Platform: Super Famicom

International Superstar Soccer (1994)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

International Superstar Soccer (1994): The Beautiful Game

Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, International Superstar Soccer (ISS) quickly became one of the most popular and critically acclaimed soccer games of all time. Developed by Konami, ISS was groundbreaking for its time, introducing a number of innovative features that would become industry standards.

Gameplay

ISS is a fast-paced and exciting soccer game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including exhibition matches, tournaments, and a league mode. Players can choose from a variety of international teams, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most innovative features of ISS was its use of motion capture technology. This allowed the developers to create realistic player animations that made the game feel more immersive and lifelike. ISS was also one of the first soccer games to feature a commentary track, which added to the game’s atmosphere.

Graphics

For its time, ISS’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game’s colorful and detailed sprites were some of the best that the SNES had to offer. The game’s stadiums were also well-rendered, and the crowd animations were impressive.

Sound

ISS’s sound design is also top-notch. The game’s music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The commentary track is also well-done, and it adds to the game’s atmosphere.

Overall

International Superstar Soccer (1994) is a classic soccer game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and immersive sound design make it one of the best soccer games ever made.

Legacy

ISS was a major critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize soccer video games around the world. The game spawned a number of sequels, including ISS Deluxe (1995), ISS Pro (1996), and ISS 98 (1998). The ISS series is still going strong today, with the latest installment, ISS Pro Evolution Soccer 2023, being released in 2022.

Impact on the Soccer Gaming Genre

ISS had a major impact on the soccer gaming genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and immersive sound design set a new standard for soccer games. ISS also helped to popularize soccer video games around the world, and it is still considered one of the best soccer games ever made.

Historical Significance

ISS was released at a time when soccer video games were starting to become more popular. The game’s success helped to solidify the soccer genre as a major force in the video game industry. ISS also helped to raise the bar for soccer games, and it set a new standard for realism and immersion.

Cultural Significance

ISS was a major cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. The game was featured in magazines, newspapers, and television shows. ISS was also one of the first video games to be endorsed by a major soccer star, with Brazilian legend Pelé appearing in commercials for the game.

Conclusion

International Superstar Soccer (1994) is a classic soccer game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and immersive sound design make it one of the best soccer games ever made. ISS also had a major impact on the soccer gaming genre, and it helped to popularize soccer video games around the world.

Review Score

9/10

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Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Contra III: The Alien Wars: A Timeless Run-and-Gun Masterpiece

Released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Contra III: The Alien Wars is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter game developed and published by Konami. It is the third installment in the Contra series, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time.

Contra III takes place in the year 2633, five years after the events of Contra. The evil alien force known as the Red Falcon Organization has returned to Earth, and it is up to the legendary soldiers Bill Rizer and Lance Bean to stop them.

The game features fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, with players shooting their way through hordes of aliens, mutants, and other enemies. Contra III is known for its challenging difficulty, but it is also fair, and players who are skilled enough can overcome any obstacle.

One of the things that makes Contra III so special is its variety. The game features a wide range of levels, each with its own unique enemies and challenges. Players will battle their way through jungles, swamps, caves, and even outer space.

Contra III also features a variety of weapons and power-ups. Players can collect different guns, grenades, and other items to help them defeat their enemies. The game also features a number of hidden secrets, which can be found by exploring the levels carefully.

In addition to its single-player campaign, Contra III also features a two-player cooperative mode. This mode allows two players to team up and take on the alien hordes together. Contra III is one of the best cooperative games ever made, and it is a blast to play with a friend.

Contra III: The Alien Wars is a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging, rewarding, and addictive game that will keep you coming back for more. If you are a fan of run-and-gun shooters, or if you are just looking for a great game to play, then you need to check out Contra III: The Alien Wars.

Gameplay

Contra III is a side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter game. Players control one of two soldiers, Bill Rizer or Lance Bean, as they fight their way through hordes of aliens, mutants, and other enemies. The game is known for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, and its challenging difficulty.

Players can collect a variety of weapons and power-ups to help them defeat their enemies. These include different guns, grenades, and other items. The game also features a number of hidden secrets, which can be found by exploring the levels carefully.

In addition to its single-player campaign, Contra III also features a two-player cooperative mode. This mode allows two players to team up and take on the alien hordes together. Contra III is one of the best cooperative games ever made, and it is a blast to play with a friend.

Graphics and Sound

Contra III is a visually stunning game for its time. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animations are fluid and smooth. The game also features a great soundtrack, which is both catchy and atmospheric.

Legacy

Contra III: The Alien Wars is considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It is a challenging, rewarding, and addictive game that has stood the test of time. Contra III has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

The game has also been referenced and parodied in popular culture, including in the films Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Pixels. Contra III is a true classic that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games.

Conclusion

Contra III: The Alien Wars is a timeless run-and-gun masterpiece that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging, rewarding, and addictive game that will keep you coming back for more. If you are a fan of run-and-gun shooters, or if you are just looking for a great game to play, then you need to check out Contra III: The Alien Wars.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

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Kirby’s Dream Course (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Kirby’s Dream Course: A Hole-in-One Adventure

Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Kirby’s Dream Course is a miniature golf game with a twist: you play as Kirby, the lovable pink puffball from Nintendo’s popular platformer series. The game features a variety of colorful courses, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. Kirby can use his signature abilities to help him navigate the courses, such as his ability to float and inhale objects. The game also features a multiplayer mode, so you can challenge your friends to a game of golf.

Gameplay

Kirby’s Dream Course is played from a top-down perspective. The goal of the game is to get Kirby from the starting point to the hole in as few strokes as possible. Kirby can use a variety of shots to hit the ball, including a regular shot, a topspin shot, and a backspin shot. He can also use his inhale ability to suck up objects and spit them out at the ball. This can be used to overcome obstacles or to get the ball into hard-to-reach places.

The game features a variety of different obstacles, such as water hazards, sand traps, and moving platforms. Kirby must use his skills and abilities to overcome these obstacles and get the ball to the hole.

Courses

Kirby’s Dream Course features a total of 18 holes, each with its own unique theme and challenges. The courses are set in a variety of locations, such as a forest, a beach, and a volcano. Each course has its own unique obstacles and hazards, so players must adapt their strategies to each course.

Characters

Kirby is the main playable character in Kirby’s Dream Course. He can use his signature abilities, such as his ability to float and inhale objects, to help him navigate the courses.

In addition to Kirby, there are a number of other characters that appear in the game. These characters include Waddle Dee, Meta Knight, and King Dedede. These characters can be played as in the multiplayer mode.

Multiplayer

Kirby’s Dream Course features a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In multiplayer mode, players can compete against each other to see who can get the ball to the hole in the fewest strokes. The multiplayer mode is a great way to add some extra fun and competition to the game.

Graphics and Sound

Kirby’s Dream Course features colorful and charming graphics that are typical of SNES games. The game’s soundtrack is also very good, with a variety of catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head.

Reception

Kirby’s Dream Course was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fun and challenging gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Kirby’s Dream Course is considered to be one of the best miniature golf games ever made. The game’s unique gameplay and charming graphics have made it a favorite among fans of Kirby and golf alike. The game has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo DS, and the Wii U.

Conclusion

Kirby’s Dream Course is a fun and challenging miniature golf game that’s perfect for fans of Kirby and golf alike. The game features a variety of colorful courses, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. Kirby can use his signature abilities to help him navigate the courses, and the game also features a multiplayer mode so you can challenge your friends to a game of golf. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging miniature golf game, then Kirby’s Dream Course is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Phalanx (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Phalanx (1991)

Phalanx is a futuristic shooter arcade game developed and released by Namco in 1991. The player takes control of a prototype starfighter called the Phalanx, piloted by Wink Baufield, a genetically enhanced pilot. The game’s objective is to protect and reclaim Delia IV, a planet in the Andromeda galaxy that has been colonized by humans for interstellar research purposes, from an unknown and powerful alien force.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, with the player’s ship flying through eight levels, first through various locations on Delia IV, and then invading the aliens themselves. The player’s ship can be upgraded with a variety of weapons and power-ups, and the game features a branching level structure, with the player’s choices affecting which levels they play.

Phalanx was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of all time. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music, and has been ported to a variety of home platforms.

Gameplay

Phalanx is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls the Phalanx starfighter. The player’s ship can move in eight directions and can fire lasers in four directions. The player can also collect power-ups that can upgrade the ship’s weapons and abilities.

The game is divided into eight levels, each with a different setting and敌人类型。前四关发生在Delia IV上，后四关发生在外星飞船内。每个级别都有一个老板，玩家必须击败才能继续。

The game features a branching level structure, with the player’s choices affecting which levels they play. For example, in the first level, the player can choose to go to the left or right. If the player goes to the left, they will play the second level. If the player goes to the right, they will play the third level.

Weapons and power-ups

The Phalanx starfighter can be upgraded with a variety of weapons and power-ups. These include:

  • Laser: The Phalanx’s default weapon, the laser is a straight-firing weapon that can be upgraded to fire more lasers at once.
  • Spread shot: The spread shot fires a wide spread of lasers that can cover a large area.
  • Homing missile: The homing missile is a guided missile that can track and destroy enemies.
  • Bomb: The bomb is a powerful explosive weapon that can destroy multiple enemies at once.
  • Shield: The shield protects the Phalanx from enemy fire.
  • Speed boost: The speed boost increases the Phalanx’s speed.
  • Invincibility: The invincibility power-up makes the Phalanx invincible for a short period of time.

Bosses

Each level of Phalanx features a boss that the player must defeat in order to progress. The bosses are all large and powerful, and each one has its own unique攻擊模式。

The bosses in Phalanx include:

  • Level 1: The Slime Monster
  • Level 2: The Crab Monster
  • Level 3: The Spider Monster
  • Level 4: The Dragon Monster
  • Level 5: The Alien Mothership
  • Level 6: The Alien Queen
  • Level 7: The Alien Emperor
  • Level 8: The Final Boss

Reception

Phalanx was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music, and was a top-selling arcade game in 1991. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation.

Phalanx is still considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of all time. The game is challenging but fair, and the graphics and music are top-notch. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Phalanx.

Legacy

Phalanx has had a lasting impact on the shoot-’em-up genre. The game’s branching level structure and upgradeable weapons system have been influential in many other shoot-’em-ups, and the game’s graphics and music are still considered to be some of the best in the genre.

Phalanx has also been featured in several other video games. The game is included in the Namco Museum compilation series, and it has also been released as a downloadable game on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Phalanx is a classic shoot-’em-up that still holds up today. The game is challenging but fair, and the graphics and music are top-notch. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Phalanx.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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ActRaiser 2 (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

ActRaiser 2: A Divine Symphony of Action and Creation

Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, ActRaiser 2 is a side-scrolling platformer that blends action, strategy, and god game elements. Developed by Quintet and published by Enix, it is the sequel to the original ActRaiser, but the storyline is not directly connected to its predecessor.

A Tale of Creation and Redemption

ActRaiser 2 tells the story of a warrior angel named Elta, who is tasked with restoring life to a barren world. The world has been corrupted by the evil Overlord Tanzra, and it is up to Elta to defeat Tanzra and his minions and bring light back to the land.

The game is divided into two distinct types of levels: platforming levels and god game levels. In the platforming levels, Elta fights his way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat them. The god game levels are more strategic, and task Elta with managing his resources to build and develop towns and armies.

A Unique Blend of Genres

ActRaiser 2 is unique in that it seamlessly blends these two very different genres. The platforming levels are fast-paced and action-packed, while the god game levels are moreじっくり考えさせる and strategic. This combination of genres creates a game that is both challenging and rewarding.

Challenging and Rewarding Gameplay

The platforming levels in ActRaiser 2 are challenging, but fair. Elta is a powerful warrior, but he is no match for the hordes of enemies that he faces. Players must use all of their skills and abilities to defeat their enemies and progress through the levels.

The god game levels are also challenging, but in a different way. Players must carefully manage their resources to build and develop their towns and armies. They must also make strategic decisions about where to attack their enemies and how to defend their own territory.

Beautiful Graphics and Music

ActRaiser 2 is a beautiful game, with detailed graphics and a lush soundtrack. The platforming levels are full of vibrant colors and imaginative enemies, while the god game levels are more serene and peaceful. The soundtrack is also excellent, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.

A Classic SNES Game

ActRaiser 2 is a classic SNES game that is still enjoyed by many today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique blend of genres. If you are a fan of platformers, god games, or SNES games in general, then you owe it to yourself to check out ActRaiser 2.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Quintet
  • Publisher: Enix
  • Release Date: 1993
  • Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
  • Genre: Action, platformer, god game
  • Number of Players: 1

Review Scores

  • IGN: 9/10
  • GameSpot: 8/10
  • Nintendo Power: 4.5/5

Legacy

ActRaiser 2 was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best SNES games ever made. It has been praised for its unique blend of genres, its challenging and rewarding gameplay, and its beautiful graphics and music.

The game has been re-released on several platforms, including the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console, the PlayStation 3 PlayStation Network, and the Nintendo Switch Online service. It is also available as part of the ActRaiser Renaissance compilation, which was released in 2021.

Review Score

9/10

Art

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Super Smash T.V. (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Super Smash T.V. (1992): A Retro Gem That Still Packs a Punch

Super Smash T.V. is a 1990 arcade game created by Eugene Jarvis and Mark Turmell for Williams. It is a dual-stick shooter in the same vein as its predecessor, Robotron: 2084 (also produced by Jarvis). As in the previous game, players battle waves of enemies by using guns. The plot of Smash TV revolves around a futuristic game show in which players compete for various prizes as well as their lives.

The game was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. The SNES version is largely faithful to the arcade original, but with some minor changes. For example, the SNES version has a slightly different enemy lineup, and it also features a new bonus stage.

Gameplay

Super Smash T.V. is a top-down dual-stick shooter. Players control one of two contestants on a game show called “Smash TV.” The goal of the game is to survive as long as possible and to score as many points as possible.

Players use the left stick to move their character around the screen, and the right stick to aim and shoot their gun. Players can also use a variety of power-ups that can help them to defeat their enemies.

The game is divided into a series of levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. Players must defeat all of the enemies in a level in order to advance to the next one.

Enemies

Super Smash T.V. features a wide variety of enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns. Some of the most common enemies include:

  • Grunts: These are the most basic enemies in the game. They are slow and weak, but they can appear in large numbers.
  • Fliers: These enemies can fly around the screen, making them difficult to hit. They can also drop bombs on the player.
  • Tanks: These enemies are slow and heavily armored. They can fire powerful shots at the player.
  • Bosses: Each level of Super Smash T.V. ends with a boss fight. Bosses are large and powerful enemies that require a lot of firepower to defeat.

Power-Ups

Super Smash T.V. features a variety of power-ups that can help players to defeat their enemies. Some of the most common power-ups include:

  • Spread Shot: This power-up increases the spread of the player’s gun, making it easier to hit enemies.
  • Rapid Fire: This power-up increases the rate of fire of the player’s gun.
  • Homing Missiles: This power-up gives the player a limited number of homing missiles that can automatically track and destroy enemies.
  • Invincibility: This power-up makes the player invincible for a short period of time.

Graphics and Sound

Super Smash T.V. features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s backgrounds are full of life and movement, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of heavy metal and electronic music.

Legacy

Super Smash T.V. was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, its unique setting, and its excellent graphics and sound. Super Smash T.V. has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.

Conclusion

Super Smash T.V. is a classic arcade game that still packs a punch today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, unique setting, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Review Score

8/10

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Ys IV: Mask of the Sun (1993)

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

Summary

Ys IV: Mask of the Sun – A Timeless Classic of Action RPGs

Released in 1993, Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is an action RPG that continues the epic tale of Adol Christin, a legendary adventurer who has once again been called upon to save the world from a great evil. This time, Adol’s journey takes him to the distant land of Celceta, where he must confront the evil sorcerer Galbalan and his army of monsters.

Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is a classic example of an action RPG, with a fast-paced combat system that requires players to time their attacks carefully and strategically position themselves in battle. The game also features a wide variety of magic spells and abilities that Adol can use to defeat his enemies.

One of the things that sets Ys IV: Mask of the Sun apart from other action RPGs of its time is its beautiful and detailed graphics. The game’s world is full of lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers, all of which are rendered in stunning detail. The character sprites are also very well-animated, and the game’s cutscenes are some of the most impressive of the 16-bit era.

The story of Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is also very well-written, with a cast of memorable characters and a plot that is full of twists and turns. The game’s ending is also very satisfying, and it provides a fitting conclusion to Adol’s adventure.

Overall, Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is a timeless classic of action RPGs. The game’s fast-paced combat, beautiful graphics, and well-written story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is an action RPG that plays from a top-down perspective. The player controls Adol Christin, who must explore the world of Celceta and defeat the evil sorcerer Galbalan.

The game’s combat system is fast-paced and requires players to time their attacks carefully. Adol can attack enemies with his sword, or he can use a variety of magic spells and abilities. Players must also strategically position themselves in battle, as enemies can only be damaged if they are attacked from the side or behind.

In addition to combat, the game also features a variety of puzzles and exploration elements. Adol must use his wits to solve puzzles and find hidden items, and he must also explore the world of Celceta to find new areas and enemies.

Story

The story of Ys IV: Mask of the Sun begins with Adol Christin standing on the shore of a distant land. He has just defeated the ultimate evil in his previous adventure, and he is now looking for a new challenge. Suddenly, Adol notices a bottle washed up on the shore. Inside the bottle is a letter, written in a foreign language. The letter asks Adol to come to the land of Celceta and save it from a mysterious evil.

Adol decides to accept the offer, and he sets sail for Celceta. When he arrives, he finds that the land is in chaos. The people are being terrorized by monsters, and the once-peaceful land is now a barren wasteland.

Adol soon learns that the evil sorcerer Galbalan is behind the chaos. Galbalan has stolen the Mask of the Sun, a powerful artifact that can control the forces of nature. Adol must now travel across Celceta and defeat Galbalan in order to save the land.

Characters

  • Adol Christin: The protagonist of the game, Adol is a legendary adventurer who has saved the world from evil many times before. He is a skilled swordsman and magician, and he is always willing to help those in need.
  • Elena: A young woman from the land of Celceta, Elena is a skilled archer and healer. She joins Adol on his quest to defeat Galbalan and save her homeland.
  • Dogi: A dwarf and a skilled blacksmith, Dogi is a loyal friend to Adol. He provides Adol with weapons and armor, and he also helps him to repair his ship.
  • Galbalan: The main antagonist of the game, Galbalan is an evil sorcerer who has stolen the Mask of the Sun. He plans to use the mask to control the forces of nature and conquer the world.

Legacy

Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is a critically acclaimed action RPG that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s fast-paced combat, beautiful graphics, and well-written story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Super Nintendo, PlayStation 2, and PC. It has also been released on the Virtual Console and PlayStation Network.

Ys IV: Mask of the Sun is a timeless classic of action RPGs that continues to entertain and challenge players today. The game’s fast-paced combat, beautiful graphics, and well-written story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 (1999)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 enriches the Fire Emblem saga with its complex narrative and strategic depth, standing as a beloved classic within the series.

Introduction

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 stands out as a pivotal entry in the Fire Emblem series, known for its challenging gameplay and intricate narrative. It follows the journey of Leaf and his allies as they fight for freedom against the oppressive empire.

Synopsis

The game’s plot is set on the continent of Jugdral, specifically in the southeastern Thracian peninsula. The story takes place during the events of “Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War”, between Chapter 5 to Chapter 8 of the second generation storyline.

The protagonist is Leif, the deposed heir to the Republic of Munster. After the deaths of Prince Quan of Leonster and his wife Ethlyn in the Aed Massacre, the Munster District was subjugated. However, shortly after capturing it, Thracia was defeated by Grannvale and forced to cede control to Friege, becoming a servant state to the empire.

Leif, who was rescued from an attack by the forces of Thracia by Finn, a friend of Seliph’s father Sigurd, starts a revolution against the Empire’s occupation of the Munster District. The game follows Leif as he rallies a private army in an attempt to defeat the ruling Grannvale Empire and restore his lost kingdom of Thracia.

The gameplay follows the traditional Fire Emblem system of tactical battles taking place on grid-based maps, but with added elements such as a fatigue system where characters lose energy with each performed action. The player takes command of a group of units and goes on story-based missions with varying objectives, from defeating specific enemies and rescuing targets to escaping unharmed from engagements.

The game features a variety of different terrains, from flat plains to mountains; combined with a unit’s own abilities, the environment affects movement. There are also locations such as towns and churches where items, in-game currency or health may be granted if a unit uses a specific action there. In addition, a “Fog of War” effect is present in some maps, where the map is obscured to players until a unit advances and reveals the portion of map within their movement and attack range.

“Fire Emblem: Thracia 776” was created to satisfy the demands of older Fire Emblem fans who had issues with the gameplay in “Genealogy of the Holy War”. Despite being one of the lesser-known titles in the series, it is praised for its complex gameplay mechanics and engaging plot.

Characters

Key characters include Leaf, the game’s protagonist, alongside allies such as Fin and Nanna. The game also sees the return of several characters from Fire Emblem: Seisen no Keifu, enriching the continuity of the Fire Emblem universe.

Gameplay

As a tactical role-playing game, Thracia 776 emphasizes strategic combat, character progression, and story-driven missions. It introduces mechanics such as fatigue and capture, adding layers of depth and challenge to the gameplay.

Conclusion

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Fire Emblem series, offering a rich, challenging experience that has captivated gamers for decades.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Combines strategic gameplay with an engaging narrative in a fantasy setting.

Introduction

‘Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem’ is a seminal entry in the tactical RPG genre, developed by Intelligent Systems.

Synopsis

The game is divided into two parts, or “Books”. “Book 1” is a retelling of the original “Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light”, while “Book 2” is a continuation of events.

Book 1

In “Book 1”, Marth, the prince of Altea, is forced into exile when his homeland is attacked by the neighboring kingdom of Dolhr. During his journey, Marth learns of Medeus’s connection to the ancient Manakete tribe (a group that can transform into dragons using special stones) and that Medeus is the king of the last remaining dragon tribe. With the help of Altean knight and mentor Jagen, Princess Caeda of Talys, and others, Marth embarks on a quest to find the divine sword Falchion. Only then will he be able to confront Gharnef, the evil priest, and the resurrected Medeus, reclaim the kingdom of Altea, and rescue his sister Elice.

Book 2

“Book 2” is set roughly two years after the events of “Book 1” and follows the events of “Fire Emblem Gaiden” that took place on the neighboring continent of Valentia. After defeating Gharnef and the Dark Dragon Medeus, peace is restored to Archanea and Marth restores his kingdom. His ally Hardin ascends to the throne of Archanea, but begins hostile military expansion across the continent, forcing Marth to confront his old friend and the force driving him.

Gameplay

“Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem” is a tactical role-playing game where players take control of Marth’s army and Marth himself. Gameplay follows the traditional Fire Emblem system of tactical battles taking place on grid-based maps. The game features a unique “dismount” feature, where units on horses had to get off of them for indoor chapters, and was the first Fire Emblem game to show movement ranges when a unit is selected.

Expansion and DLCs

A full remake for the Nintendo DS, “Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem”, was released in 2010. In 2017, it was re-released in Japan as part of the Japanese retailer versions of Classic SNES Edition.

Characters

Marth, Caeda, Medeus

Gameplay

Turn-based battles on grid maps with strategic unit movement.

Conclusion

A beloved classic that influenced the tactical RPG genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Final Fantasy IV (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Final Fantasy IV is celebrated for its groundbreaking contributions to the RPG genre, from its engaging ATB system to its memorable storyline and characters. The Pixel Remaster is recommended for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a polished experience that captures the essence of the original.

Introduction

Final Fantasy IV, originally released in 1991, stands as a seminal entry in the storied Final Fantasy series, revered for its compelling narrative, deep character development, and innovative gameplay mechanics. This article delves into the essence of Final Fantasy IV, exploring its lasting legacy and the impact of its Pixel Remaster.

Synopsis

The game follows the dark knight Cecil as he embarks on a quest for redemption across a richly detailed world. Alongside allies like Kain, Rosa, and Rydia, Cecil confronts his past and battles the malevolent Golbez, who seeks the sacred crystals for nefarious purposes.

Characters

Final Fantasy IV boasts a diverse cast, from the conflicted protagonist Cecil to the enigmatic Golbez. Characters such as Kain the dragoon and Rydia the summoner add depth to the game’s expansive narrative.

Gameplay

The title introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, revolutionizing RPG combat with a dynamic, time-based element. The Pixel Remaster enhances this experience with quality of life improvements, including a reorchestrated soundtrack and streamlined combat features.

Conclusion

Final Fantasy IV’s enduring appeal is a testament to its quality and influence. The Pixel Remaster serves both as a fitting homage and an accessible entry point for new players, ensuring the game’s legacy continues to thrive.

Review Score

9/10

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