Chakan

"Best. Evil Slayer. Ever."

You are Chakan, the most powerful swordfighter who has ever live. Constantly searching for stronger opponents, you eventually challenge Death himself. In an earthshaking battle of blade and magic you emerge victorious. As a reward Death offers you your greatest desire, eternal life.
After walking the Earth for centuries you grow weary, bored of existence itself you track down Death and ask to be released from this curse. Death refuses, and proclaims that as long as evil exists you shall not die. And so you now stalk the planes, hunting and killing evil in all forms, so that you may finally rest in peace. You are Chakan, the Forever Man.
A classic and cryptic Action game renown for it’s storyline, Chakan features impressive graphics, sound, and difficulty level, and while the battle system is riddled with flaws, the story and character helped make this game a cult classic.

Gameplay: 5/10
An Action-Platformer, Chakan is comparable to Castlevania or an early Devil May Cry. You start in the Terrestrial plane, with the ability to choose between four different worlds, each with three levels, representing the four elements, fire, air, water, and… spiders. Playing as Chakan, you travel jumping, double jumping, and slaying through the levels, finishing each world with a boss battle. After completing the Terrestrial plane, you get to try your luck on the Elemental plane, essentially a harder version of the same, just for those who thought you had a chance in hell of beating this in one sitting.
Unlike most games in the genre, you have set life limit. Instead of focusing on health, the game instead focuses on time. As the Forever Man, even the most disastrous fatalities leaves you to respawn only to try the level once more. However if you fail to complete a world before the hourglass runs out, game over.
You start with Chakan’s signature double blades, and throughout your travels pick up four alternate weapons, axe, scythe, hammer, and grappling hook. These weapons can be used to get around obstacles as well as defeating enemies.
The Alchemy based magic system is one of the greatest features of the game. By searching the maze-like levels and defeating enemies you can pick up four different colors of magical potions. By combining them you can use up to twelve different spells, including invincibility, invisibility, and summoning the four elemental swords.

The weapon system, Alchemy system, and level design all make for an impressive and fun game, however Chakan has one severe and hampering flaw, a poorly designed battle system. Most enemies blindly charge you in an attempt to knock you into pits. Larger enemies blindly slash at you, while you methodically stab with one sword while your other hangs at your side, useless.

Graphics: 9/10
Impressive graphics for a 91 release, Chakan employs crisp sprite graphics and backgrounds. The artwork in the opening story sequence is terrific. While some of the enemies can be compared to something out of a 1950’s sci-fi film, overall the graphics more then do the job.

Sound: 8/10
The eerie sound helps set the cryptic atmosphere of Chakan. While there is only so much that can be expected from early MIDIs, the music in the game will help you sink into the Chakan world.

Difficulty: 9/10
Good luck trying to beat this one, Chakan is certainly not one for those willing to put the hours in. Without any kind of save feature, even on practice mode the frustrating enemies, obstacles, and long levels will make you wonder if there’s a double meaning in the title.

Buy or Rent? Buy
While there are obvious problems with the games basic gameplay design, Chakan features an addictive storyline, character, and atmosphere that will keep you praying for a remake.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/07/03