drax. No way that is going to end up in the wrong hands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw1rUNE6VhB7Ek3xuVa80RXRjTrQg5gDF3_B94r6Y5RxRfykwha1A36g7cv_q8sYOmPHBRVDy81y8XaUFEcqPlOG7aXzfdFuOxdn4mguhnonsu90HdvZqlSLOgZOJmq9dBl6NpXFpn4Zx/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00012.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizw1rUNE6VhB7Ek3xuVa80RXRjTrQg5gDF3_B94r6Y5RxRfykwha1A36g7cv_q8sYOmPHBRVDy81y8XaUFEcqPlOG7aXzfdFuOxdn4mguhnonsu90HdvZqlSLOgZOJmq9dBl6NpXFpn4Zx/s320/Image_261216_101625_00012.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We raided the treasury before chartering a boat from Nigel to Port Erik in Wyndgard</i></td></tr>
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Towns usually host an item shop, weapon shop, and place to rest, but some or all of these services could be missing. Scattered about the world are wise sages that teach new spells for free, but each character can only know a maximum of seven spells. Places to sleep, the only way to regain MP, are at a premium in some towns. In Port Erik, I needed to rescue a man's son in the nearby Red Cave before he'd offer the party a place to sleep. Every time we rested during chapter 2, a little bit of our money was stolen. Once I'd saved the son, Markus accused Giles (although it was hard to tell who was accusing whom since it was all voiced with no indication), and Giles ran off to find better things to do with his time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmBXIL4XwF721o9k7XIyPc5ddw7_LwIlU0jouPUrx6omvEg_mPeVB9Bf23GtUZ96NNjbpuvnaRBN17zBeAX1nXZG5i-IOvfCkS-W6dNQSXSVIctt7sagIs2BmMjeLebO4rW0OMtbYc9gx/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmBXIL4XwF721o9k7XIyPc5ddw7_LwIlU0jouPUrx6omvEg_mPeVB9Bf23GtUZ96NNjbpuvnaRBN17zBeAX1nXZG5i-IOvfCkS-W6dNQSXSVIctt7sagIs2BmMjeLebO4rW0OMtbYc9gx/s320/Image_261216_101625_00013.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The first mini-game in a console RPGs! There's no reward for it, but it's one of the hardest Othello/Reversi AI I've ever played (not that I'm a serious player)</i></td></tr>
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To the south I freed the besieged town of Fort Muir from an onslaught of imps. Someone named Danial spoke of Wyn Tower to the north where I might be able to find the Calm spell. It's a spell that creates a barrier that prevents everyone from casting spells. The man that ran the item shop decided to leave town to stake a claim in the town of Grimwulf. I then visited Grimwulf, and Rokberg beyond, but I found myself a bit stuck plot-wise as I couldn't find any clues about Drax. This is where the game took a bit of turn for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7t02tC1E2kwcNXHyYPo3gJkG29AyzWd_FwzXvulT7gjXNb5oOTlo3Fldet00kSsvbWRx4lMZ37NDAavA73drmzMK3Xp6G5mZ4wuC1iSjSr3_AlxDGDdTDxNYixLEPKt5thVbcQdTlCee/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00015.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7t02tC1E2kwcNXHyYPo3gJkG29AyzWd_FwzXvulT7gjXNb5oOTlo3Fldet00kSsvbWRx4lMZ37NDAavA73drmzMK3Xp6G5mZ4wuC1iSjSr3_AlxDGDdTDxNYixLEPKt5thVbcQdTlCee/s320/Image_261216_101625_00015.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To progress I had to randomly return to Fort Muir after visiting Grimwulf, for no good reason</i></td></tr>
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So began the search for the hidden plot triggers. I returned to Grimwulf to find Drax had taken over. I tried to take him out, but was overwhelmed by his Coma 4 spell, which has 100% of knocking a party member unconscious. Status effects are useful only to enemies as things like venom knock the target unconscious after a number of turns rather than damage, and by then I'd have killed them through straight damage. Damaging spells aren't much better as they're a fixed amount adjusted by elemental weaknesses. Drax's speed allowed him to cast it twice before I could react. Losing is a scripted event the first time that moved the plot along. I knew what I needed, the Calm spell from Wyn Tower. However, the place was locked, along with another cave in the area. I scoured the land, but came up empty handed. Eventually, I fell to talking to everybody in every town until I found the one man who could help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc0jEVa8Ubjzl0s7gfXqqkK2YHg8hkhvnooWD-q7hKoVDZ9r5tWf0uT96jneD5FuG3Yaru0Ri_pWJLFs-hFjRkGJA8DXMJfYRPpo3SsNievBHuQ1IMDGJww9KVMh4lB1qyvIx3TKQFGFQ/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00021.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc0jEVa8Ubjzl0s7gfXqqkK2YHg8hkhvnooWD-q7hKoVDZ9r5tWf0uT96jneD5FuG3Yaru0Ri_pWJLFs-hFjRkGJA8DXMJfYRPpo3SsNievBHuQ1IMDGJww9KVMh4lB1qyvIx3TKQFGFQ/s320/Image_261216_101625_00021.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No thanks, I don't need any items, oh wait...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two hours after the Drax incident, I finally found the previous shop owner of Fort Muir had returned as a locksmith. I'd spent so much time in combat that I eventually turned on the auto-battle system. The number of options here are pretty amazing for a game of this era. A basic auto-attack, plus auto-healing and limitations on spell use and item use give it a fair amount of depth. I left the auto-healing on for most of the game, which is independent of the auto-attacking. I used some clay to make a mold for the key, and returned to town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjiPZdivvO8KrcflpWhgW6AdWZmQ7ciXkECkMh3PVHk7dDVaiG32LNajUXrR4Sxz_jjmbArGdW3pI_vfEEwgcLvC6cU6yuZqFZgTb7pQD9KBEHEjRdzN4rVAozsdG9Uut7Zq8ZFgA1Iyl/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjiPZdivvO8KrcflpWhgW6AdWZmQ7ciXkECkMh3PVHk7dDVaiG32LNajUXrR4Sxz_jjmbArGdW3pI_vfEEwgcLvC6cU6yuZqFZgTb7pQD9KBEHEjRdzN4rVAozsdG9Uut7Zq8ZFgA1Iyl/s320/Image_261216_101625_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm sure nothing will happen between now and then</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the morning, Markus was gone, and so was the Doom's Tear as well as the key to Wyn Tower. We raced off, but were too late. The inscription beyond the door detailing the Calm spell was marred and undecipherable. We'd been betrayed. All seemed lost, until Giles showed up. He'd been tailing us since he left, and managed to follow Markus into the tower. He pulled out the missing chunk of tablet. With it fitted into place, the party learned the Calm spell. A single casting of the spell sent Drax running; however, the townspeople were still missing. Even with a rather explicit clue it took at least an hour to realize I could push a table to reveal a staircase below the town. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElU54KhEc6O9Y_OiIPKJCboHAco6PkPd3kssyhEvjpcn7HsOIUvcNDoNJqjuMr3o4o7nnw77l9zuTQyKQT0-QJkKl-yT8iTKzkB2iKIS77p3I_UfQgcr1HvZ4lZSTRY08UfPIgg_8xs1d/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00024.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElU54KhEc6O9Y_OiIPKJCboHAco6PkPd3kssyhEvjpcn7HsOIUvcNDoNJqjuMr3o4o7nnw77l9zuTQyKQT0-QJkKl-yT8iTKzkB2iKIS77p3I_UfQgcr1HvZ4lZSTRY08UfPIgg_8xs1d/s320/Image_261216_101625_00024.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I didn't catch on that I had pushed the cabinet as well</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along with the others we found Markus beaten and bruised. He was paid to retrieve the Doom's Tear, but as soon as he handed it over, Drax beat him senseless without pay. While he recovered, the party chased Drax's trail to Rokberg to the north. The mayor's brother Matthew was said to live there. When we found him though, he was acting strangely, and everything seemed peaceful. Reporting this to the mayor of Grimwulf was the key to finding out Matthew has a scar on his left hand. Confronting the Matthew we found in Rokburg blew open the ruse that monsters had taken over, posed as people. We found the missing townspeople in the basement of the castle, and learned of a hermit that could help us gain access to Strom, the monster general.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BHvug_JBlpteWhaxliCUO-jxSQ3ZrE159lPLD18bpo76VJ6okIJeDtpKR6eiiB0PT-LlShj3JJponod9fQOApTf0WsPoecQz-ECFQwMErTqzGWpgID43PZTh4cKfgT7ljorttR3KsEIc/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00029.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BHvug_JBlpteWhaxliCUO-jxSQ3ZrE159lPLD18bpo76VJ6okIJeDtpKR6eiiB0PT-LlShj3JJponod9fQOApTf0WsPoecQz-ECFQwMErTqzGWpgID43PZTh4cKfgT7ljorttR3KsEIc/s320/Image_261216_101625_00029.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Getting to Strom required I remove all my equipment to pass through his doorway, described as a reverse magnet... Of course, I carried them through and put them right back on on the other side</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chapter 3 began as Drax once again made a hasty retreat. I'm still not sure how we kept letting him escape. King Rowan chartered a boat to Norland. It first stopped in Fort Muir where we picked up Sonia to fill in Markus' slot. Honestly, he didn't really fit in with the rest of the five letter named party. During our journey we were waylaid by pirates. They demanded we surrender.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq188UH_K-t5MjZJK85ebZtHzXB4pjtxREnd7QvyE-CDxbLbJggx74cm5Zk6mmaix3YenE2I8Yg-3V6o1v-rqkUbeeeehFmONcHPAi71lxJbSzHy-i6bR3U-z7zIqH69L78_q4ohtY_KQ/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00030.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq188UH_K-t5MjZJK85ebZtHzXB4pjtxREnd7QvyE-CDxbLbJggx74cm5Zk6mmaix3YenE2I8Yg-3V6o1v-rqkUbeeeehFmONcHPAi71lxJbSzHy-i6bR3U-z7zIqH69L78_q4ohtY_KQ/s320/Image_261216_101625_00030.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This eventually repeated after refusing to surrender for the 10th time</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Captain Morgan and Mr. Sneed oversaw the pirates cove of Skullrock. Luckily he knew Giles, otherwise we'd be slaves of the pirates. Since Fort Nors was roaming with monsters, we set out for Red Pier instead. Before heading off, Morgan fed us the red-gill fish, said to be prized for their aptitude at swallowing treasure from the bottom of the sea. There wasn't an item shop here; however, the pirates liked to play a game that rewarded items. Consecutive wins rewarded better items. I never won past the fifth, and I wonder how varied the items become. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQNcXhO870HwIe4Oq74JZPTzszP7MqQJRjqffBE4RpJbtijQYC9BRKjP9zoCN8OSaaMWasrDSYSoMluBY9SqlisilMKyKCFKj5Uz8eB6ixogYESVzO52PCChjp2hAXDLwtUama_HeI7Pt/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00031.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQNcXhO870HwIe4Oq74JZPTzszP7MqQJRjqffBE4RpJbtijQYC9BRKjP9zoCN8OSaaMWasrDSYSoMluBY9SqlisilMKyKCFKj5Uz8eB6ixogYESVzO52PCChjp2hAXDLwtUama_HeI7Pt/s320/Image_261216_101625_00031.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The second mini-game is a game of chance, and completely random</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Norland was facing a terrible time since monsters invaded. The royal family here consists of three brothers. King Magnus was crowned yet fled at the sight of the monsters. Prince Hanz took over and charged outrageous taxes. The last brother left many years ago. Well it's time for a family reunion. It turns out that Ethan is actually Prince Evan, and everyone assumes he's returned to set things right. The party found King Magnus in the city of Vonheim hiding away from the invasion. At our arrival, he appointed Evan/Ethan the royal emissary to handle the situation. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IYtPn5-h1sC9SVc1UKGHvCy-GOEyVR1-PI3-uS2W18XtVVtkm2PVIcyX-WLhchPaISn68czO1CAqaI79S48OhJQTHexC-MmgSAk2iV4MqEfJ7VDw-zHeRL8Y8X3k2QBfJrguyymQWFkt/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00034.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IYtPn5-h1sC9SVc1UKGHvCy-GOEyVR1-PI3-uS2W18XtVVtkm2PVIcyX-WLhchPaISn68czO1CAqaI79S48OhJQTHexC-MmgSAk2iV4MqEfJ7VDw-zHeRL8Y8X3k2QBfJrguyymQWFkt/s320/Image_261216_101625_00034.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We had a strong talking to with Prince Hans and Lord Liston, and they decided to stop their evil ways</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a bit of a trip around the continent, stopping at Port Nors, then at Samantha the dragon priestess' hut, we finally found Hans and Liston in the town of Levy sitting on their ill-gotten gains. One of those pieces of treasure was Samantha's special stone called the Seeker Heart, which allowed her to seal the power in the Port Nors drawing the monsters to the town. With the monsters banished, Port Nors returned to normal; however, Castle Darkheim remained overwhelmed by monsters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAONKilxn9IqFYjanXWUbcCHQT5OOWQUmnhvq6OWPViiO6I6suHzYK05Detbh1vDYy4Gn3-owApGZ8zgCKeOtg7niREjSbtmBQTquMvq_sG_w3sgMY2NxRd-QrPd4ATe5jK9YoTXuyMg5m/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00036.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAONKilxn9IqFYjanXWUbcCHQT5OOWQUmnhvq6OWPViiO6I6suHzYK05Detbh1vDYy4Gn3-owApGZ8zgCKeOtg7niREjSbtmBQTquMvq_sG_w3sgMY2NxRd-QrPd4ATe5jK9YoTXuyMg5m/s320/Image_261216_101625_00036.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No way could I fight through all of these, plus they seem to constantly respawn</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To move the plot along once again required a number of hoops. First, we had to return to Vonheim to find Magnus kidnapped, and the monsters required the Doom's Eye in exchange. That item was sealed in the royal tomb, but the key was stolen by raiders. So we paid a visit to Morgan who said he threw it overboard near Port Nors. It was obvious to me I needed to find a fisherman that might have fished up a red-gill, but I couldn't find one until I found one man in Red Pier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI-SYflmGDjgQMtbErpyQLvNNsyYrd4PS_sknwZtw-16-yXPtgkZABo6DdPZCqTzZJoCF0Ivt56AfceDFmg3Q8f1YpC17c50V7cmSIZT6pnnIXStkn-Bze-D6TOCAt1uZzx93j4DEGtDP/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00040.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI-SYflmGDjgQMtbErpyQLvNNsyYrd4PS_sknwZtw-16-yXPtgkZABo6DdPZCqTzZJoCF0Ivt56AfceDFmg3Q8f1YpC17c50V7cmSIZT6pnnIXStkn-Bze-D6TOCAt1uZzx93j4DEGtDP/s320/Image_261216_101625_00040.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I must have walked by this guy three or four times without talking to him, but it's hard to keep track of the NPCs as they always walk about and rarely change what they say</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, back on track, I found Carlos and the key, although he wouldn't give it to me. Ethan described the Sun Stone set the in key, but it didn't have it. Morgan was tight lipped about it, but obviously he held on to it. To get it back we had to find his mother Helga, who smacked some sense into him. The stone set perfectly into the key, which opened the door in the tomb, and allowed the party to retrieve the Doom's Eye. We arrived in Darkheim to confront the monster commander, named Girius. Like most bosses, he went down without much of a fight. Quite possibly due to the extra levels I'd gained from all aimless wandering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-IKJ95hkI-02t8RsK6-NL-ZTGNCnp2gZsZxz88VQtOAhmWbgKyC9hypyozGwrLGu27iclWabLO3u1CDLiyBCZPSP9nk_rx7XdqnjwBERsvWDLoTy-wPdEUnLe-7OYzNUetmyMfQryuDm/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00044.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-IKJ95hkI-02t8RsK6-NL-ZTGNCnp2gZsZxz88VQtOAhmWbgKyC9hypyozGwrLGu27iclWabLO3u1CDLiyBCZPSP9nk_rx7XdqnjwBERsvWDLoTy-wPdEUnLe-7OYzNUetmyMfQryuDm/s320/Image_261216_101625_00044.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>About as useless as the bosses are the priests overseeing the churches</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The localization is a bit of a joke. The translators inserted a lot of pop-culture references, but they stick out like a sore thumb, and Heinlen is one of the least obvious. Running into Wilma, Fred, Barnie, and Betty makes me wonder what else may have been altered from the original world building. I'd almost assume this was a Working Designs translation, but their name is nowhere on the game. Back to the story, Morgan took ill, and exchanged some explosives for some Nitro from Darkheim's hospital. The explosives allowed the party to blow through the cave leading to Sordis. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1hgyEVY-STUpKwseQaxB7UsX6CwYJakWq4c_vd0vTT03l013jX9WpXP1d3u9TMkkS9ClDGX0xuwpZ4Me2CI0EQQN8PJnLrBfbg1xQ9y9l1NELt2nYkLq6AY3cuhj84kSF6gTJza7kKtD/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00048.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1hgyEVY-STUpKwseQaxB7UsX6CwYJakWq4c_vd0vTT03l013jX9WpXP1d3u9TMkkS9ClDGX0xuwpZ4Me2CI0EQQN8PJnLrBfbg1xQ9y9l1NELt2nYkLq6AY3cuhj84kSF6gTJza7kKtD/s320/Image_261216_101625_00048.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's funny, looking back through my videos and noticing when exactly I walked right past a key NPC to advance the plot (I circled the building and didn't notice her wandering outside)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Castle Havlok was enthralled by a dancer called Sandra. Even the king was bewitched, and wouldn't give us an audience. Cardis was a sleepy little town to the north with a dragon farm, and a lazy dog that liked burying round things. A gypsy camp to the west by an oasis sold many suspicious looking items such as Midas Shoes for a single gold coin, and a sponge for 30,000. Port Sord housed a famous inventor named Isaac who was working on a flying contraption. What it really lacked though was a plot point I could wrap my hands around. That is, until I ran into that one NPC I missed the first time through Havlok, the queen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQM6HPPCVQXRZTvKrYNh9NzlyMTDju7ltxOV1hrhFWXtD5VUswwLs_1UjlQFLxLtnI2tPsJv2K0amVkCtxokBaaKLvolam5guhxKVw0EkJi8aJEoFbI0fgPbQxqOqRpU94-UNuUbuiX-rw/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00050.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQM6HPPCVQXRZTvKrYNh9NzlyMTDju7ltxOV1hrhFWXtD5VUswwLs_1UjlQFLxLtnI2tPsJv2K0amVkCtxokBaaKLvolam5guhxKVw0EkJi8aJEoFbI0fgPbQxqOqRpU94-UNuUbuiX-rw/s320/Image_261216_101625_00050.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monsters actually wander around invisible until an item called a tele-lens is used</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Queen Clair told Logan that Drax was beyond the dance party blocking the door. A dark beast named Naja seemed to be driving Drax towards darkness, but someone named Jessie in Cardis would know more. Jessie said Naja was an evil dragon that at one time was bent on destroying the world. Back at the castle the lady in waiting suggested we enter through the roof. I spoke to everyone in town again, and then left to Port Sord where I was sure Isaac could help out. He called his design perfect, but didn't have a strong enough material to withstand the stronger winds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrypIeqG0FZQT9g7PwmhjgpaKAxNQk6TPHOQ8J1QgDeTh-OT277JC68-boicv3NayMGIJS8ddJrbhUJ7yS-06rE08hMlLhkL6I3-s3FXzJi0Gy6nbtzOVrERuYItCIJ72Lf_ZzBHuasuN0/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00051.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrypIeqG0FZQT9g7PwmhjgpaKAxNQk6TPHOQ8J1QgDeTh-OT277JC68-boicv3NayMGIJS8ddJrbhUJ7yS-06rE08hMlLhkL6I3-s3FXzJi0Gy6nbtzOVrERuYItCIJ72Lf_ZzBHuasuN0/s320/Image_261216_101625_00051.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well that's convenient, isn't it?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Long story short, I wondered around a bit more, found a newly laid dragon egg missing, dug it up near where the dog sleeps, and then it hatched thinking Logan was his mother. Cambell was so grateful that he prepared the dragoncloth for the party, and we used that to launch the glider off Jin Tower, to the east of Havlok. The flight was successful, and the party faced off against Sandra who bewitched (confusion) everyone except Sonia. Drax fled again, this time with Princess Mica in tow, but challenged Logan to a one-on-one battle at the Hollow Cavern. Logan unwittingly believed he'd honor the request, and told the rest of the party to wait in Havlok.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA3qxpGt64UuY5-f7UHLO_WAvQfTVTDD9X-hm_mbRiBGNVrGDp0aeYwFOgZ7eFDGLhEh-Y9fx-2Y-fXHBhUnQegn0KvpBLgD5TE491wIdACqrkQlSstRsk_E6R8NTVI3fEyb0p6TrPtqp/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00052.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA3qxpGt64UuY5-f7UHLO_WAvQfTVTDD9X-hm_mbRiBGNVrGDp0aeYwFOgZ7eFDGLhEh-Y9fx-2Y-fXHBhUnQegn0KvpBLgD5TE491wIdACqrkQlSstRsk_E6R8NTVI3fEyb0p6TrPtqp/s320/Image_261216_101625_00052.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You've chosen poorly... magic doesn't work in the Hollow and neither does Drax's warp wing</i></td></tr>
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After the battle with Drax, a random flunky of Naja's named Damius showed up to ambush Logan. Strangely, magic worked during that battle, and luckily the rest of the party decided flying solo wasn't the best idea. Mica was still missing though, and as we reported back, the chapter changed to 5 and a man showed up that suggested she might be at the oasis. The camp was deserted, so we took a boat north to Mortavia. A land full of thieves, we bumped into so many that stole 10 whole gold pieces. We blew past Port Mor, Cape Via, and Acadia without much incident: some rumors of girls being kidnapped, and a possible sighting of Mica in Ghilan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-xwv5gv5-R0E-wXfv2pO5rJm8XVEyrlCsX5g_TLoe45hC9W0OcnBw3hQ_l_xRI468BDOsaCMARAcXHnhheEWo5HEclztD2I4JAheHunnzKVq0564L4c5UXMkID7k_eviGGnMH9YE91mm/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00055.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-xwv5gv5-R0E-wXfv2pO5rJm8XVEyrlCsX5g_TLoe45hC9W0OcnBw3hQ_l_xRI468BDOsaCMARAcXHnhheEWo5HEclztD2I4JAheHunnzKVq0564L4c5UXMkID7k_eviGGnMH9YE91mm/s320/Image_261216_101625_00055.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turns out Giles is the long lost grandson of the bandit leader Big Giles, and to win his freedom has to complete a simple task</i></td></tr>
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Actually, whether or not Giles manages to obtain the Silver Horn, the story plays out just the same. Giles is forced to agree to take over the business, but goes back on his word in the end. Big Giles and his boys escort Mica back home while the rest of the party investigates some beast named Gaius at The Tower (confirmed they ran out of names) near Karkus. We delivered some sleep mist to an insomniac, but didn't find much else we could do at the tower. Back in Ghilan we found old man Giles in bed badly beaten. He told us he was ambushed on his way to Sordis, and Mica was missing once again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqANfupHWkkpk3TmIcUj47PuTtBPTy0fz2JDtS2y3RGWSY_xp2lR3ogPibxi8KNJyZkfRUapttqiLYaabhvJS3IDUKfY0t5bozp_O7U7W8j1kRFffeZFEKCTgRJ246rY_jL-tW7mbR3WL/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00056.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqANfupHWkkpk3TmIcUj47PuTtBPTy0fz2JDtS2y3RGWSY_xp2lR3ogPibxi8KNJyZkfRUapttqiLYaabhvJS3IDUKfY0t5bozp_O7U7W8j1kRFffeZFEKCTgRJ246rY_jL-tW7mbR3WL/s320/Image_261216_101625_00056.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's nice when finding the plot is this easy</i></td></tr>
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The gold card they were fighting over is used to access the doors at The Tower. We followed the Prime Minister of Karkus up there with his army. They were overwhelmed, and ran, but we held off the spectres. The Prime Minister retrieved the gold card during the battle, and gave it to the party in exchange for our help. Colin, an archaeologist in Acadia wanted the card to help explore The Tower. We escorted him there only to lead him into the clutches of Gaius. Before we were attacked, he managed to decipher some documents that described a Light Elevator and a control unit in Dog Tooth Gallery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ9LIgYGE2umpMjBHR_udGFZOE_7GO8F_18Yt9-Q_fErTM_DeqCp5ZbmyJj1EeZqOaacRnaEgNFbEwvC1sPhe8bgWLsM5R9HffoNwMEsnGF4D7CmKh4h3paL4r755s8hfY3d2uY2_lFtu/s1600/Image_261216_101625_00058.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ9LIgYGE2umpMjBHR_udGFZOE_7GO8F_18Yt9-Q_fErTM_DeqCp5ZbmyJj1EeZqOaacRnaEgNFbEwvC1sPhe8bgWLsM5R9HffoNwMEsnGF4D7CmKh4h3paL4r755s8hfY3d2uY2_lFtu/s320/Image_261216_101625_00058.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't you see, it's so simple, we can reuse the same quest item for something completely different and make the player retrieve it a second time</i></td></tr>
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Whether successfully retrieved or not, the Silver Horn was back in its resting place inside the Wolfjaw Cave. Before getting it back, I successfully scaled The Tower and rescued Princess Mica. None of the other kidnapped girls seemed to be around. In fact, it's possible they all died because they still didn't show up after defeating Gaius. We met up with Markus, Isaac, and Daniel on our way out, and they agreed to take Mica back to safety. With no way to the fifth floor, I finally managed to piece together that the silver horn was back in the cave rather than another missing obscure plot point. Gaius was in a trance, communicating with Naja. His spirit returned as we inspected his body, so the party had a limited time to take him out before he regained his power.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRlXE1yr2RkWa4huh8ZVh_f9oQMgjxNujTDOD5XCA0H_IXKN8fXa8InYR_b4-3PF4HAAUp1JU14Wr_ID631sutwDjICyd4Nd3XxEx14iHzTwr1AdW00kI4oZj0KrpXIltoPp97i8_DjFk/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00002.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRlXE1yr2RkWa4huh8ZVh_f9oQMgjxNujTDOD5XCA0H_IXKN8fXa8InYR_b4-3PF4HAAUp1JU14Wr_ID631sutwDjICyd4Nd3XxEx14iHzTwr1AdW00kI4oZj0KrpXIltoPp97i8_DjFk/s320/Image_271216_093925_00002.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If the battle goes on for too long, he merges and is nearly unstoppable</i></td></tr>
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Dying in battle gives two options, restart the fight or restart in town with the loss of HP and MP. Running is always an option, and as far as I could tell always successful. Gaius went down after two attempts, and the final chapter began with the hunt for an ultimate weapon called Sword Blaze. Colin, the archaeologist and also revealed as Giles' father, helped decipher an ancient book once we resolved some trouble in the prison community of Doomkeep and Jagri Pit. Strangely, there weren't any enemies left in the overworld, or in the cave, so it was a lot of running around triggering dialogue, one of the easiest parts of the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV4u5_BHqkiMPvVYOhLBHXKgDetiU1Z0rCVZd4NhqtXr4Wmu5__US2g5vJ7yjUCSC_AFNdmgCw4oAKxSfM6W2_HZVPA9erlaIQLAIfxArMJC8rO3Yoh4TpZpz3MoQKOMeEX9zgDdhm0Fj/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00006.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV4u5_BHqkiMPvVYOhLBHXKgDetiU1Z0rCVZd4NhqtXr4Wmu5__US2g5vJ7yjUCSC_AFNdmgCw4oAKxSfM6W2_HZVPA9erlaIQLAIfxArMJC8rO3Yoh4TpZpz3MoQKOMeEX9zgDdhm0Fj/s320/Image_271216_093925_00006.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The only weapons that can damage Naja are "Lazers"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Colins described Naja's lair as an impenetrable island that no ship could reach. As luck would have it, my dragon was grown up enough to fly the party anywhere in the world. I stopped by a few places to stock up on Nitros and Elixirs, and also found an island called Hiddenbay with every spell in the game (well, every available spell, Coma4 is still missing). The final dungeon was a maze of staircases filled with enemies, some whose only weakness was magic, which I'd unfortunately completely replaced with status effect spells since I hadn't been using them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh6xTaiIq0gbwEc9lXVIqQLKanFA5IvdEUcjcUbrehIJFf8aKkAqk_1Ow1nmvfe38KLeQyoM3LTn6fzAuc00lcmiwuNVfg8TKMSIt9AIIA2B6O4gLYBAS-RriZvfoWWPFg4QXi6TqnHEo/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00007.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh6xTaiIq0gbwEc9lXVIqQLKanFA5IvdEUcjcUbrehIJFf8aKkAqk_1Ow1nmvfe38KLeQyoM3LTn6fzAuc00lcmiwuNVfg8TKMSIt9AIIA2B6O4gLYBAS-RriZvfoWWPFg4QXi6TqnHEo/s320/Image_271216_093925_00007.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I also forgot torches, the only light source in the game</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I spent a lot of time maneuvering around enemies I couldn't kill, and wandering around in pitch blackness. In the middle of all of this, I came to find out that the Nitros and Elixirs I'd saved up were in fact completely useless. They're described in the manual as a full HP and HP+MP restore, respectively, but whenever I used either it merely stated, "no effect." I'm not sure if they're bugged, or I was using them wrong. This made the battle against Naja much more difficult. I should have stocked up on potions and mage fruit instead. In fact, I considered reloading my save outside the dungeon to do just that after the third failed attempt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTf0keY4ZFiourc7yrGFVVl4dP8_TBekJMx55JeWWf8ducYt0UkyXUjVBusRGrITgi-f6V5tjW9Xg_MCNg6lkcv7PgZLRS4wqQsQSahkQxpfqUSvydqsJGP6tP0qE5e9DMzTlLYyS9HUC/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00009.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTf0keY4ZFiourc7yrGFVVl4dP8_TBekJMx55JeWWf8ducYt0UkyXUjVBusRGrITgi-f6V5tjW9Xg_MCNg6lkcv7PgZLRS4wqQsQSahkQxpfqUSvydqsJGP6tP0qE5e9DMzTlLYyS9HUC/s320/Image_271216_093925_00009.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Something about putting repel on Ethan made him a big target for all the ineffective spells</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The key to winning this battle was to keep him busy targeting Ethan while the rest of the party buffed up. I managed to get a few potions from the regular enemy drops, and cast calm during the battle. I guess the game is kind of broken for letting me mute the final boss. As Naja fell, he proclaimed to be nature's last defense against the overwhelming influence of humans over the land. With his reign at an end, Logan felt maybe they had done a terrible thing. Ethan suggested that it was now in their hands, all humankind, to take care not to upset the balance of nature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n4yw7C8kqToa46m_g565oGqsJUzSTALIv1wQtCJc6oddiEdMo2-w5miMP_FpiN7Hujb-v8i6KHuPr5My5AQvrgNe04L1Tj38irqB8mpsSFGVi5oP2qNDjkSgxAkt5PWXbCwgxjXd6LYR/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00016.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n4yw7C8kqToa46m_g565oGqsJUzSTALIv1wQtCJc6oddiEdMo2-w5miMP_FpiN7Hujb-v8i6KHuPr5My5AQvrgNe04L1Tj38irqB8mpsSFGVi5oP2qNDjkSgxAkt5PWXbCwgxjXd6LYR/s320/Image_271216_093925_00016.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ha, ha, like that's going to happen</i></td></tr>
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I wonder how often someone was inspired or even listened to these end of game words of wisdom. I've noticed them in a number of games now. It seems to me that they'd fall on deaf ears as kids are elated to just have beaten the game. Does anyone remember any endings like this that really moved them?<br />
<br />
<u>Elapsed Time</u>: 19<b>h</b>33<b>m</b> (<u>Final Time</u>: 19<b>h</b>33<b>m</b>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbEaQXeJHPL2x3uGBUK_I-ji0PZ4n5hwPXgvLzdcKeXJD673F3bmswo5M3UNRwTMJ2YWF0KvedFthpE0v_H1ji77ooHoQBxvmNjdBzPWe6nfBvAJQ8tDjL5A8Ay7ASvJI7NhWixW__Q7y/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00037.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbEaQXeJHPL2x3uGBUK_I-ji0PZ4n5hwPXgvLzdcKeXJD673F3bmswo5M3UNRwTMJ2YWF0KvedFthpE0v_H1ji77ooHoQBxvmNjdBzPWe6nfBvAJQ8tDjL5A8Ay7ASvJI7NhWixW__Q7y/s320/Image_271216_093925_00037.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh yeah, and Logan married or reunited with Princess Mica; it's not really clear which</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Combatant </b>- I glossed over much of the combat because it's a standard fare of attack, defend (remains useless across many games), over priced magic, and items. Possibly due to wandering around lost too often, I was generally overpowered and breezed through them. Rewards are well balanced though, and levels come often. There are some item drops, but many went unnoticed. This isn't a game to play for deep strategy as the auto-combat can take care of most battles.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJxLiUvPlGscNljLo3gdBGj1MgmXs8YtlIoaj6C8f2LofOWIwT1kgC0zAtWvPNy_fzQCiRLlXE8dsg7NhVhp0P-C3nYdgu1pDejcedivLXdrPvt5et1zasB6xRRO54P4f54zCeUatAa43/s1600/Image_191216_194700_00019.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJxLiUvPlGscNljLo3gdBGj1MgmXs8YtlIoaj6C8f2LofOWIwT1kgC0zAtWvPNy_fzQCiRLlXE8dsg7NhVhp0P-C3nYdgu1pDejcedivLXdrPvt5et1zasB6xRRO54P4f54zCeUatAa43/s320/Image_191216_194700_00019.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sadly the cutscenes were limited to intro and endings</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Admirer </b>- The ability to customize each character any way you want is the only reason I could recommend this game. Although Sonia comes into the party as a well balanced mage, there's nothing stopping her from becoming a fighter (although she's better off as a mage). Even though any character can learn any spell, it's the MP available that dictates if a character can use it. Allowing the game to automatically assign points is wasteful as it'll dump points into intelligence even on fighters. I focused Logan on strength and speed, Ethan in strength and luck with some intelligence for healing, Sonia and Markus had nearly everything dumped into intelligence with some speed and luck, and Giles had moderate strength with high speed and luck. It was a good mix.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>6</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3VVNIf5aUtqP31KSwzRjuDL4dAUlolbNa91gS13RGoI5o7IVoU-3EX3R96q-U7IH-POqxDkWqH8Ku9uKRrcsI8UHzfVOO6hMfRIqVJsu-70Ap7ZcU9YkedmGKzvDcoFjrxydSJW9Ou74/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00023.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3VVNIf5aUtqP31KSwzRjuDL4dAUlolbNa91gS13RGoI5o7IVoU-3EX3R96q-U7IH-POqxDkWqH8Ku9uKRrcsI8UHzfVOO6hMfRIqVJsu-70Ap7ZcU9YkedmGKzvDcoFjrxydSJW9Ou74/s320/Image_271216_093925_00023.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Art and graphics were separated in the credits, but I'm not sure which is which</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Puzzler </b>- Although the main quest got away from me a few times, I have to give credit for including some non-combat scenarios and actual mini-games (even though the rewards were lacking). There's only a single painful path through the main quest, although Wolfjaw did allow Giles to fail to obtain the silver horn the first time and keep the game going forward. Unfortunately, the Othello/Reversi game gets locked out once the third chapter starts. It would have been nice to play again without starting a new game.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYRHQreeYu0-HV1rvKmrnZAMGUXF88tp8OWzQT7ZdR4KBnHfI7DbnDv40F-hfZ-U4PtfG0zedFiUEltMyR1rx3edFQUw4zdZwMucT0tRoI_OD7WGLvZfM3jHesr1Pf0TvHRTFvRWK4SjH/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00027.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYRHQreeYu0-HV1rvKmrnZAMGUXF88tp8OWzQT7ZdR4KBnHfI7DbnDv40F-hfZ-U4PtfG0zedFiUEltMyR1rx3edFQUw4zdZwMucT0tRoI_OD7WGLvZfM3jHesr1Pf0TvHRTFvRWK4SjH/s320/Image_271216_093925_00027.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm a bit sad that I couldn't work some sample of the unique voice acting into the blog</i></td></tr>
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<b>Instigator </b>- The story had some nice twist and turns, and the previous towns changed their tune with each new development. Deep descriptions were definitely lacking. It wasn't clear why Drax was doing what he was doing beyond his initial grasp for power. From taking over Farlayne, to settling on the small town of Grimwulf felt like a step down. The Doom's Tear and Doom's Eye were keys to unlocking the Lazer weapons, but the Doom Key was stolen and never spoken of again. For all his bluster, Naja just sat back letting his flunkies stumble about with no pretext about why he was hiding away. I also didn't feel like an integral part of the story as I progressed through it, and the one dialogue option was a thinly veiled "but thou must."<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryh4l8d0xThtDEoAPGKl3D4qxR4n58Z9U33g-n6rrWY2OLDr_LvmYwxpPCq9VdlRoyF2y5Q6L5b9pLyvd1GSbcrGlEIChCeFWVX7KhdPgxAQWOXIz-CS82sEKwJf4U4SvkYwyLI4CewL-/s1600/Image_191216_194700_00022.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryh4l8d0xThtDEoAPGKl3D4qxR4n58Z9U33g-n6rrWY2OLDr_LvmYwxpPCq9VdlRoyF2y5Q6L5b9pLyvd1GSbcrGlEIChCeFWVX7KhdPgxAQWOXIz-CS82sEKwJf4U4SvkYwyLI4CewL-/s320/Image_191216_194700_00022.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Like how Sonia is voiced by a sassy black woman</i></td></tr>
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<b>Collector </b>- There are actually a lot of completely useless items in the game (not counting the supposedly useful yet bugged elixirs), but nowhere to store them. Also, trying to afford them while they're available is nearly impossible. Especially, the trader in Nigel that always seems to have sold out all items to Drax. The economy grows outrageously large, but even with all the over-grinding I couldn't afford to fully deck out my party with the best available prior to going through the last dungeon. Other than rods, which had a special attacks, every piece of equipment merely has an attack or defense stat.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>3</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyCWZBbEuURw83iM8Zfzai30mOnspqAXMR6DiJMNhyphenhyphenlc2ARERnMIRGmANMrNYCdqz49vdnVFdfKrPzeMEY_KLZUmrGuR557NgplcgttVyik7okGEoJfTNMd-l9Om1p49j3Q3T7v90PFbX/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00025.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyCWZBbEuURw83iM8Zfzai30mOnspqAXMR6DiJMNhyphenhyphenlc2ARERnMIRGmANMrNYCdqz49vdnVFdfKrPzeMEY_KLZUmrGuR557NgplcgttVyik7okGEoJfTNMd-l9Om1p49j3Q3T7v90PFbX/s320/Image_271216_093925_00025.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I suppose these are the people to thank and blame for the Beatles and Flintstones references</i></td></tr>
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<b>Explorer </b>- Even with the dated graphics, the I felt the game was comparable to other 16-bit games. The music is exceptionally well done. The world itself is fun to explore even if there are few areas to discover outside the necessary quest event locations. Once the world completely opened with the acquisition of the dragon, there's only the sage island to provide additional variety, which only acts as a central location for all spells. The world remains open throughout, and revisiting past locations is a nice way of looking back on what has been accomplished.<br />
<u>Rating</u>: <b>5</b><br />
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u>: <b>25</b> [42%]<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnCHiyLukrX-tMjosJN5eVRDhDMpmWXKZ-ohnBSzj5YWm9nB9_Ez2uM3Dk766ygJTxukqa_etlvS9ac8o1JVLlgQG_0qUc375t3vnGWluvwAPEMJ210eGVEP5BfHoWX0ch-gPl_kK5wnI/s1600/Image_271216_093925_00035.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnCHiyLukrX-tMjosJN5eVRDhDMpmWXKZ-ohnBSzj5YWm9nB9_Ez2uM3Dk766ygJTxukqa_etlvS9ac8o1JVLlgQG_0qUc375t3vnGWluvwAPEMJ210eGVEP5BfHoWX0ch-gPl_kK5wnI/s320/Image_271216_093925_00035.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Well that makes it all worth it... I guess in the end we did slay a dragon</i></td></tr>
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While playing, I was reminded of Traysia in a way: how the game was split between chapters, and the magic system played little importance to combat. Although, it has those same traits in common with Cosmic Fantasy 2. High cost magic seems like a theme of TurboGrafx and Genesis RPGs. It would have been nice to track this series across the many iterations, but it wasn't meant to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrThGvuiGCNYkKqfI7xR2cksHTaE_3NQEX6kb9_TgZgLch3qzi-Rqil1sQ_KIIUlXRSWkbI3tKfADkoDqIKhOprEo_aCLtmjdlGQtiisOMK1ul1iylKb4R5jtk08czTh-Nfxv_wOsZsdl/s1600/Image_191216_194700_00001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrThGvuiGCNYkKqfI7xR2cksHTaE_3NQEX6kb9_TgZgLch3qzi-Rqil1sQ_KIIUlXRSWkbI3tKfADkoDqIKhOprEo_aCLtmjdlGQtiisOMK1ul1iylKb4R5jtk08czTh-Nfxv_wOsZsdl/s320/Image_191216_194700_00001.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There's three different title screens in this game</i></td></tr>
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In other news, I seem to have successfully repaired my TurboDuo. It survived a 20 hour RPG without a single blip in the CD quality audio. The A/V cable is still a bit loose, but I can manage through that. Next up we'll cover Exile on the TurboGrafx-CD. It's an action-RPG, and includes some additional scenes censored out of the Genesis version. I may have gotten the order of games a little mixed up, but precise release dates for the US are hard to come by, especially for an obscure system such as this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCinRm7ufCOh7KOdJYJmFC6G-yiwc1H1Mf7aaieHCk_2lb51bUc6BHVGmBcA23U_cWgya9kQZzurtksA4D637aX4puramCQnovmspmbuUMqrUczt_XZzjMvrWyiVaY156f-Wn5aXkz5DI/s1600/Image_191216_194700_00016.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCinRm7ufCOh7KOdJYJmFC6G-yiwc1H1Mf7aaieHCk_2lb51bUc6BHVGmBcA23U_cWgya9kQZzurtksA4D637aX4puramCQnovmspmbuUMqrUczt_XZzjMvrWyiVaY156f-Wn5aXkz5DI/s320/Image_191216_194700_00016.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here's the main one</i></td></tr>
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Thanks for sticking through to the end, and I hope you enjoyed reading my experience with the game.Zenic Reveriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16441583549326102945noreply@blogger.com4