Reviewed
11.08.2015
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Treasure
Format
16
Megabit
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
May
26, 1995
(Japan)
May
25, 1995
(USA)
1995
(EUR)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D
View
Isometric
Genre
Action/RPG
Player(s)
1
Options
6
Button
Requires
n/a
Importable
50% |
| Intro |
|
> I always find it unjust when people judge older games by modern standards.
You need to remember that older games came out in a different time, and
were limited by the hardware of the time. This fact seems to be lost on
many people.
> Light Crusader is an isometric action/RPG created by Treasure,
the same developer that created Gunstar
Heroes, Guardian
Heroes and Ikaruga. I was honestly surprised when they made
an RPG when considering their history, but they always aimed to make original
games. As long as Treasure make quality games, who am I to argue?
> You play the role of a knight named David who has returned home. Of course,
evil is running amok and you must embark on a long journey to hunt it down.
What makes this game unique and unlike other RPGs of the time is that you
fight tons of bosses on top of solving tons of logic puzzles that often
require the player to physically move objects. You can find or buy new
weapons and armor, jump attack and hack and slash your way through enemies
like a typical action/RPG. There's also some platform jumping every now
and then.
> There's less emphasis on RPG elements in Light Crusader (such
as interacting with NPCs), and much more emphasis on combat and puzzles.
The game has a nice balance of the two. However, I'd understand if modern
gamers are frustrated by the latter. In that case play something else.
People should know beforehand what they sign up for instead of expecting
an old RPG to play like a modern RPG. Remember: it was a different time.
> I find it amusing that in 2015, Light Crusader has a politically
incorrect name. Even more reason to play it and spread the word. It might
drive some people mad. Fact: the last Crusade was over 700 years ago. Jihadis
still exist today. It seems like we are entering an era of censorship,
but at least no one can take older games away from us (unless someone wipes
them from the face of history). |
| Graphics |
|
> The game uses a 2D isometric perspective which is basically diagonal
graphics drawn in 2D to create the illusion of 3D. I wouldn't say that
these are the best graphics on the Mega Drive/Genesis but they are
certainly above average and colorful. The 2D sprites are sharp and the
backgrounds are detailed. There's a huge ancient underground dungeon with
strange architecture. You really do feel like you have entered an underground
dungeon of doom.
> The main character and enemies look more western than Japanese, and animate
well. I have been spoiled by anime artwork and more cartoonish characters
in RPGs, but I have no complaints regarding the graphics in general. It's
a different style. The character portraits aren't the best though, but
you rarely see them so it's not the end of the world. |
| Control |
|
> The isometric perspective requires that you move diagonally. It's not
for everyone no doubt. It might take some time to adjust if you are used
to top down or third person or first person games. Otherwise everything
is responsive and fluid. You can also move up, down, left and right, as
well as move diagonally by pushing in diagonal directions (if using an
emulator and keyboard you need to combine two different movement keys to
form the medium direction to achieve this). |
| Sound |
|
> The music is good for the platform. Don't expect an orchestra. The music
shifts from slow and intense music to fast paced beats depending on your
location. It's almost as if the music constantly changes genres. That's
a minor criticism though. I wish the music were more thematically consistent,
but the music fits each zone's pace. The sound effects are clear and not
out of sync. Surprisingly, there are some real voices in the game, but
the quality is muffled a bit which I don't find surprising at all (given
the platform). |
| Fun |
|
> Action, puzzles and huge bosses await, all while played from an isometric
perspective. That's all you really need to know. The bosses are so huge
that they fill the screen. This is a typical Treasure game. You
need to kill many enemies before you can proceed through the game to the
point where they can become overwhelming. You can use magic towards that
end too. You also need to explore a lot and find keys to unlock doors blocking
your path. As you'd expect, food scattered throughout dungeons restores
health. It all comes together to form a very solid action/RPG that truly
feels like an adventure.
> Although not the best RPG on the Genesis, Light Crusader
is one of the best RPGs of its time in my opinion. It won't take
RPG veterans long to complete of course, but they should add it to their
list of RPGs to play. As much as I loved the Mega Drive/Genesis,
the Saturn had the greatest potential for RPGs in my opinion. I
must return to my underrated Sega Saturn. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Light Crusader is not as good as Landstalker,
which is a much longer adventure with more character interaction, but it's
a great action/RPG nonetheless, and is on par with Crusader
of Centy and Beyond Oasis.
The sprites are smaller than the ones seen in Landstalker and more
western as opposed to anime-esque, but art style is a matter of taste.
Any fan of oldschool RPGs should play this at least once. It's a very rewarding
experience. To think... the last great game made by Treasure was
Ikaruga in 2001. It truly is the end of an era. I'm starting to
feel like an old man. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.0 | Graphics: 8.9 | Control: 9.2 | Sound: 8.6 | Fun: 9.3 |
~
Geoffrey Duke ~
|
