ActRaiser

"A promising first-generation hybrid game for the Super Nintendo."

Actraiser is by all accounts a success, albeit on a small scale. A first-generation game by Enix (makers of the ultra-popular Dragon Warrior series), Actraiser is a far cry from the continent of Alefgard. It is part side-scrolling action and part simulation (think watered-down SimCity). Assuming the role of the Master of the world, you and your angel friends must intervene in the affairs of each land and encourage the growth of human life. Unfortunately, a baddie named Tanzra and his legion of demons are determined to prevent you from doing this. The war over humanity begins.

Graphics
The actions scenes look quite good, with lush details and vibrant colors. The snakes in the Pyramid level are bright red and blue and look really cool for such insignificant enemies. Ah, so this is what the new 16-bit systems were for!!! Also, the Boss monsters look fearsome (dig that Minotaur) and the Master, who assumes the petrified body of a legendary hero, looks very regal and strong. The sim scenes, on the other hand (which are viewed from above in your cloud palace) sacrifice much detail in order to display conceptual ideas. The landscapes have simplified symbols like small trees, shrubs, and water. The angel that you control in this mode looks kind of like an insect with a halo.
(6/10)

Sound
The sound in Actraiser is its most consistently strong aspect. The tunes are bombastic and adventurous; the first Forest level is particularly fantastic. The sound effects, which range from a crisp whoosh of a swung sword to some nice explosion noises, are above average for an action. In the sim, the background music is excellent- it sounds primitive and hopeful, with a hint of dread running through the whole thing. When the people discover music, the tune is truly sorrowful and gripping. It is a treat to behold.
(8/10)

Control
The game features solid control. The action is simple for the SNES controller, as it has buttons for attacking and jumping, and button used to cast powerful (but limited) magic. The sim is about the same in simplicity, with a few basic menus that are easily navigated and an attack button to eradicate monsters with the angel's arrows.
(6/10)

Ganeplay
The gameplay is varied, and this plays to Actraiser's strenghts. You must complete an action sequence before you start the sim sections in each land (there are six total). Once you have defeated the Boss of that level in typical side-scrolling action, you assume the role of the Angel, a being that helps fend off monsters and cast spells that can make the landscape more hospitable to human life. You use the subscreens to direct in which direction you want the people to develop, and they can close monster dens by growing towards that area (this is simpler than it most likely sounds). Along the way, there are secrets to explore, so make sure that your people completely dominate their lands. As they grow, they will discover civilization advances and grow crops, all of which are offered to you (and help solve other dilemmas in other lands usually). After the monsters are cleared from the land, you must play through one more action sequence for each land in order to completely safeguard it and allow it to achieve its maximum potential. The game plays like this for all six areas, but it never gets totally stale because each area has unique problems that must be solved in different ways. There are plenty of secrets to discover and baddies to blast, so the game keeps you busy. The only bad thing is that both modes of play aren't truly impeccable examples of their respective genres. The action mode is a little slow, and the sim mode a little too simplistic. They are well-done, but the whole hybrid idea detracts from the quality overall.
(5/10)

Story
The story is overdone, but the ability to foster the growth of mankind as a Master figure certainly has its appeal...
(6/10)

Replay Value
There is plenty to do here, but it's doubtful that Actraiser will stand the test of your repeated plays.
(5/10)

Average (6/10)...Actraiser is a solid first-gen game for the SNES. It does many things relatively well, but it doesn't so anything superbly.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/19/00, Updated 02/19/00