Wachenröder Review (Shin Force: Games: Reviews: Sega Saturn)

Wachenröder

Reviewed
10.03.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
CD
Origin
Import
Available
August, 1998 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
Isometric
Genre
Strategy/RPG
Players
1
Options
Backup 166
Requires
n/a
Importable
60%

INTRO:

> Wachenröder is the name of one of the last Sim/RPGs released in Japan for Saturn. This game

created a new universe called "steam punk" -- an anachronistic brother of the well known "cyber punk"

based in a suburban and desolated future world, where high technology revolves around the use of old steam engines. Prepare to discover one of the most original videogames ever seen full of good graphics and gameplay.

GRAPHICS:

> This game makes use of an interface made of detailed 3D backgrounds and 2D characters (this

kind of 2D-3D graphic engine has already been used brilliantly in games like Grandia and Shining Force

III). The only part which makes use of an extensive polygon engine is when doing special attacks in battles. The story part consists in several 2D scenes with speech between characters. Graphics, however, are sometimes a bit lacking (specially in super attacks) and aren't as polished as those seen in masterpieces like Grandia. But we can't always expect that...

> CG sequences are really great: they consist in a revolutionary combination of real city models (the same technique used in Star Wars!!), figurines and CG graphics. They're all very smooth and beautiful.

CONTROL:

> Nothing new here: the control is the same as in games like the Shining Force series -- one button

to accept and another to cancel. That's strategy.

SOUND:

> Music is truly a great surprise and an example of Saturn's Yamaha chip quality. We find plenty

of clean and inspired instrumental themes. One step further in the terrain of ambient music.

> Voices are as good as the music. In fact, every word in this game is spoken (except dialog in battles), they're all very good and sound perfect. Sound effects include a typical mixture of hit effects (guns, swords,

FUN:

> All strategy fans will rejoice with this game as it's innovative and has some new twists. First, each team goes at the same time -- you go first then your opponents. Second, every character makes actions limited by numeric action points called AP. Of course, AP needed for actions vary depending the character: a strong character can attack with less AP than a weak one, and a faster character can move with less AP than a slower one. Third, you have three types of attack: normal (average damage, minimal AP), Steam Barrage (big damage, big amount of AP) and Super Steam Barrage (great damage, lots of AP).

> This game is also more linear than SFIII, the only controlled part is shopping (where you can buy items to equip) and battles. The story advances with a succession of 2D scenes and dialog that will require an extensive understanding of Japanese to appreciate.

> Finally, the most amazing thing in this game is the very high quality of the art: Character Design is done by the famous Range Murata and Mechanical Designs are work of Takayuki Takeya. You will be easily immersed in the dark, surrealist and wonderful world of Wachenröder.

BOTTOM LINE:
> One of the biggest Saturn surprises of the last year. A must import for Strategy fans and a great chance to become one...
Overall: 9.0 | Graphics: 8.0 | Control: 9.0 | Sound: 9.5 | Fun: 9.5 ~ Dantares ~

Wachenröder

Reviewed
09.19.1998
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
CD
Origin
Import
Available
August, 1998 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
Isometric
Genre
Strategy/RPG
Players
1
Options
Backup 166
Requires
n/a
Importable
80%

INTRO:

> Sega has a reputation for bringing the best strategy titles to gameplayers and Wachenröder is their latest entry into the genre. It has a fantasy cyber-punk setting with 3D polygon generated graphics. Throw in some cool cut-scenes and you have another Sega gem.

> The world of Wachenröder is a strange future where steam is the main source of energy. The battles are Shining Force III-like with an industrial setting. Of course, there are plenty of weapons to gain and equip along the way. To start, you have steam powered weapons which must be monitored to prevent over heating (much like a PSX -- couldn't resist).

> The game screen is about 50/50 English/Japanese and getting through the menus isn't a big problem. All of the text is in Japanese though, so be prepared not to understand the story.

GRAPHICS:

> Sega actually recruited Japanese anime designers to contribute to the unique look of the title. To add realism, scale models were used for some characters, locales and steam powered machines. The various futuristic cyber-punk locales are cool to look at, but sometimes the view zooms so far in that the images start to pixelize. Aside from being industrial, most of the backdrops are of a dark nature. The view changes from a tactical to a cool one-on-one view when you attack your enemies. This special view is really detailed and is quite similar to SFIII's battle scenes.

CONTROL:

> The control is basic and includes direction, switch characters, zoom, rotate, cancel, select and menu. During battles, the control scheme becomes icon based similar to SFIII. The main battle options are move, attack, 3D attack, activate switch, magic and rest. Not as sleek as SFIII, but adequate nonetheless.

SOUND:

> The music is really varied, but I'd have to say that most of it is some sort of punk-jazz. Not bad considering the setting. However, you will not find yourself humming any songs from this one. The sound effects are pretty good and include your chain saw-like weapon, speech (Japanese) and various cues.

FUN:

> Not bad for a Strategy/RPG. Has plenty of things to discover and machines to activate during your quest. Wachenröder tests your ability to be a tactical commander and rewards you with great fight scenes. Even though most Americans can't read Japanese, the game is highly playable and is basically linear in nature (as are most Strategy/RPG games).

BOTTOM LINE:
> Not as good as Shining Force III, but what else could possibly match the game of the year? However, it is a cool cyber-punk Strategy/RPG for your Saturn even though it's mostly in Japanese...
Overall: 8.7 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 9.4 | Sound: 8.0 | Fun: 8.5 ~ Shinobi ~