Reviewed
11.23.1999
Publisher
Masaya
Developer
Santa
Format
GD
Origin
Import
Available
Nov
6, 1999 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
Multi
3rd Person
Genre
RTS/RPG
Players
1
Options
Backup
36
Requires
n/a
Importable
75% |
INTRO:
> Remember Warsong for Genesis? Well, that was the only Langrisser
game to see the American game market. Since then, the Langrisser
series of strategy/RPGs blossomed on the Saturn all the way to number five!
The latest epic from Masaya takes a few pages from Sega's awesome Dragon
Force (Saturn). It's basically a real-time 3D strategy/RPG except
this game only has battles with up to four units per side (unlike Dragon
Force, which had up to 100).
> This game requires an advanced ability to either memorize the menus,
which are all Japanese, or utilize a print out of my strategy
article. There isn't too much to the story line, but it's all
Japanese as well. At least the gameplay is easy to learn as it's
quite basic.
GRAPHICS:
> The overall idea reminds me of the graphics in Blue Stinger (Dreamcast)
-- only here you'll see fantasy locales, characters, and magic combined
with less detail. I'm not really impressed by the amount of objects
on screen as I know the Dreamcast can do better. The characters look
fairly detailed and there's a nice variety of sizes, classes, and weapons.
During battles the backdrops can get repetitive and include castle, woods,
farm, and plains. The view you get is behind the unit you control
and it can be rotated as necessary. One thing I like is the magic
effects. For instance, some characters can summon a huge explosion
the size of a nuclear bomb!
CONTROL:
> You start in Map mode where you can form armies, view stats, save, and
deploy (among other things). Next, you go to Battle mode where you
select formation, attempt to recruit the enemy, and fight in 3D, third
person action! During battles you must attack, move (your unit),
control magic (which must be charged), and make strategic decisions via
menus. The maximum of four on four battles doesn't compare to Dragon
Force, but it's decent nonetheless. After the battle, you're given
experience points (to advance levels automatically) and money (to buy items).
Other duties include selecting unit order, searching towns, and defending
your castles.
SOUND:
> The music is a mixed bag of pop rock, jungle rhythm, and orchestral tunes.
They don't really flow together and the contrast seems not to fit.
It's not annoying, just weird.
> The sound effects are few and get the job done. They consist mainly
of magic, voice, weapon, and cue effects.
FUN:
> Some of the load times are inexplicably long, but overall it's not too
bad. The game is essentially linear, although you can decide within
certain limits when and where you will attack next. I can never get
enough strategy games, especially when they're done right. If you
look at Langrisser Millennium based on its own merit, then you'll probably
be happy with the game. It's the battles and the need to regain any
lost castles that will keep you coming back.
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