Dark Savior

"Another excellent RPG from Climax."

Dark Savior is an RPG released for the Sega Saturn in late 1996. It was developed by Climax, the same company who created the legendary Land Stalker for the Sega Genesis. This game was unique graphically because it integrated 2-D sprites and 3-D polygons perfectly. It also features a unique combat system that plays more like a fighting game than a traditional RPG.

Graphics-8/10- The integration is done perfectly. Everything is well drawn, from the characters to the towns, it is all great. The battles employ a nice 3/4 overhead perspective that helps you judge where to attack, very useful. You can also adjust the camera when not in battle, this is an invaluable tool since is helps tremendously during the platforming areas. The only downside to the graphics is the pixelation that appears on the sprites, it’s forgivable though, and doesn’t detract from the fun at all.

Sound-7/10- The music is decent, but only a few of the songs are memorable. The sound effects are good though, all of them are clear. Overall, the sound is good, but just doesn’t fulfill its potential, the sound effects save the game in the sound department.

Control-7-10- The control during the battles is excellent, everything is responsive and easy to execute. However, control in the non-battle areas leaves something to be desired, the platforming areas are a chore to get through, this is mainly due to the camera system, even though you can control the camera, you can never seem to get it right. The control aspect of it isn’t great though, the controls are as responsive as they need to be in the platforming sections, they make up a good portion of the game and deserve better control. Be prepared to devote quite a bit of time to learning the controls though.

Gameplay-9/10- This is definitely where the game shines. The game offers up a variety of innovative features, the main one being the unique real-time battles that play like a cross between Street Fighter (due to the fighting moves) and Power Stone (due to the ability to use weapons that are around the battle area.)

Replay Value-5/10- Like most RPG’s the replay value is a huge weakness. There is a good amount of secrets (like most RPG’s) to hold your interest though. However, the game is huge and you may not have the endurance to find them all.

Presentation-10/10- The presentation fits the setting perfectly. The characters are very diverse and all have a lot of personality. Overall, the presentation is excellent.

Overall-8/10- The game combines great graphics and a unique battle system to make one of the Saturn’s best RPG’s. The only downsides are the music and the questionable control.

Rent or Buy?-Buy- The game is excellent and is a perfect example of how the Saturn could be used to make great RPG’s. The game is worth almost any price, if you’re a fan
of RPG’s, and you own a Saturn, you owe it to yourself to buy this game if you can find it. Shop around a bit to locate a copy, try a local Funcoland or maybe even a pawn shop. If you find it, buy it, you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/24/00, Updated 07/24/00