Crystalis online

Game Description

Crystalis is an action RPG game created by SNK, released on the NES console in 1990. The game combines elements of fantasy, post-apocalypse, and magic, offering players a deep storyline, elaborate combat system, and exploration of a world full of mysteries and dangers.

Plot

The action of Crystalis begins when a young magician awakens from cryogenic sleep, where he was placed by the villains of the Great War before the nuclear rain in 1997. Although he cannot remember his name or who he was, he leaves the Mezame Temple and discovers that he may be the key to saving this world from destruction. Assisted by four wise sages and a mysterious woman, he confronts the tyranny of the Draygonian Empire to ensure that humanity does not ultimately repeat the Great War. The player discovers that the world has been destroyed and divided among four civilizations, each of which possesses a crystal orb. To defeat Draygonia, the player must collect four crystals, obtain the powerful Crystalis sword, and restore balance to the world.

Gameplay

Crystalis offers gameplay typical of the action RPG genre. Players traverse expansive areas, battling diverse enemies, gaining experience, collecting items, and developing their character. A unique element is the weapon system, where players use the Crystalis sword to change the type of attack on the fly, adapting to enemies and situations.

The game is presented from a top-down perspective, and the player character can be moved in eight directions using the D-pad. One action button is used to attack with the sword, while the other is assigned to the equipped magical power or item from the player's inventory. The start and select buttons respectively bring up the status screen and equipment menu. Additionally, players can equip various armor and shields. Defeating monsters allows the player to earn experience points, which increase their level, thereby increasing health, defense, and attack power.

The primary means of defeating monsters is using the four elemental swords scattered throughout the game (the fifth sword, Crystalis, is obtained in the final dungeon). The swords are capable of both normal slashes and powers that shoot elemental projectiles. Each of the four swords is imbued with a separate elemental power (wind, fire, water, and thunder), making each sword more effective than others in different situations.

Crystalis is a game that defined the action RPG genre and is still considered one of the best games in its genre.

Game Features

• Combat System: Players can adjust the type of attack using various forms of the Crystalis sword.
• Magic: The hero can master various spells, enabling healing, magical attacks, and environmental manipulation.
• Exploration: The game world is full of mysterious locations, mazes, and towns that players can explore, encountering various challenges.

Basic Information

• Release Date: 1990
• Genre: Action RPG
• Publisher: SNK
• Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Number of Players: 1

Gameplay with Crystalis (NES)