"The best Sega Genesis action RPG"

The Sega Genesis system never came out with many good RPGs. However, it did have some that really stood out. True RPGs such as Phantasy Star 2 & 4, as well as the Shining Force series really made an impression on many gamers. Action RPGs, on the other hand, are extremely few and far between on the Genesis. I believe that it is Beyond Oasis which is the pinnacle of this genre for the Sega Genesis.


Graphics

I believe that this game has some of the best graphics the Genesis ever produced. The artwork is a bit cartoony, but very well drawn. There are many different animations for the main character, Ali, which are very nicely done. The landscape is also very well done, especially the trees, and give the game a very good sense of atmosphere while playing. The enemies are very detailed, and there is quite a variety of them. The bosses are enormous in this game as well, and there is never any slowdown. This is also one of the largest Genesis games ever made (24 Megs), so there is quite a variety in different landscapes. This game is a tremendous achievement in the field of graphics for the Genesis.

Music/Sound

Beyond Oasis has some very cool tunes. Yuzo Koshiro, of Streets of Rage fame, composed the music for this little wonder. It really sets the mood for the different landscapes and dungeons you come across. The sound is above average, and even says the trademark ''Sega'' sound when the Sega logo appears at the beginning.

Gameplay

Beyond Oasis is an amazing game. The story is pretty basic. You are Ali, the prince of the kingdom. There are monster attacks occuring, so you investigate. Soon you realize who is behind all the trouble and you set off to defeat your foe. There is a ton of different weapons to aquire in the game, including magic bows, bombs, and all different types of swords. In the beginning, you search out the 4 powers of your magical armlet which you can use to summon your spirits, which include a fire spirit, a water spirit, a plant spirit, and a shadow spirit. Each has it's own unique abilities which will help you to fulfill your quest. There are tons of secrets in this game, and a few side quests you can venture off and do to aquire more powerful weapons. In many of the dungeons you have to do some figuring. Sometimes there may be switches you must push in order to figure out the secret. Other times, you must strategically use your spirits to help you get out of the dungeon. It actually keeps the game quite interesting, although I hate the dungeons where you must leap from magically hoving floors to other floors. I always seem to miscalculate on those sorts of things.

Overall

A very well made game by Sega. Great graphics, great music, and a very well thought out story line make this game the best of the action RPGs for the Genesis. The game looks even better if you are playing it in a Nomad. So if you are a Zelda fan, or if you just like action RPGs, get yourself a copy.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/13/00, Updated 04/13/00