Reviewed
08.18.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Micro
Cabin
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Jul.
21, 1995 (Japan)
1995
(Mystaria)
Jan.
1, 1996 (Blazing Heroes)
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
3/4
Overhead
Genre
Strategy
/ RPG
Player(s)
1
Options
3D
Pad
Backup
115
ST-Key
Requires
n/a
Importable
65% |
| Intro |
|
> The strategy/RPG is one of my favorite types of games. When I first
heard of Riglordsaga coming to the Saturn (in
Japan), I was hoping for an American localization. Alas, Sega
came to our rescue and renamed it Mystaria: The Realms of Lore.
I don't know all the details, but Mystaria had to be renamed
in America because of some copyright infringement with the initial "Mystaria"
title. Sega then re-released the game under the Blazing
Heroes banner. Either one, especially Mystaria,
is rare, and perfect for gamers and collectors to add to their library.
> Back in 1995, Mystaria lived up to my expectations in every
way. Shining
Force III hadn't been announced yet and I was yearning for
tactical gaming. Anyway, Prince Aragon (you) must reclaim the Queen's
kingdom from the evil magic shogun, Lord Bane. The turn based battles
with great effects combine to make this game a gem. Instead of hand-drawn
characters, Micro Cabin elected to use CG ones -- kinda like
Shining
Wisdom (Saturn). Add just enough role playing
to keep you abreast of the story.
> The import version is mostly Japanese. This fact makes importing
hard, but certainly not impossible. With a little practice (trial
and error), playing the import and getting somewhere is quite possible. |
| Graphics |
|
> The graphics consist of polygon backdrops and CG characters. This works
well in that various views (mainly isometric) are available. The
magic is the best part, as expected. Oh, and believe it or not, Mystaria
includes transparency effects. Now, by today's standards, the game
looks pixelated. Considering the game was released in 1995 though,
it's one heck of a jump from 16-bit... |
| Control |
|
> The gameplay is just what you'd expect -- great. Actually, the
gameplay of Mystaria is quite close to Shining
Force CD. You move characters, then select an action
to take. For instance, you might move your archer to a position 4
blocks from the nearest enemy, then pummel him with a fireball arrow.
During and after battles, new techniques are learned and levels are gained
with experience. In between battles you can save, shop, talk, and
pick your next destination. In the end though, this genre is all
about war, and Mystaria delivers the goods! |
| Sound |
|
> The music is downright awesome! Great RPG orchestral tunes await
the hours you'll be putting into this game. A lot of what you'll enjoy
has a heavy drum beat, while maintaining an upbeat feeling. The sound
effects are decent to boot. However, they don't match the splendor
of the soundtrack. |
| Fun |
|
> Classic gameplay with hours of essentially linear battles await.
That being said, no two battles are ever the same. One thing is for
sure... Once you get going, you'll be playing throughout the night!
Need I say more? |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> A must buy for fans of strategy/RPG or Shining
Force games. Micro Cabin definitely borrowed
a few things from Sonic/Camelot to make this game.
For an early Saturn game, the graphics are excellent.
Compared to Shining Force III, however, they are only above
average. The tactics/strategy is what really keeps you on board though... |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.2 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 9.0 | Sound: 9.8 | Fun: 9.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
