Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Super Famicom
- Developers: Sunsoft
- Publishers: Sunsoft
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou (1992)
Introduction
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou is a Japanese role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by Kemco for the Super Famicom in 1992. It is the first game in the Benkei Gaiden series, and it was followed by two sequels, Tsugaru no Shou and Akita no Shou. The game is set in a version of Ancient Japan filled with monsters and youkai, and follows the story of a young warrior named Benkei as he fights to protect his village from a demon invasion.
Gameplay
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou is a traditional top-down turn-based RPG in the vein of Dragon Quest. The player controls a party of up to four characters, who can explore the world, fight monsters, and complete quests. The game features a variety of character classes, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. Players can also recruit new characters to their party as the game progresses.
The game’s combat system is fairly standard for the genre. Players select commands from a menu, and their characters then attack, use magic, or defend. The game also features a unique “Formation” system, which allows players to arrange their party members in different formations to gain various bonuses.
Story
The story of Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou begins in the village of Suna, where a young warrior named Benkei lives. One day, the village is attacked by a horde of demons, and Benkei is forced to flee. He soon meets up with a group of other warriors, and together they set out on a journey to defeat the demons and save their village.
Along the way, Benkei and his companions learn that the demons are being led by a powerful demon lord named Ibaraki-douji. Ibaraki-douji is planning to use the power of the Suna Crystal to plunge the world into darkness. Benkei and his friends must stop Ibaraki-douji and save the world from his evil plans.
Characters
- Benkei: The main protagonist of the game, Benkei is a young warrior from the village of Suna. He is strong and brave, and he is determined to protect his village from the demons.
- Tomoe Gozen: A female warrior who joins Benkei’s party early on in the game. She is skilled in archery and swordsmanship, and she is also a powerful healer.
- Ushiwakamaru: A young prince who joins Benkei’s party after his father is killed by the demons. He is a skilled swordsman, and he is also able to use magic.
- Shuten-douji: A powerful demon who serves as one of Ibaraki-douji’s generals. He is a skilled fighter, and he is also able to use magic.
- Ibaraki-douji: The main antagonist of the game, Ibaraki-douji is a powerful demon lord who is planning to use the power of the Suna Crystal to plunge the world into darkness.
Development
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou was developed by Kemco, a Japanese video game company that is best known for its RPGs. The game was directed by Takashige Abe, who also directed the first two Dragon Quest games. The game’s music was composed by Ryuji Sasai, who also composed the music for the first two Dragon Quest games.
Release
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou was released in Japan on March 27, 1992. The game was never released outside of Japan, but it has been translated into English by fans.
Reception
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou was a critical and commercial success in Japan. The game sold over 1 million copies, and it received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its solid gameplay, its charming characters, and its beautiful graphics.
Legacy
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou is considered to be one of the best RPGs on the Super Famicom. The game has been praised for its solid gameplay, its charming characters, and its beautiful graphics. The game has also been influential on other RPGs, such as the Dragon Quest series.
Conclusion
Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou is a classic JRPG that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game has solid gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful graphics. If you are a fan of JRPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Benkei Gaiden: Suna no Shou.
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
