Below the Cut: Neutopia II (TG-16)

(Source: Geek Vintage)

Neutopia II - Rating(8 RPP)
1) 1 - Character Advancement: practice/experience based advancement, stat or level increases, multiple classes or characters, customize characters
2) 1 - Combat: character stats used for combat, additional combat options, turn based
3) 2 - Items and Equipment: store to buy and sell, equipment decisions, item decisions
4) 2 - Story: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; descriptions for objects, people, and places
5) 1 - Exploration: open world from the beginning, visited locations remain open
6) 1 - Quests and Puzzles: side quests not related to the main quest, puzzles and riddles to solve




Neutopia, the TurboGrafx version of The Legend of Zelda stays true to its model, and thus doesn't get included in this quest. This sequel is a fun little fantasy adventure game, but it doesn't add much to the formula solidified in the original. This time the player takes on the role of the Jazeta's son to save the land from evil. I haven't played through the game, so let me know if there are any areas I may have missed.

There aren't any character levels or advancement options. Max life increases, but defensive and offensive bonuses only come in the form of upgraded weapons and armor. Combat prowess is derived from that equipment. There are some magic items that are helpful to defeat enemies, but their power depends on the hero's current life total. Equipment is always an upgrade, so there's no balancing to be done.

The positive aspects come from the story and expansive world. Unlike the first game, this one is a bit more open. There are plenty of secrets and puzzles, but most revolve around navigating the world map or dungeons.

Action-adventure games share many of the same aspects of RPGs, but are generally disregarded due to the lack of control over character strength. In most games that fall into this genre the player's skill is what tends to restrict or grant progress, and there's little option to increase the character's ability until the player meets the skill level required. Now, finally, on to Phantasy Star III.

Below the Cut: Neutopia (TurboGrafx-16)

I don't remember an axe (Source: Howlongtobeat.com)

Neutopia - Rating(6 RPP)
1) 1 - Character Advancement: practice/experience based advancement, stat or level increases, multiple classes or characters, customize characters
2) 1 - Combat: character stats used for combat, additional combat options, turn based
3) 1 - Items and Equipment: store to buy and sell, equipment decisions, item decisions
4) 2 - Story: main story at the forefront; world full of hints and lore; descriptions for objects, people, and places
5) 1 - Exploration: open world from the beginning, visited locations remain open
6) 0 - Quests and Puzzles: side quests not related to the main quest, puzzles and riddles to solve

It's been a while since I've had to cut a game from the list. It would have been a few more games past now, but I ended up going through the website RPGamer to add more games to the main list. While the definition for RPG is a little more loose than I expected, it's makes for a good comparison of the different types of games that border the genre.

At best Neutopia is an attempt to improve upon The Legend of Zelda (although it doesn't quite score as well here). The main character comes upon a land where an evil force has captured a princess. In addition, 8 talismans were stolen and placed in 8 dungeons. Recover the talismans and save the princess.

Various items are discovered or bought, but nothing is sold. Equipment upgrades are found, as well as life upgrades after each boss and other hidden locations. A small assortment of items follows as much in the vein of Zelda: bombs, a bridge to cross gaps, an item to light dark rooms, and potions that restore life.

At worst Neutopia fails to implement an equally satisfying combat system, a world separated into four worlds with little reason, and a single main quest. Like Zelda there are no character levels, no character customization, and a decided lack of puzzles. The only improvement over the original Zelda are the 16-bit graphics, and an attempt at presenting an interactive world where no stone can be left unturned. There are NPCs that offer hints and clues that do well to keep the player from getting lost.

The game found enough success on the TurboGrafx-16 to get a sequel. While the majority of the game feels ripped directly from the first Zelda, a lack of similar titles for the system seems to have allowed it to flourish. I don't have much hope for the sequel making the cut either.

Ultima IV to start within the week. Very excited to begin that journey, but still a bit distracted with guest blogging Circuit's Edge over at the Adventure Gamer.