Terranigma (SNES)

Pub: Enix | Dev: Quintet | October 1995 | 32 MEGS
Pub: Enix | Dev: Quintet | October 1995 | 32 MEGS

For years on end I had heard about a Super Nintendo title that was never officially released in the US. A game so amazing that it had to be played to be believed. A game that was supposedly the pinnacle of 16-bit gaming. A game the stuff dreams are made of. Of course, I’m talking about none other than TERRANIGMA. Does Terranigma live up to the massive hype? Is it worthy of being called one of the best on the SNES? Let’s have a closer look…

BLACK FRIDAY 2010

nightskyy

A little over seven years ago I first played Terranigma. When it comes to game playing, there’s nothing quite like playing an (action) RPG in the months of November and December. Nothing beats playing such games on a cold, chilly winter evening. There’s something about those darkening late afternoons, the wind whipping outside your window and the feeling in the air as you work your way through a magical fantasy world ruled by big eyes and EVEN bigger hearts. Where wise old men pass down their wisdom to the younger generation, where spirits roam, where kings rule and where monsters stalk the land. It was on Black Friday of 2010 that I first began my trek with Terranigma. I remember it fondly as if it happened only yesterday. I had just got back home from spending Thanksgiving with my family. They began discussing their Black Friday master plan around 9 PM while I decided to duck out. I partook in the festivities the year prior — once was more than good enough for me. Instead, I wanted to head home, take in the quiet serenity of the early morning hours and fire up Terranigma for the first time ever. That proved to be the right call — it’s a memory I fondly recall even seven years later. Now there isn’t a Black Friday that rolls along where I don’t think of Terranigma somehow!

LOG IT!

It pays to keep a record. It really does
It pays to keep a record. It really does

I finished it about two weeks later, logging nearly 30 hours. It was incredible. One of those rare magical gaming experiences I’ll always cherish and remember. Ark, renamed Steve, ended on Level 37 (639 HP). As one NPC in Terranigma once suggested, it pays to keep a log. I’ve always been into archiving. Having a record allows me to go back in time to recall past events. Since early 2006, I’ve kept a log of my SNES activities.

One of the best gaming-related decisions I made
One of the best gaming-related decisions I made

I’m so glad I did; I would have forgotten all the quirky details and crazy little stories if I hadn’t. The following will be an account of my Terranigma experience. And on a side note, this marks my 100th SNES review. I had to go big for the magical 1-0-0, and I can’t think of many better choices than this. Surely you didn’t expect Lester the Unlikely, did you? That would be highly unlikely…

[Oh dear -Ed.]
[Oh dear -Ed.]

THE STORY GOES…

TerranPlot

MEET THE CAST

TerranChar

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

[adjusts sleeves] I know I know...  [PUH-LEASE -Ed.]
*adjusts sleeves* I know I know… [PUH-LEASE -Ed.]
Elle: What is it? Steve: You have some eye boogers! Elle: Oh...
Elle: What is it?
Steve: You have some eye boogers!
Elle: Oh…
Elle is such a thoughtful lass
Elle is such a thoughtful lass
Our hero posing by the gorgeous sunset, lovely eh
Our hero posing by the gorgeous sunset, lovely eh?
It's just as weird as Soul Blazer, if not even weirder
It’s just as weird as Soul Blazer, if not even weirder

The Quintet trilogy as some like to call it started with Soul Blazer and concluded with Terranigma. It’s nice to see the odd nod to Soul Blazer here and there throughout.

Times like this that really remind us of our mortality
Times like this that really remind us of our mortality

One of many unforgettable and touching moments from Terranigma. If you’re not moved in the least when you play this, then you, sir, have no heart. No heart at all!

The dialogue was rather deep for its time
The dialogue was rather deep for its time
Eurasia is one of many atmospheric towns you'll see
Eurasia is one of many atmospheric towns you’ll see
Always good to run into that little troublemaker
Always good to run into that little troublemaker

Hey, remember ol’ Turbo? Sure you do! He’s the mutt from Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia. That canine sure gets around!

WHAT THE -- !
WHAT THE — !

Who could ever forget this infamous scene in Soul Blazer? The Quintet Trilogy always had some… ahem… controversial moments littered here and there. Some… well… perverse scenes, as you will see a little later on.

Turbo also turns up in Illusion of Gaia
Turbo also turns up in Illusion of Gaia
Note to self: Must cut back on double cheeseburgers
Note to self: Must cut back on double cheeseburgers
That age old belief that man is the real monster...
That age old belief that man is the real monster…

The random things people say ranges from amusing to whimsical to even sometimes downright philosophical. Some statements are rather bizarre, others plain silly, while others ring true in many aspects. In that regard, there is a pulse to Terranigma unlike (nearly) any other SNES game. It was definitely ahead of its time and as a result of that, it holds up well to this day.

[Who knew Steve had it in him, eh? -Ed.]
[Who knew Steve had it in him, eh? -Ed.]
[Or maybe... it's just your corrupted little mind -Ed.]
[Or maybe… it’s just your corrupted little mind -Ed.]
Steve, such an upstanding handsome hero [Riiight -Ed.]
Lend an ear to the local suicidal town drunk…

Brings new meaning to the term room service, no?
Brings new meaning to the term room service, no?
Quintet you devious perverted little scamps you!
Quintet you devious perverted little scamps you!
Did you know he owns a fansite dedicated to SNES?
Did you know he owns a fansite dedicated to SNES?
It really does. Great game to play on a December night
It really does. Great game to play on a December night!

Video games serve as a form of escaping the daily grind and troubles of everyday living. And nothing transports you to another world quite like a good ole adventure game. I especially love playing them on a cold winter’s night.

Can't help but laugh at moments like this
Can’t help but laugh at moments like this

I told ‘cha I’m not imagining these sexual innuendos! I only tell it like it is, you see. Not my fault that Quintet was a bunch of sexual deviants! :P

Terranigma never preaches but it does make you think
Terranigma never preaches but it does make ya think

After playing so many censored RPGs in America, it was refreshing to play one that was true to its core. Look no further than the town of Litz, where a huge statue of Christ proudly hangs. Such an image would have never passed Nintendo of America’s standards back in the mid ’90s. And since Terranigma came out in Japan October of 1995, an English translation would have pushed a potential US release date into the first quarter of 1996, a time period where the SNES was simply no longer a viable market. The game was doomed, then, to never make it to American soil.

It definitely hearkens back to Resident Evil a bit!
It definitely hearkens back to Resident Evil a bit!
Classic moment from a classic game
Classic moment from a classic game
It's nice to see real historical figures incorporated
It’s nice to see real historical figures incorporated

[Please do NOT let Steve take over for Columbus -Ed.]
[Please do NOT let Steve take over for Columbus -Ed.]
Love the skeleton displayed in the background there. There are many great details that helps to bring the game to life, in addition to its memorable characters and epic storyline.

What?! Them Quintet boys are at it again...
What?! Them Quintet boys are at it again…
Chicken Soup for the Heart Broken Soul
Chicken Soup for the Heart Broken Soul

There’s even a few bits about women and how they can break our hearts. Here we see some poor soul comforting our hero. So many ladies have shattered his poor heart; he’s lost count. Makes you feel for the lad. And hey, how many of us, at one point or another, can relate exactly to what the NPC is saying? This moment almost makes you flashback to all the heartbreaks in your life. Maybe even the one who got away. It’s moments like this that really bring Terranigma to life and almost makes you forget you’re only playing a video game. ALMOST.

It's cliché but always just be yourself
It’s cliché but always just be yourself

FRIEND ZONED, ouch. But in life I’ve learned this: you never want to be with someone who doesn’t want to be with you back. Always stay true to yourself and live your life. If the time is right, you’ll meet a suitable match and the rest will be history. Meanwhile, don’t beat yourself up too bad over dates that go nowhere. We live in such a disposable society that you want to take your time to find the right person. I don’t know if this may be speaking to anyone but yeah. If you can currently relate to that guy in the picture above then chin up!

OK surely there is no room for misinterpretation here!
OK surely there is no room for misinterpretation here!

Freaking Quintet…

"Uh, OK. I was just going to ask for the time..."
“Uhhh, OK. I was just going to ask for the time…”

This got a chuckle out of me. It brings me back to the first time I can recall being prayed for. It was at my retail job back in 2004. I was in college and worked at a toy store in the mall. It was a Sunday. I’ll never forget it. This father walks in with his two adorable twin sons. He was dressed in his Sunday best so I figured he just came out of church. I wasn’t anti-Christian but at the time I didn’t pay religion much mind. He bought a couple race cars for his twin boys, then he asked me out of the blue if he could pray for me. I was totally caught off guard. I asked him pray for what? He said good health, wealth and success in my college career. Eh, what the hell I thought. Couldn’t hurt. So he placed his hand on my shoulder as I awkwardly looked ahead at his twin boys standing in the doorway some 20 feet away from the register counter. They both wore the look on their faces that said, “UH OH… DADDY’S DOING IT AGAIN!” Looking back, I appreciated what Francis (still remember his name) did for me over 12 years ago. Even though I was shaved, happy and had no religion at the time, I didn’t mind him praying good health and wealth over me. But some people, like that business man in Neo Tokio, wants no part of prayer. To each his own, right? Just another interesting little moment of many in Terranigma.

I also liked how they broke the 4th wall
I also liked how they broke the 4th wall
Meta before meta became cool
Meta before meta became cool
So has RVGFanatic. This marks SNES review #100!
So has RVGFanatic. This marks SNES review #100!

Was Terranigma originally named Illusion of Gaia 2? From this bit of dialogue it would appear so. Interesting indeed.

The broken English here is rather endearing
The broken English here is rather endearing

Meilin?! What’s up with her and you?

Meilin makes a great point when it comes to love
Meilin makes a great point when it comes to love

Ah, philosophical musings and whimsical introspection are just the order of the day here in Terranigma. It’s times like this that makes one reflect on their own life, or maybe that’s just me. At any rate, it definitely all adds to the pulse of the game. It’s as if you’re really in another world — one far far away yet hits close to home, too.

[No comment... -Ed.]
[No comment… -Ed.]

Alright, not to be sexist. SOME girls…

"God?! Is that you?!"
“God?! Is that you?!”

That Steve, such a ladies' man! [Riiight -Ed.]
That Steve, such a ladies’ man! [Riiight -Ed.]
Elle?! Oh man, all the ladies simply cannot resist the valor and excellence of Steve! ;)

Meilin, find someone who'll like you... FOR YOU
Meilin, find someone who’ll like you… FOR YOU

“There’s a lotta things about me you don’t know anything about, Dottie. Things you wouldn’t understand. Things you couldn’t understand. Things you shouldn’t understand.”

“I don’t understand. And who’s Dottie?”

“You don’t wanna get mixed up with a guy like me. I’m a loner, Dottie. A rebel. So long, Dott.”

“WHO’S DOTT?!”

"You should reconsider your travel buddy next time..."
“You should reconsider your travel buddy next time…”

Some more interesting dialogue ensues. You can’t help but grin at some of the comments.

Someone say Suncoast? This brings back memories...
Someone say Suncoast? This brings back memories…

You have the opportunity to expand many different towns throughout the course of the game. Suncoast is but one example.

Ah, good times
Ah, good times

Back in the late ’80s to early-mid ’90s, Suncoast was a staple of my childhood. It was always the first store I visited whenever my mom took me to the local mall. It was en route to other classics such as SOFTWARE ETC., Walden Books, B. Dalton, Sam Goody, and of course, the awesome CYBERSTATION arcade hall on the upstairs wing.

This was THE place to be on a Saturday night back then
This was THE place to be on a Friday night back then

Upon hitting Suncoast, I would raid their vast horror and sci-fi section, drooling over the mesmerizing horror movie boxes and reading the back of every Godzilla VHS box. There was a definite sense of idyllic innocence to those olden days that a small part of me still misses to this day. So yeah, thanks Terranigma for conjuring up fond memories of days gone by.

It might cost you in more ways than one...
It might cost you in more ways than one…
Does well to whisk you away to a magical land
Terranigma does well to whisk you away to a magical land

This part exemplifies the great power of a magical world tucked inside a 16-bit cartridge. The game never shows you what the view actually looks like, but you can practically imagine it. Elaborate 3D graphics need not apply. All you need are just some proper words linked together and your own imagination to be swept away.

[No judgment here... -Ed.]
No judgment here…
OH SNAPS! Where's the token Indian engineer at?
OH SNAPS! Where’s the token Indian engineer at?
Don't be THAT guy...
Don’t be THAT guy…
Some comments really caught me off guard
Some comments really caught me off guard!

Unexpected little moments like this bring the game to life and makes it easy to suspend your disbelief for a bit. It’s a real living breathing world that you’re navigating.

I'm sorry to say this but don't be fooled, guy
I’m sorry to say this but don’t be fooled, guy

Poor guy. Little does he know…

OUCH
OUCH

Hurt people hurt people. Word.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID

TerranSP

Terranigma is a beloved classic. It’s one of those games few people played back in the mid ’90s only to finally experience years and years later. It’s now considered one of the finest games in the SNES catalog, and rightfully so. Many moons ago, I ran a poll on my original RVGFanatic site asking readers which of the Quintet Trilogy they most preferred. Not surprisingly, Terranigma won that vote going away. I love Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia as well, but they don’t stand a chance.

The people have spoken! Speaking of the people...
The people have spoken!

Speaking of the people, I’ve compiled a gamut of opinions regarding the awesomeness that is Terranigma.

  • WOW! A masterpiece in every possible way. The gameplay is simply phenomenal. The plot is so amazing that it’s difficult for me to put into words how incredible the story actually is. There are so many interesting twists and turns throughout. -Rbball13

TerranMoYou love me…
You really love me!

  • It holds the greatest appeal to people who enjoy an intriguing, engrossing story that will make one go into contemplation, fans of the style of gameplay, and those who value engaging characters. Terranigma is a rewarding experience that, if one is willing, will enrich one’s mind and soul. A classic that is worth every gamer and story lover’s time. -Nepheliad

TerranHap

  • Terranigma is a unique experience among RPGs. The game has a few jokes, side quests and secrets to keep people busy, and while the plot doesn’t preach any philosophical morals to you directly, it will probably make you think about things differently. -Big Cow

TerranMo2

  • It really is difficult to describe Terranigma with mere words. It’s an experience unlike any other on the Super Nintendo. An adventure every serious video gamer has to go on in order to see what makes this game one of the best Super Nintendo games ever — maybe even the best of them all. It’s the magnum opus of Quintet every SNES gamer should check out. -Darth Julian

TerranMo1

  • Can you remember the last time you loved a game so much that you were actually afraid for it to end? I remember getting this feeling from this game right here. It is possibly Quintet’s finest hour, and a tribute to what these video game developers could and did accomplish during the wonderful and immortal 16-bit era. -PizzaDude371

TerranIoG

  • This game offers the freedom to explore a vast world and continually find new things on a level I have not experienced before in a Super Nintendo RPG –- not with Tales of Phantasia, Final Fantasy III, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past or any other. It stands out in its own right as the richest, most brimming game world I have known. Over nearly 30 hours of gameplay I never failed to be excited when I opened a treasure chest or returned to a village to engage in fresh dialog –- even if it was just for the most elementary update to that NPC. I found that I was growing each town thoroughly, and meticulously inching over the world map so as not to miss interacting with a single character or place. This all amounts to a level of commitment that I did not think I would be able to meet given my busy lifestyle, but Terranigma simply bewitches you in this way. The best praise I can give Terranigma is that it was the last game of my adolescence that truly consumed me. -Midget35

TerranDark

  • This game will enlighten you as much as it will entertain. -MaullarMaullar

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Yeah, what THEY said...
Yeah, what THEY said…

It was on a late, blustery November night that I began my trek through Terranigma. Black Friday (2010) to be precise. Somewhere miles and miles away, my crazy cousins were plotting their great raid. Me? I was warm and cozy gearing up to unravel the marvelous worlds inhabiting Terranigma. The game completely consumed me over the following two weeks. Whether I was searching for the Five Sandstones, deciding to vote for Jean or Louis, or just simply looking out for poor old bloke Bell in Freedom, Terranigma grabbed a hold of me from the very start and didn’t let go until the bittersweet end. Expanding the various towns is always rewarding and tasks such as delivering nine letters for the cause of Nirlake all adds to the game’s greatness. Plenty of NPC interaction and slaying of foul monsters to satisfy even the most jaded of ARPG fans. Terranigma truly has it all.

Oh, the places you'll go!
Oh, the places you’ll go!

It should be noted that the game is on the easy side; it hardly gave me any trouble at all. But that’s easily overlooked (and forgivable) when a video game is as enjoyable and sweeping as Terranigma is. You’re simply too busy having a good time instead. The visuals won’t wow you even though they are top-of-the-line quality. The soundtrack is utterly amazing. This is truly a global adventure. Along the way you’ll see various sights and meet folks from all walks of life. Towns expand, things pass and fade away, love blossoms, evil reigns, hope abounds. Some of the puzzles were a bit tricky but the solution was always right under my nose. The final boss is way too easy and a bit anticlimactic as a result, but the emotional ending left me feeling both satisfied and saddened. Simply put, Terranigma is a special game worthy of its hype. If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for? It’s one of the best Super Nintendo games ever created.

Graphics: 9.5
Sound: 10
Gameplay: 10
Longevity: 9.5

Overall: 10

PLATINUM AWARD
Platinum Award

Few games have moved me much as Terranigma has. It’s a sprawling epic adventure that spans not only the globe but generations. Terranigma delivers like few others can!

 

What a game, Quintet! Any closing thoughts?
What a game, Quintet! Any closing thoughts?
Hey now! That's not nice...
Hey now! That’s not very nice…
ALL HAIL TERRANIGMA
ALL HAIL!

100 SNES reviews in the books!
Here’s to 100 more! :)

Illusion of Gaia (SNES)

Pub: Enix | Dev: Quintet | Setepmber 1994 | 16 MEGS
Pub: Nintendo | Dev: Quintet | September 1994 | 16 MEGS

Soul Blazer fans unite! Quintet’s spiritual follow-up, Illusion of Gaia, follows the adventures of a young explorer named Will along with his zany friends. Armed with his trusty flute, psychic powers and the ability to morph into strange powerful beings, Illusion of Gaia is a quirky and memorable action RPG. On a personal note, it’s been over 10 years since I first played and beat this game, and I have been meaning to review it for a decade now. At last, the time has come. I had a blast playing through Illusion of Gaia — it’s yet another high quality game in a lineup full of epic titles. It’s hard, for me at least, not to love the SNES. It’s truly the system that keeps on giving. You know a system is stacked to the gills when a game of this caliber has kind of been forgotten somewhat. Maybe it doesn’t belong in the same breath as some of the Super Nintendo’s very finest, but it sure holds its own.

I THINK I’M TURNING JAPANESE

Why does Japan get all the cool box art?
Why does Japan get all the cool box art?

Released in Japan as Gaia Gensōki on November 27, 1993, North American gamers had to wait 10 months to play Illusion of Gaia. European gamers had it even worse — it didn’t come out there until April 1995. The Super Famicom box art is perhaps my all-time favorite video game cover. Seeing Will, Kara and the adorable little pig Hamlet racing across the universe as two mysterious powerful beings loom overhead promises adventure and intrigue. Compare this box art to the one we got here in America and it’s night and day. It went from super dope to super meh. On the bright side, we’re not here for no stinkin’ cover. We’re here for the game. And fortunately, it’s a dandy one.

SPIRITUAL SEQUEL

IoGSP2

It's Turbo from Soul Blazer indeed!
It’s Turbo from Soul Blazer, that lovable mutt!
WHAT THE -- !
Doggy style, eh?

STRANGER THINGS CONNECTION

STUpDown

Sometimes I can turn a stubborn eye to something that becomes an overnight success. As a fan of underdogs and obscurities, it may take me a while to latch on to something that sweeps a nation by storm. It happened with Goosebumps back in the early-mid ’90s. Ironically, nearly 25 years later it happened with Stranger Things (which is kind of like Goosebumps on steroids). Earlier this month I finally watched Seasons 1 and 2. Stranger Things easily became my most favorite TV show since Breaking Bad. As I went to capture screenshots for this review, it suddenly dawned on me that Illusion of Gaia can sort of be viewed as a 16-bit version of Stranger Things! Now hear me out. There is a “Dark Space” in Illusion of Gaia. Meanwhile, there is an “Upside Down” in Stranger Things. Both main protagonists (more or less) are named Will; HELL, they even look kind of similar! Will possesses the power of telekinesis, so he’s like a combination of Will Byers AND Eleven. It’s kind of neat when one thinks about it. Well, at least it is to me, anyhow :P

That Will looks familiar...
That Will looks familiar…
Will Byers from Stranger Things fame
Will Byers from Stranger Things fame
Will has his own crew
Will has his own crew…
And so did Will Byers!
And so does Will Byers
They have their special hang out
They have their special hang out
A place they play games at
A place to play their games
So do they! Mike's basement is the place to be
As did they — Mike’s basement is THE place to be
Will can move things with his mind
Will moves things with his mind
Telekinesis baby!
Eat your heart out, Carrie
Eleven does, too!
Eleven: Hold my soda. On second thought, nevermind

THE STORY GOES…

IoGMan

IoGMan1

IoGMan2

IoGMan3

Face cruel monsters of every kind...
Face cruel monsters of every kind…

POWER UP!

It's fun to level up in the heat of battle
It’s fun to level up in the heat of battle
Take a walk on the dark side...
Take a walk on the dark side…
Who doesn't want to be a sword swinging  badass?
Who doesn’t want to be a sword swinging badass?
Or a mysterious ass kicking shadowy warrior?
Or a mysterious ass kicking shadowy warrior?

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

IoGIoG1

 

 

 

 

 

Will’s father is missing. Possibly dead. Still, Will refuses to stop searching until he finds some answers. Not unlike Joyce Byers and Will…

IoG2IoG2b

 

 

 

 

 

Remember how season 2 of Stranger Things mentioned that the one year anniversary of a traumatic event can trigger intense feelings, flashbacks and even relapses? The Anniversary Effect is very real, indeed. Having experienced it myself, it’s little stuff like this that really connects me to Illusion of Gaia.

IoG3IoG3b

 

 

 

 

 

IoG3cIoG3d

 

 

 

 

 

Every group of friends needs that one trusty hang out spot. For these boys, it’s the Seaside Cave at the far end of their hometown, South Cape.

IoG4IoG4b

 

 

 

 

 

Before Will heads over to Seaside Cave, however, he entertains the locals for a bit. That funky looking portal there transports you to the Dark Space, but more on that later.

IoG5IoG5b

 

 

 

 

 

Jumping off high ledges is always a hoot. I found the game’s translation to be rather endearing.

IoG6IoG6b

 

 

 

 

 

IoG6cIoG6d

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage takes hard work and good communication to work. Seth’s parents are having a bit of a rough patch. Characters bicker and have their flaws, just like in real life. It made the game feel more “alive” than some other 16-bit action RPGs.

IoG8IoG8b

 

 

 

 

 

WAIT A MINUTE — a runaway girl?! You mean like… Eleven?

IoG9IoG9b

 

 

 

 

 

Dungeons & Dragons was on the table until the group had something even more compelling in mind…

IoG11IoG11b

 

 

 

 

 

Telekinesis aside, Will has a sixth sense psychic power.

IoG12IoG12b

 

 

 

 

 

Coming home to find a pig wrecking your living room just doesn’t happen everyday. But this is no ordinary day. Princess Kara tracks down her pet pig Hamlet at Will’s house. They go upstairs where Kara asks Will about his missing father, Olman.

IoG13IoG13b

 

 

 

 

 

Grandma Lola and Grandpa Bill join the scene as does King Edward’s soldiers. They drag off Kara but not before she can share a heartfelt thought to Will. Ever meet someone that you felt you’ve known your whole life? That’s the way Kara feels about Will. But how does Will feel about Kara? That remains to be seen…

IoG14IoG14b

 

 

 

 

 

Damn, son. Good thing that text box is blocking your trousers…

IoG15IoG15b

 

 

 

 

 

Every great adventure sees our hero leaving home to explore uncharted territory. And so too it is with Will. He’s been summoned to King Edward’s castle. Will loves his grandparents but he has a mission and a destiny to carry out…

IoGMan10

IoG16IoG16b

 

 

 

 

 

Princess Kara begs you to rescue her but King Edward throws you into a prison cell before you can lift a finger. Night soon falls…

IoGMan11

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Enter the Dark Space where Gaia, the source of all life, offers sage advice, rest and a chance at saving your journey.

IoG18IoG18b

 

 

 

 

 

Battle bloodthirsty bats, sinister skeletons and other strange abominations.

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Flutes aren’t typically thought of as weapons, but Will makes the most of it.

IoG20IoG20b

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a slight puzzle element to the game but nothing too perplexing. Jumping on that button there reveals a hidden room that’s home to some unsavory bats.

IoG21IoG21b

 

 

 

 

 

Finding treasures and the Dark Space portal is crucial to success.

IoG22IoG22b

 

 

 

 

 

Transform into Freedan for the very first time.

Shit just got real
Shit just got real

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Stronger than Will, Freedan turns you into a badass warrior.

IoG24IoG24b

 

 

 

 

 

Players are introduced to Lilly near the end of this dungeon. She too possesses some unique powers.

IoGMan12

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Racing back to the castle under the cloak of nightfall, Will and Kara head back to Will’s home in South Cape.

IoG26IoG26b

 

 

 

 

 

However, the return is spoiled by a vicious act of vandalism. We learn that the Jackal has left his mark on Will’s bedroom wall. The Jackal is a top-of-the-line hunter hired by Kara’s mom. He now has his sights aimed directly at Will.

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Enter Lilly, who informs Will that Grandpa Bill and Grandma Lola are safely tucked away in her village. Kara gets a little protective of Will and questions who this Lilly is. The two then have a bit of a verbal splat. Their dynamic is certainly entertaining to say the very least.

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Before heading out to Itory Village, Will bids farewell to his friends. They notice that something is off with Will. You know, just like Will’s friends did in Stranger Things. Not acting like the same old Will indeed…

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Lilly’s bickering with Kara carries on.

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Shades of Eleven and Mad Max, almost…

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Traveling from South Cape to Itory our heroes go.

IoGJour

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Princess Kara complains and Lilly is quick to be curt with her. We soon find Grandpa Bill and Grandma Lola safe and sound. They tell you that the Jackal has been here…

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Despite fair warnings, their words go unheeded.

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Sprint down and catch some major air!

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Climb down the ladder and secure your first Inca Statue.

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Friday the 13th flashback, anyone? KU KU KU… HA HA HA. Lilly tells you about the Moon Tribe. It is there that you’ll procure your second Inca Statue.

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Hardship has a way of either destroying you or strengthening you. It’s up to you to decide which side of the coin wins out.

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Princess Kara and Lilly continue to bicker :P

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Welcome to Larai Cliff. Many have tried exploring and exploiting it. None have survived to tell the tale.

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Massive Inca stone statues litter the place. They really add to the adventure and exploration atmosphere of the game.

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Battle parasitic mutant worms and look for clues scattered among the explorers who have gone before you…

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Speaking of Friday the 13th, these bastards kind of look like Jason Voorhees (his Jason Goes To Hell incarnation in particular). Explosions reveal a skull?! Strange but true…

Jason Goes To Hell (1993)
Jason Goes To Hell (1993)

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Arrange the “Jason” statues properly and a hidden door reveals itself. The Dark Space is always a welcome sight as it allows you to save your game and also transform into the almighty Freedan.

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Freedan’s reach allows him to access places Will cannot.

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Another giant leap of faith!

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Mudpit creatures try to smother you in a mud bath. Many traps lie in waiting to befall explorers, but luckily Freedan is no ordinary man.

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Freedan is bigger and stronger than Will — transforming keeps the game feel fresh and exciting. Now that both Inca Statues have been placed, it’s time for the big boss fight.

Love the way the gust of wind pushes the leaves
Love the way the gust of wind pushes the leaves

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Castoth is a mean nasty demon.

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There’s nowhere to hide or run. Good luck!

You'll meet some strange things along your journey
You’ll meet some strange things along your journey
The raft scene is one of my favorites! So atmospheric
The raft scene is one of my favorites! So atmospheric
The game totally had me enthralled by this point
The game totally had me engrossed by this point
Ironically, Freejia is anything but free...
Ironically, Freejia is anything but free…
The falling leaves is a really nice touch
The falling leaves is a really nice touch
You can even see a couple making out! :P
You can even see a couple making out! :P
What is this, the Department of Energy?!
What is this, the Department of Energy?!

STDoE

STPortal

Seth: Hee hee, sorry. All: SETH!
Lance: Hee hee, sorry. All: LANCE!! GROSS!
Each area has its own unique design and feel
Each area has its own unique design and feel
A cool breeze whips your hair in the wind
A cool breeze whips your hair in the wind
The hair swaying detail is very lovely indeed
The hair swaying detail is very lovely indeed
You're bewitched by their harmonious soothing tune
You’re bewitched by their harmonious soothing tune
Oh, does it have only one ball too?
Oh, does it have only one ball too?
"Stop busting my ball!" -John Kruk, probably
“Stop busting my ball!” -John Kruk, probably
Reminiscent of Run Saber. I hope they don't come alive!
Reminiscent of Run Saber. I hope they don’t come alive!
Fun underrated 2 player game
Run Saber is a fun 2 player game
Speaking of running...
Speaking of running…
One of the most memorable moments in the game
One of the most memorable moments in the game
What a grand sacrifice. It's a surprisingly deep game
What a grand sacrifice. It’s a surprisingly deep game
Mummies are strong but not stronger than Shadow
Mummies are strong but not stronger than Shadow
"Don't F*CK with us, Jackal!"
“Don’t F*CK with us, Jackal!”
Contemplate your fate as you stare ahead
Contemplate your fate as you stare ahead
Don't look down, Will! Yikes
Don’t look down, Will! Yikes
The ending was beautiful
The ending was beautiful
Not many SNES endings go past 10 minutes. This does
Not many SNES endings go past 10 minutes. This does
What will become of our world?
What will become of our world?
God damnit, Quintet. You gave us another gem
Quintet you beautiful bastards. You gave us another gem

EXTRA PACKAGING

The game came packaged with this lovely map
The game came packaged with this lovely map

Like so many (action) RPGs of the era, Illusion of Gaia came packaged with some neat bonuses. This includes a world map, an extended manual that served as a player’s hint guide and an enemy map. It was this attention to detail that made games of the genre so cool back in the day.

Good shit
Click on image for full size — good shit

CHINK IN THE ARMOR

IoGCT3

Far from a perfect game, there are a few imperfections to take note of. For starters, fans of Soul Blazer will surely miss the ability to lock and strafe. Also, those expecting an open world kind of action adventure in the same vein as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past may be slightly disappointed. Moving on the overhead world map is automatic and you go from destination to destination. This does cut down on the fluff and travel time, but it also makes Illusion of Gaia a rather linear game.

Sorry, I had to!
Sorry, I had to!

Finally, don’t expect a very long game. It lasts about 15 hours which is plenty long enough but it does seem to fly by pretty fast. I suppose one could argue it’s better to leave the audience wanting more as opposed to player fatigue. And this one definitely left me wanting more. So this can be viewed both ways.

They got a pill for that, y'know
They got a pill for that, y’know…

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID

Nintendo Power's Top 100 ranked it at #85
Nintendo Power’s Top 100 ranked it at #85

Interestingly enough, despite both EGM and GameFan previewing the game and hyping it up, neither publication ever reviewed it. It stands as probably the highest profile SNES game (especially of 1994) to never be reviewed by either EGM or GameFan. Pretty shocking to say the least. Illusion of Gaia is well received in retro gaming circles. Some prefer it over Soul Blazer, as do I. It’s not quite as awesome as Quintet’s spiritual follow-up, Terranigma, but few games are. Super Play rated it 88%.

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Preach!
Preach!

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Beautiful fan art by Kaigetsudo
Beautiful fan art by Kaigetsudo

I hold Illusion of Gaia in fond reverence. While it isn’t the greatest SNES game ever, there’s something mystifying about it that left a lasting impression. There’s sort of a beautiful melancholy to it all. You really feel like you’re on some grand adventure saving the world and growing with your friends as you go. The game also hits on some surprisingly mature themes, such as the idea of sacrificing oneself for the greater good. In fact, it even reminds me a bit of EarthBound in that sense (although Illusion of Gaia came out almost a year earlier in Japan). And whenever a game can remind me of Earthbound, that’s a damn good thing!

It's full of heart and soul
It’s full of heart and soul

One reason I prefer Illusion of Gaia over Soul Blazer is the main protagonist, Will. Contrast this to Soul Blazer, where you control a generic and nameless warrior. It leaves you feeling a bit disconnected. But with Illusion of Gaia, you’re controlling a normal boy (not counting the psychic powers mind you) with normal friends in a normal town. You almost feel like you could have grown up in a similar town with similar friends. The ability to switch between Will and two fierce warriors is well implemented and adds variety to the game, mixing the humanity with the extraordinary. It’s a combination that works like gangbusters. But ultimately, it was Will and his story arc that I gravitated toward. That raft scene between Will and Kara haunts me to this day – I dare call it one of the best and most memorable moments in 16-bit history. It doesn’t hurt too that the graphics were great for its time. Little details like Will’s hair blowing in the wind and even the sparkly stars adorning the portal to the Dark Space hits the sweet spot. Illusion of Gaia has that classic lush “SNES look” that typified many Super Nintendo games from that era. And the music is some of the finest work ever composed on the SNES! Major props to Yasuhiro Kawasaki.

Beautiful art by ICEO208
Beautiful art by ICEO208. Long live Hamlet!

Another reason why I prefer Illusion of Gaia to Soul Blazer is that it’s way more character driven. The characters are teeming with life — each one has a quirky personality and the group dynamic is fascinating to say the very least. Not everyone gets along and some even bicker. Others fall in love. It sort of paints a picture of real life in some ways, and even though games are meant to be a fun form of escape, it’s always nice in my book when a game incorporates some real life stuff. I sort of feel that Illusion of Gaia has become one of those “lost classics.” It doesn’t seem to come up too often when people discuss the best Super Nintendo games of all time, but it’s one of those games where if someone asks, “Ooh, remember Illusion of Gaia?” Then suddenly it blows up into a huge nostalgia fest. I suppose that’s a testament to how epic the SNES library truly is. And the fact that one can make reasonable connections with this game to Stranger Things in the year 2017 just makes me love this quirky little game that much more.

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IoGCT

Graphics: 9
Sound: 9
Gameplay: 9
Longevity: 8

Award4Overall: 9.0
Gold Award

 

Erik the Preacher. Or perhaps the Proclaimer...
Erik the Preacher. Or perhaps the Proclaimer…

But I would walk 500 miles.
And I would walk 500 more!