Sword & Serpents (1982)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Sword & Serpents (1982): A Co-op Action RPG Classic

Released in 1982, Sword & Serpents was one of the earliest console action RPGs, and one of the first to feature co-op gameplay. It was developed by Atlus and published by Sega, and was originally released in arcades before being ported to the Sega SG-1000, Sega Master System, and Atari 7800.

The game is set in a fantasy world where the evil sorcerer Zargon has kidnapped the princess and is using her to power his army of monsters. The player takes control of one of four heroes – a knight, a wizard, an elf, or a dwarf – and must battle their way through Zargon’s castle to rescue the princess and defeat the sorcerer.

Sword & Serpents is a top-down action RPG, similar in style to the popular arcade game Gauntlet. The player character moves through a series of rooms, battling monsters and collecting items. The game features a variety of weapons and items, including swords, axes, bows and arrows, and magic spells.

One of the most unique features of Sword & Serpents is its co-op gameplay. Up to four players can team up to take on Zargon’s castle, and each player can choose a different character class. The different character classes have different abilities and strengths, so players must work together to overcome the game’s challenges.

Sword & Serpents was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best console RPGs of its era. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its co-op mode, and its challenging difficulty. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Gameplay

Sword & Serpents is a top-down action RPG in which the player controls one of four characters – a knight, a wizard, an elf, or a dwarf – as they battle their way through a series of rooms to rescue the princess and defeat the evil sorcerer Zargon.

Each room is filled with monsters that the player must defeat in order to progress. The player can use a variety of weapons and items to defeat the monsters, including swords, axes, bows and arrows, and magic spells.

The player can also collect items that will help them on their quest, such as health potions, mana potions, and new weapons and armor.

The game features a variety of different environments, including castles, dungeons, forests, and mountains. Each environment has its own unique set of monsters and challenges.

Characters

There are four different character classes in Sword & Serpents, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.

  • Knight: The knight is a melee fighter who is strong and durable. He is proficient with swords and axes, and can also use shields to block attacks.
  • Wizard: The wizard is a magic-user who can cast a variety of spells to attack enemies and heal allies. He is weaker in melee combat than the other characters, but his spells can be very powerful.
  • Elf: The elf is a ranged fighter who is agile and quick. She is proficient with bows and arrows, and can also use magic spells.
  • Dwarf: The dwarf is a melee fighter who is strong and tough. He is proficient with axes and hammers, and can also use shields to block attacks.

Co-op Gameplay

One of the most unique features of Sword & Serpents is its co-op gameplay. Up to four players can team up to take on Zargon’s castle, and each player can choose a different character class.

The different character classes have different abilities and strengths, so players must work together to overcome the game’s challenges. For example, the knight can tank damage while the wizard casts spells and the elf and dwarf deal damage from a distance.

Co-op gameplay is a great way to experience Sword & Serpents, and it can be a lot of fun to work together with friends to defeat Zargon and rescue the princess.

Legacy

Sword & Serpents was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best console RPGs of its era. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its co-op mode, and its challenging difficulty.

The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and is still enjoyed by gamers today. Sword & Serpents is a classic action RPG that is still worth playing today.

Conclusion

Sword & Serpents is a classic action RPG that is still worth playing today. It’s a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by both single players and co-op teams. If you’re a fan of action RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Sword & Serpents.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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