"Brilliant for it's time."

Introduction

ActRaiser is and Action/RPG released by Enix in 1991. This game has received many good reviews, and I don't think that I will be changing that trend. It is a beautiful, well-presented masterpiece of a game, that should be in anyone's collection.

Gameplay

ActRaiser is a very unique game, that plays similarly to Zelda II: Adventure of Link. It is a 2D platformer, but takes it way beyond the normal reaches, adding RPG and Sim elements as well. When I first picked up this game, I was skeptical, but it has performed beyond my expectations in every category! The game is split into 6 Acts, hence the name, each with 2 parts, which involve the platforming, and boss battling. In between the two parts, you must control your little cherub servant, and ward off enemies, keeping the townsfolk happy, expanding the area and your world's population, which gives you more Health, Powers, etc. I found a weird trend with bosses that was very annoying. At the beginning of the game, the were insanely difficult, then easy, then medium at the end, with exception of the last boss.

Story

The story in this game was quite original for the era it was released, featuring a God (you) that was slumbering after fighting an evil force, only to wake up and find his world in a mess! Your job is to complete the various acts, allowing people to populate the area, and let it flourish (with the help of your trusty cherub!).

Graphics/Sound

Let me get this off my chest and say, this game's music is hands down the best I've heard on the SNES, except maybe for Chrono Trigger. Every land has it's own catchy tune, that will either have you humming it for days, or blow you away with stunning orchestrated pieces! I love it. The graphics are also above average for the SNES, even in it's infancy.

Replayability

Although I've been raving about how good ActRaiser is, this is probably one category it isn't as good in. After playing through it once, getting all the secrets, and the like, I didn't really feel like playing through it again. But maybe that's just me, after all, I am the guy who doesn't like to watch movies twice!

Final Recommendation

All in all, ActRaiser is a solid game that even the most casual of gamers could probably find some enjoyment in, and for 8 bucks, how could you possibly go wrong? Get this game, you won't regret it!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/15/08

Game Release: ActRaiser (US, 05/28/07)