So...what do we have here?

Japanese Game Box Front

Tira Is My Favorite Character!

One of my all time favorite "unknown" games, some would consider it a gem. Made by HUMAN in 1994 (responsible for the insanely popular Fire Pro Wrestling games, Vanguard Bandits, Vasteel, etc.), It's about high time that I explained this game in more detail than I have. Up until now, I haven't expressed just how cool this game is, so why don't I start with the story. You will first meet a fairy named Sylphy, a messenger sylph from the King of Rostia. She has this to say (I translated this):

"Welcome to Rostia! I'm Sylphy. I'm the king's messenger sylph. Now this is a true story; The King's country is faced with a terrible crisis at this time. Knowing very well the circumstances that exist, we don't have much time, but the king is waiting for brave people to come forth. Hurry to the castle or it's all for naught!

...and before that......I have profiles of everyone's strong points. ~"

The King of Rostia has summoned YOU and you must choose to be one of twelve "braves" that will save the Kingdom of Rostia from complete destruction. Each character has their reasons for wanting to join the fight and they will have to defeat many demons and warlords in order to bring peace back to the land.

This Strategy-RPG dice game has some impressive graphics. Characters are very colorful and the world is clean and visually stunning. The battle graphics are incredible and special attacks use streaming (almost photo realistic) backgrounds combined with neat sprite based effects to produce astounding results and the background scrolls back and forth whenever someone runs to attack. While the enemies are decent looking, some of them are cool in the way they animate with their attacks. One example is that an ordinary bandit will transform into a werewolf and assault you with a martial arts combo! The sound is good and very well rounded. Music fits the situation well and the battle theme and boss theme work in Tadaima's favor. There isn't a single track that I haven't liked.

While a board game at its core, its also very much like a strategy game and the gameplay is highly intuitive. Each brave has different characteristics and stats and certain braves wear different equipment (No brave gets MP). You can also use "orbs" which produce a variety of cool special effects when used in battle or on the field. No matter what mode, 4 players or otherwise, you can go shopping, recruit party members (each team!!), and do various other gimmicks to win over the king who watches each player's performance. Fight vicious enemies (in random battles like a normal RPG) and even more vicious bosses to score points to put you in the lead. The game also has an odd feature, SOS, to call one of the other players for help against a tough foe, but points are divided accordingly. There are several weapons and items, over thirty orbs as well as over thirty spells...geez. There's so much more...what a great game and I highly reccommend it.

- Written by Vyse the determined -