Bahamut Lagoon

"A great strategy with a deep storylinge"

This was a little known strategy game by Squaresoft done near the death of the Super Nintendo console, and it was never released in the U.S.. It featured a battle style somewhat similar to the Front Mission series in how you take turns controling your troops and then the enemy takes their's after you've completed your turn. This also featured a gripping story (this is assumed from reading a translation due to the fact I don't understand one bit of Japanese) with many plot twist and turns. The game always leaves you thinking who really is one my side. With outstanding graphics, great music, and an excellent story it really is a shame that this game was never realeased, but I hear that Neil Corlette (who translated Seiken Densetsu 3 and many other titles) is working on this one as well! =)
As I've said before, I can't understand Japanese and I've gotten the story from reading a translation, so here it is as I've read it. The world is an endless sea of sky. People live on floating islands called Lagoons. Certain large lagoons are united under a kingdom, and are able to stay in power with the protection of a guardian dragon, these are different from normal dragons, they are much larger and stronger. You play the role of Byuu, a cross-knight who is the captain of the Kahna Dragon Squad. You hear that the kingdom is under attack by the evil Granbelos, but the kingdoms guardian Bahamut is still sleeping from it's long slumber and won't wake up. The dragon squad is the only one able to protect Kahna. But, due to your small size the Emperor of Granbelos, Zauzer, has taken over the castle and has killed the king and taken the princess Yoyo, who has the ability to talk to dragons and seems to be intrested in you, captive. With Zauzer now having complete control of all the lagoons, the sky turns a eerie crimson color, and the winters get colder and colder. You must now free all the lagoons, but to do that you must recieve the power of all the sleeping guardians including Bahamut...
Square has always paid attention to graphics, even in the SNES era as some disbelieve seeing Square just recently making they're games look pretty, this is a prime example. Although only playing the game last year I was surprised by how good Square could make a SNES game look. Accompanied by the gourgeous music, the graphics of the intor just took my breath away. Square as able to do a great job with the 2d CG in this game. Also this game makes great use of transparencies, and are done in EVERY single screen of the game. This truely is a graphical masterpiece of the SNES era.
The music is also extremely well done. Although they play the same tracks during most battles, one for you're turn, one for the enemy, and one for a close up battle; they do fit. The most rememberable track in my mind is Princess Yoyo's theme. The music played during the scenes seems to convey the emotion and mood during the scene very well.
The battle system is very unique, it seems to be a mix of Final Fantasy Tactics, Front Mission, and Kartia. I've pretty much explained the basics above but that's not covering how deep the battles really are. Like FFT the use of the grid is very apparent, especially the casting of magic, the range is almost equal. But the use of the enviroment is a key issue. With the use of elements you can effect the very battle grounds: casting ice on water will freeze it allowing you to walk on it, casting fire on the newly created ice platform will transform it back into water and if you're on it when they do that, well that's damge there. Also casting bolt on certain terrain will destory it. Also, during the battle your dragons (AI controlled) will aide you in battle. Not only can they cover more terrain do to their flying ability they can cast extremely powerful elemental based spells and are physically strong to boot. Wait there's more! If you are next to the enemy you can engage in a close up battle, allowing for greater damage. In this kind of battle you are thrust into a FF type battle, but there is only one round. If you're dragon is close by they can fry them with a strong multi hit spell or just slash at them. Extremely creative thinking.


Score:

Story: 9/10
Graphics: 10/10
Music: 7/10
Replay: 5/10
Gamplay: 10/10

Total Score: 7/10

This game was a outstanding acheivement on Square's part. The only reason I see for their not releasing it was that they believed us people in the States were to immature for this type of gaming. But the way I see it now, the majority of gamers now are immature little elementary pokémon freaks. If you see this game in an import store, I highly reccommed you buying it, and if you don't like it (which i doubt) you can send it to me! =)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/16/00, Updated 07/16/00