Landstalker

The Good
Landstalker, was yet another great RPG for the Genesis demonstrating quality of quantity. From Climax, the same talented individuals who gave us “Shining In The Darkness”, and “Shining Force”. Landstalker is an action RPG in the same vein as Zelda. Yet what Zelda did Landstalker simply did better.

The plot involves Nigel, The Landstalker, an elf, whom has little care for world affairs or princesses whom can’t stay out of trouble. When Nigel meets Friday a nymph,(Hmm Link later had a similar companion only she was just annoying.) who tells him she knows the location of King Nole’s treasures he and she embark on a quest to find the legendary stash. The quest takes them to Mercator Island, where monsters, traps, and puzzles await, and if you are good enough Nole’s treasures. The story is presented well, and unfolds at an acceptable pace. With many memorable characters surpasses anything Zelda ever could offer.

The Graphics are presented in a isometric view, which takes a little getting used to. The Sprites are big, and colorful and give the game a very unique look, which was clearly the inspiration for Treasure’s “Light Crusader”.

The Sound/Music are excellent, in fact Landstalker’s score is so good I searched for the soundtrack to no avail for a long time. Very memorable tunes. The sound effects are all good as well except maybe the enemy death cries that gets old, but the incredible music outweighs this complaint.

The Gameplay is challenging in a good way. And after the initial learning curve you will be well adjusted to take on the games many challenges. The puzzles to are well designed, there are not that many true, but the Crypt will test your logic, as well as your skill with the blade. Aside from the main plot, there are plenty of side missions and mini games to partake in. Such as collecting all the magic swords, and playing games in the Casino. The packs about 30 hours the first play through, and you will likely want to play again. I can now finish the game in about 15 hours.

The Bad
Some may find the game to be too hard, and yet if you give it time you find that really it is not all that difficult.

The Bottom Line
Anyone who likes Zelda should seek this one out, who knows they may prefer this. Fans of old-school RPGS should also seek this one out. You can purchase this game very cheaply, thought you may have trouble finding it complete.

The Good
The isometric view was a new way (in 1993) to play an action adventure. I don't want to say that Landstalker was the first isometric adventure game for the Genesis console, but it would be possible :) Actually a special controller was available for this game to better handle the isometric movement of Nigel, the main character. What I really liked are the chunky graphic style and the memorable sounds, as well as the story line told throughout the whole game. Also the puzzles are great, especially the riddles in the crypt of Mercator. I have played the game a few months ago (2006) and got addicted to it immediately!

The Bad
The end was very disappointing to me. A short dialog between Nigel and his appendage Friday, followed by the final staff roll. Such a tough game should provide a longer and more satisfying ending. The isometric view often forces you to guess where the next platform is. This drawback can only be overcome by trial and error.

The Bottom Line
When you are an old-school adventure gamer like me and love a high difficulty level Landstalker is a MUST to play. It's worth the time, even in the days of 3D-empowered movie-like blockbuster games. Go and get it!

The Good
Well the graphics and animation are excellent, even today. I think isometric perspective is great. Most of the outdoors is green, but I think it's one of the best overworlds ever, very pleasing to just explore. The dungeons are great too, the puzzles challenging, but fun. And the story and characters are very good. It's not a "save the world from damnation" type plot, though there is some threat to the security of the continent the game is set in. The game is mainly about Nigel and Friday's odd partnership and their quest for treasure and adventure.

The Bad
To be fair, the game is crude in some areas e.g the crude animation of landing a hit on or defeating an enemy. I can live with that, but some might not find it so acceptable. Jumping between platforms in isometry is a big challenge and source of frustration, but I think it's worth the effort.

The Bottom Line
Well I'd certainly recommend this game to people who like exploring attractive overworlds. On one hand, the difficulty of navigating an isometric world might hurt people's enjoyment, but on the other hand, the isometric view makes the world look and feel better.

The game is cute and pretty family friendly, except for odd bit of "mature" humor. The characters are fun and lovable. I think Nigel and Friday are like partners, despite the name "Friday" suggesting that she is his "Girl Friday". Well she's his "Girl Friday" and his "Tinker bell". She also treats Nigel like a boyfriend or little brother.