Summary

Release Year: 1993
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Developers: Tecmo
Publishers: Tecmo

Tecmo Secret of the Stars (1993): A Unique and Ambitious SNES JRPG

Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Tecmo Secret of the Stars is a unique and ambitious JRPG that combines first-person dungeon crawling with town management and multiple parties. The game was developed by Tecmo, who are best known for their Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive series.

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is set in the world of Aquaria, which is under attack by an evil force known as the Dark Star. The player takes control of two parties of adventurers, the Aquatallions and the Celestials, who must travel the world to collect the eight Crystals of Light and defeat the Dark Star.

The game’s most distinctive feature is its first-person dungeon crawling. When exploring dungeons, the player’s view is limited to what their characters can see, and they must carefully navigate their way through traps and enemies. The game’s dungeons are large and complex, and they often require the player to solve puzzles in order to progress.

In addition to dungeon crawling, Tecmo Secret of the Stars also features a town management system. The player can build and upgrade their own town, which will provide them with new items and services. The player can also recruit new party members and train them to become more powerful.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, and it features a unique “party switching” system. The player can control two parties of four characters each, and they can switch between parties at any time. This allows the player to use different strategies to defeat their enemies.

Tecmo Secret of the Stars was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic among JRPG fans. The game’s unique blend of genres and its challenging gameplay have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is a turn-based JRPG with a unique first-person dungeon crawling perspective. The player controls two parties of four characters each, and they can switch between parties at any time.

The game’s dungeons are large and complex, and they often require the player to solve puzzles in order to progress. The player must also be careful to manage their resources, as food and water are scarce in some dungeons.

Story

The story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is engaging and suspenseful.

Graphics and Sound

Tecmo Secret of the Stars features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s dungeons are atmospheric and immersive, and the character designs are unique and memorable.

The game’s music is composed by Ryu Umemoto, and it is one of the most memorable soundtracks in SNES history. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and it perfectly captures the game’s sense of adventure and suspense.

Overall

Tecmo Secret of the Stars is a unique and ambitious JRPG that combines first-person dungeon crawling with town management and multiple parties. The game’s challenging gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Pros:

Unique and challenging gameplay
Engaging story
Memorable characters
Beautiful graphics
Catchy music

Cons:

Can be difficult for beginners
Some of the dungeons are very long
The town management system can be tedious at times

Overall score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

Tecmo Secret of the Stars (1993)