Mention "Falcom" to any RPG fanatic, and the more knowledgeable will shout back "Ys!" with Pavlovian reflex. (The smarter ones will also pronounce it correctly.) But before Ys came Faxanadu, a similarly veined side-scrolling action RPG. You hopped and swiped your way through the branches of the Elven World Tree, seeking an explanation for the tree's demise. Many of the game's denizens had character portraits, a nice touch for an early title. The game's named "ranking" system made leveling up more enjoyable - you weren't just level 10, you were a Myrmidon! A wide variety of weapons, armor, and spells also made this one of the more enjoyable - if obscure - early action RPGs.
Final Fantasy II + III
Released: No USA release. December 17, 1988 and April 27, 1990 in Japan.
Developer/Publisher: Square.
Even though neither title was localized, both deserve a look for the new features they introduced to the series (which returned to US shores with Final Fantasy IV). Final Fantasy II focused more on plot than the first title. The story of four idealistic youths and a corrupt evil empire is hardly original, but other game designers ape those plot points to this very day. Final Fantasy III regained the original's "system" focus. Its "job system" let you set and change your character's class throughout the game. Each of the four idealistic youths (these are different youths) could be, in the same game, a fighter, a monk, a wizard of five different types, a chemist, or more. The job system would reappear in Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy Tactics. Final Fantasy III also introduced "summoned monsters" - large, mythical beasts who appear in battle, harm the enemy party, then vanish into the mists from whence they came. These over-the-top attacks, for better or worse, would soon become a console RPG staple.
Magic of Scheherazade
Released: 1989 in USA.
Developer/Publisher: Culture Brain.
This interesting RPG seems to be the result of feuding development teams. "Let's make an action RPG!" exclaims one team. "Let's make a turn-based RPG!" shouts the other. "Guys," says the benevolent project manager, "you can make both!" The two teams agree, make up, and create a title with as many motley styles of play as an Arabian bazaar. You, young Hero, seek to save Princess Sheherazade from the clutches of the evil wizard Sabaron. Think of it as the Thousand-and-Second Night. Your fierce battles unfold over five different time periods in an isometric action RPG and a turn-based RPG that miraculously coexist in the same cartridge. Eight party members found throughout the world will join you on your quest and fight alongside you. Scheherazade was one of the first RPGs to offer "team" attacks - you and a cohort could join forces during battle for an extra-powerful attack.
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