Publisher: JVC Musical Industries

Dungeon Master II: The Legend of Skullkeep (1994)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Dungeon Master II: The Legend of Skullkeep (1994)

Dungeon Master II: The Legend of Skullkeep is a groundbreaking role-playing game that set new standards for the genre. Released in 1994, it was the sequel to the highly successful Dungeon Master, and it built upon its predecessor’s innovative gameplay and immersive atmosphere.

Gameplay

Dungeon Master II is a real-time role-playing game, which means that the action takes place in real time rather than in turns. This was a major departure from the traditional turn-based RPGs of the time, and it allowed for a much more fluid and dynamic gameplay experience.

Players control a party of up to six characters, each with their own unique abilities and skills. The party explores a series of dungeons and outdoor environments, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and completing quests.

One of the most innovative aspects of Dungeon Master II is its control system. Instead of using text-based commands to interact with the environment, players directly manipulate objects and the environment by clicking the mouse in the enlarged first-person view. This makes the game much more immersive and user-friendly.

Another unique feature of Dungeon Master II is its spell casting system. Players must learn sequences of runes which represent the form and function of a spell’s effect. For example, a fireball spell is created by mixing the fire symbol with the wing symbol. This system is much more intuitive and engaging than the traditional spell casting systems found in other RPGs.

Graphics and Sound

Dungeon Master II’s graphics are impressive for their time. The game uses a first-person perspective, and the dungeons and outdoor environments are rendered in great detail. The game also makes use of dynamic lighting, which adds to the atmosphere and immersion.

The sound design in Dungeon Master II is also top-notch. The game features a variety of sound effects that help to create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, players can hear the sound of their own footsteps echoing through the dungeons, and they can hear the growls of monsters lurking nearby.

Story

Dungeon Master II’s story is set in the world of Terra, which is ruled by the evil wizard Skullkeep. Skullkeep has kidnapped the king’s daughter, and the party must rescue her and defeat Skullkeep.

The story is well-written and engaging, and it provides a good motivation for the party’s quest. The game also features a number of side quests that can be completed to earn experience and rewards.

Legacy

Dungeon Master II was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and immersive atmosphere set new standards for the genre, and it has influenced many subsequent RPGs.

Dungeon Master II is still played by many fans today, and it is considered to be a classic of the genre. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Mac, and Sega Saturn.

Conclusion

Dungeon Master II: The Legend of Skullkeep is a groundbreaking role-playing game that set new standards for the genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and engaging story make it a must-play for any fan of RPGs.

Review Score

9/10

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Dungeon Master (1987)

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

Summary

Dungeon Master: The Revolutionary RPG That Changed Gaming Forever

Released in 1987, Dungeon Master was a groundbreaking role-playing game that set new standards for the genre. Developed by FTL Games and published by Atari, it was one of the first games to use real-time gameplay, a first-person perspective, and a mouse-driven interface. These innovations, along with its immersive atmosphere and challenging gameplay, made Dungeon Master a critical and commercial success.

Real-Time Gameplay

One of the most significant departures from traditional RPGs was Dungeon Master’s real-time gameplay. Instead of taking turns, players controlled their characters in real time, allowing for a more dynamic and action-oriented experience. This made combat more exciting and forced players to think on their feet.

First-Person Perspective

Another major innovation was the use of a first-person perspective. This gave players a more immersive experience, as they could see the world through the eyes of their characters. This perspective also made the game more challenging, as players had to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Mouse-Driven Interface

Dungeon Master was also one of the first games to use a mouse-driven interface. This made it much easier for players to interact with the game world. Players could click on objects to examine them, open doors, and attack enemies. This intuitive interface made the game more accessible to a wider audience.

Immersive Atmosphere

Dungeon Master’s atmosphere was another key factor in its success. The game’s graphics, sound effects, and music all worked together to create a truly immersive experience. Players felt like they were actually exploring a dangerous dungeon, filled with monsters and treasure.

Challenging Gameplay

Dungeon Master was also known for its challenging gameplay. The game’s dungeons were filled with traps, puzzles, and powerful enemies. Players had to use their wits and skills to survive. The game’s difficulty added to its replay value, as players could spend hours trying to overcome its challenges.

Legacy

Dungeon Master’s influence on the RPG genre cannot be overstated. Its innovations helped to shape the way RPGs are played today. Many of the features that are now commonplace in RPGs, such as real-time gameplay, first-person perspectives, and mouse-driven interfaces, were first introduced in Dungeon Master.

The game also had a significant impact on the development of the dungeon crawler genre. Dungeon crawlers are RPGs that focus on exploring dungeons and fighting monsters. Dungeon Master is considered to be one of the first dungeon crawlers, and it helped to popularize the genre.

Conclusion

Dungeon Master is a classic RPG that deserves its place among the greatest games of all time. Its innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and challenging difficulty made it a groundbreaking experience. The game’s legacy can still be seen in RPGs today, and it continues to inspire new generations of gamers.

Additional Information

  • Dungeon Master was developed by a small team of just four people: Chris Crawford, Gary Martin, Ed Anderson, and John Cutter.
  • The game was originally released for the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga. It was later ported to the Apple II, MS-DOS, and Macintosh.
  • Dungeon Master was a critical and commercial success, selling over 400,000 copies worldwide.
  • The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and challenging difficulty.
  • Dungeon Master has been ranked among the greatest video games of all time by many publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and PC Gamer.

Review Score

9/10

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Keio Flying Squadron (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Keio Flying Squadron: A Delightful and Underrated Mega CD Shoot-‘Em-Up

Released in 1993 for the Sega/Mega CD, Keio Flying Squadron is a charming and underrated shoot-’em-up that deserves more attention. Developed and published by Victor Entertainment, the game is the first entry in the Keio Flying Squadron series and features a simple yet addictive style of gameplay.

Gameplay

Keio Flying Squadron puts players in control of Rami, a young girl who rides on the back of Spot, a friendly dragon. Together, they must battle their way through hordes of enemies, using Spot’s fireballs to destroy them. Rami can also sacrifice her companion fighters to unleash powerful attacks.

The game consists of six stages, each with its own unique boss. The stages are varied and visually impressive, ranging from lush forests to fiery volcanoes. The enemies are also varied and challenging, requiring players to use a variety of strategies to defeat them.

Graphics and Sound

Keio Flying Squadron is a visually impressive game for its time. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the character designs are charming. The game also makes good use of the Mega CD’s hardware, with smooth scrolling and impressive cutscenes.

The soundtrack is also top-notch, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay. The sound effects are also well-done, and help to create a sense of immersion.

Reception

Keio Flying Squadron was met with positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s charming graphics, catchy soundtrack, and addictive gameplay. However, the game was also criticized for its short length and lack of innovation.

Despite its flaws, Keio Flying Squadron is a solid shoot-’em-up that deserves to be remembered. It’s a fun and challenging game with a unique gameplay mechanic and charming presentation. If you’re a fan of the genre, or if you’re just looking for a fun and underrated Mega CD game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Keio Flying Squadron.

Legacy

Keio Flying Squadron was followed by two sequels, Keio Flying Squadron 2: The Emperor’s Return (1995) and Keio Flying Squadron: The Legend Revives (2002). The series has also been featured in several crossover games, including Sega Superstars Tennis (2008) and Project X Zone (2012).

Keio Flying Squadron is a beloved classic among fans of the shoot-’em-up genre. It’s a fun and challenging game with a unique gameplay mechanic and charming presentation. If you’re looking for a great Mega CD game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Keio Flying Squadron.

Tips for Playing Keio Flying Squadron

  • Use your companion fighters to your advantage. They can be sacrificed to unleash powerful attacks, so don’t be afraid to use them when necessary.
  • Be careful not to get hit by enemy fire. Rami is very fragile, and even a single hit can kill her.
  • Use the environment to your advantage. There are many objects in the stages that can be used to block enemy fire or to damage enemies.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies. There is no one right way to play Keio Flying Squadron, so find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Keio Flying Squadron is a charming and underrated shoot-’em-up for the Sega/Mega CD. It’s a fun and challenging game with a unique gameplay mechanic and charming presentation. If you’re a fan of the genre, or if you’re just looking for a great Mega CD game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Keio Flying Squadron.

Review Score

7/10

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Fatal Fury Special (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Fatal Fury Special: The GRANDMOTHER of All Fighting Games

Released in 1993, Fatal Fury Special is a fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade and home console. It is the second installment in the Fatal Fury series, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest fighting games of all time.

Fatal Fury Special features a roster of 15 characters, including returning favorites such as Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi, as well as new characters such as Billy Kane, Axel Hawk, and Laurence Blood. The game also introduces several new gameplay mechanics, such as the “Line Battle” system, which allows players to fight on multiple planes, and the “Desperation Move” system, which allows players to perform powerful special moves when their health is low.

Fatal Fury Special was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered to be one of the best fighting games ever made. It has been praised for its stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and iconic characters.

Gameplay

Fatal Fury Special is a 2D fighting game in which players control one of 15 characters and battle against each other in one-on-one matches. The game features a variety of different attacks, including punches, kicks, throws, and special moves. Players can also use the “Line Battle” system to fight on multiple planes, and the “Desperation Move” system to perform powerful special moves when their health is low.

Fatal Fury Special is known for its fast-paced and intense gameplay. The game requires players to have quick reflexes and good timing in order to succeed. It also features a variety of different strategies and techniques that players can use to defeat their opponents.

Characters

Fatal Fury Special features a roster of 15 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters include:

  • Terry Bogard: The main protagonist of the Fatal Fury series, Terry is a skilled fighter who uses a variety of Kyokugenryu karate techniques.
  • Andy Bogard: Terry’s younger brother, Andy is a skilled fighter who uses a variety of Koppokenryu karate techniques.
  • Joe Higashi: A former Muay Thai champion, Joe is a powerful fighter who uses a variety of devastating strikes.
  • Billy Kane: A former member of the Southtown Gang, Billy is a skilled fighter who uses a variety of dirty tactics.
  • Axel Hawk: A professional wrestler, Axel is a powerful fighter who uses a variety of grappling techniques.
  • Laurence Blood: A mysterious vampire, Laurence is a powerful fighter who uses a variety of dark magic attacks.
  • Wolfgang Krauser: The main antagonist of the game, Wolfgang is a powerful fighter who uses a variety of German suplex techniques.
  • Geese Howard: The final boss of the game, Geese is a powerful fighter who uses a variety of Kyokugenryu karate techniques.

Development

Fatal Fury Special was developed by SNK, a Japanese video game company. The game was directed by Takashi Nishiyama, who had previously directed the original Fatal Fury game. The game was developed using the Neo Geo MVS arcade system, which was known for its powerful hardware and high-quality graphics.

Fatal Fury Special was released in arcades in Japan in 1993. The game was later ported to the Neo Geo home console in 1994. The game has also been released on a variety of other platforms, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Switch.

Reception

Fatal Fury Special was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and iconic characters. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Fatal Fury Special has been ranked as one of the greatest fighting games of all time by a variety of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Edge. The game has also been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Fatal Fury Special is considered to be one of the most influential fighting games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics and iconic characters have been imitated by a variety of other fighting games. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the Neo Geo arcade system.

Fatal Fury Special is still considered to be a classic fighting game today. The game is still played by a dedicated community of fans, and it is still considered to be one of the best fighting games ever made.

Review Score

9/10

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