SpellCaster

[grolt]

Finally started to get deep into this game after having fun just playing the first few bits before. Another solid RPG from SEGA, for sure. I actually think the action parts are extremely well done, even better than most of the standard action games on the SMS. Characters and fire power are very responsive, and they really let you rip it up with your "Ki" ball power. It gives you that really gratifying feeling that good games do when you can just mow through everybody. Having all the spells right off the bat is cool too, although they should have made you work a little for some of the later ones. That's offset by having the big ones require so much energy to use. Pushing 2 then down to cast the spell is also good, so you're not wasting them away like in Wonder Boy in Monster Land when you just press down by accident.

The adventure scenes are moderately fun, kind of clunky but still it's fun to go through all the motions. At least you're always doing something different in some order. I haven't got to the shooter level, but I'm looking forward to that. I always like it when RPGs try to mix it up. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves on the NES was a great example of that. That's still probably my favorite 8-bit RPG.

At first I really didn't like the music, but I'm starting to admire it more now. It takes a different path that most tracks, and there's some surprisingly creative use of the SMS sound palette to really make some unique notes.

The story is awesome in that it mostly makes no sense, but there's enough crazy Japanese mythological jargon to make it fun. Like I love how you have to pick up this fake sword, then draw it on this kind old lady, turning her into a boss. Like, who the hell would do that?

I like how the game goes very fast, with a nice little challenge then some text talk and then the boss. None of the convolution of Lord of the Sword or anything like that. I fear I'll eat my words come pyramid time, though...

[Shelcoof]

I seriously have to dig this one up again. I remember back then when I was playing and I messed up on the password system. That turned me off from ever playing again. The password was insanely long!!!

I'll probably play it on emulation to ease the pain

[grolt]

Yeah the password system is a real drag, but at least you can go and edit a single entry rather than having to do the whole thing again if it shows up wrong. Several of the letters are very tough to distinguish though, so it can become a guessing game.

I finished this not too long ago, good stuff. Some of it was really convoluted, like it needed so many triggers do get the story progressing. I liked how it did try a few new approaches, like the whole gridded boat sequence and using spells during the text sequences. The finale was also a standout, basically a level of a really fun shmup just thrown in for good measure. The ending was okay, nothing too memorable but still a nice attempt at epic storytelling.

Overall, I think the second half gets a bit too bogged down by the text adventure screens, but still it's definitely a unique gaming experience with stellar action and shooter sequences to keep the energy up. Recommended.

[Stan]

I agree, the first part of the game is incredible, I like the interplay between the text and the platforming. I say it gets bad for me around the pyramid level. The story gets a little silly and that pyramid is so annoying to get through, and it's like they just threw everything you needed together and said 'screw it.' Before it took some time to locate new objects, but like every weapon you need is just tossed in there, here you go, whatever, get these out of the way so we don't have to program anymore. After that I was disappointed, but overall one of the best SMS games out there and an excellent soundtrack at the start, really atmospheric, even in the non-FM version.

[grolt]

I don't really "like" the soundtrack. Like I'd never listen to it on its own like I would a lot of other game music. But I think it really fits the game perfectly and provides a totally unique soundscape. Usually in 8-bit land you recognize a lot of beats and sounds, but they managed to create a totally otherworldly sounding track with SpellCaster. If it were ever in one of those "Guess the tracks" games that we have up in Off Topic, I'd be able to pick it out in a second.