LandStalker

"The best undiscovered RPG besides Threads of Fate"

Why is this game so unpopular? To this day I still don't understand why this game never reached the heights of popularity along with Shining Force II and Phantasy Star IV. I find this game just as good IF NOT BETTER, and for several reasons.

Graphics: 10
Wonderful. Simply wonderful. I've never seen a Genesis RPG with such beautiful, crisp, colorful, and excellent graphics, with both people and monster, but also backgrounds and environments. The angle view is really cool, and it makes some puzzles a real pain in the @$$, but it adds to the challenge and fun.

Sound: 9.5
Well, it wasn't anything to really fuss over, but everything fit perfectly. I never got tired of the music, and there were some occasions that were just ''music to my ears'' (no pun intended). Definitely worthwhile.

Character(s): 9.5
Nothing special, do I do love Nigel, just from the fact that he's a cool ''elven'' treasure hunter and that he can jump around so much. I don't really know much about the character, but that wasn't really stressed in the game. Friday was cool except for when she got all anal. The other characters were cool too.

Gameplay: 10
Great. The puzzles were awesome, and the baddies were fine. Just trying to figure out one room could drive you mad, but you REALLY feel good after FINALLY getting past it. And the swords and equipment are fun to play around with. The menu is simple, and is just right. Being able to buy or find life is nice too, however only being able to receive a miniscule amount of gold when you beat a monster REALLY can drive you mad. Overall, a fun game system.

Storyline: 9.5
Ok, honestly there was either no story line, or a lot of story line. The story line that WAS there was really cool. Nigel is joined by a little bat-like fairy in finding the lost treasure of King Cole. On the island, several abnormal things are happening, and the cause is unknown. There is some kingdom where the Duke is trying to recover King Cole's treasure too, and will get it by any way he can. Constantly encountering several nemesis' can be fun and plot-thickening. Basically, anyway you look at it, you will be spending more attention to the dungeons etc., so the story line is like a nice break from all the brain work.

Overall:10
I must admit I love this game, and, even though I never actually beat it, I got up to the final boss, and it was quite a ride! One of the hardest games I've EVER played, and I wished I owned it...>_<. Definitely something to play. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/08/02, Updated 03/08/02