Bushi Seiryuuden: Futari no Yuusha for SFC

Image: MobyGames

Bushi Seiryuuden: Futari no Yuusha

Turn-based Zelda 2 with Wind Waker's plot

Genre: adventure - overhead

Publisher: T&E Soft

Year: 1997

System: SFC

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

There are two modes of gameplay: an overhead view, and a side-scrolling view where combat takes place. Enemies are visible on the overhead view and attacking them or being attacked by them initiates the side-scrolling combat. Combat is turn-based and so is movement on the overhead view. The top-down view reminds me a bit of Crypt of the Necromancer. Enemies move when you move so you have to time your attacks and movement so that you have an advantage on each turn. It's more interesting than it sounds. However, the movement is so stilted, especially on the overhead view that the game is frustrating. It's just so slow. With a few performance improvements. I think it would be a pretty fun game.

Level Design Score: 4

Level Design Notes:

The levels are fine if uninspired. You wander islands that have grass you can cut, ever so slowly in your turn-based movement, and other barriers that guide you to the next area. Save spots are frequent and replenish your health, so most of your time is spent grinding going back to the safe spot, grinding more and so on. Once you're at a sufficient level, you can breeze through the area where you've been grinding and go to the next little town on the island. Each of the battles is scripted and when you leave an area and come back all of the enemies return with their respective battle area. It's kind of cool.

Theme Score: 4

Theme Notes:

It has a serious Wind Waker vibe. You and your sister live on an island and on your birthday. Your sister is captured by a big bird that flies her to a tower in the ocean. Actually this is a straight up clone isn't it. Check that: Wind Waker is the clone since this predates it by 5 years! There are a ton of NPCs to talk to, although almost none of them give you useful information.

Art Style Score: 4

Art Style Notes:

Small sprites. Interesting use of colors. Mostly a pastel palette. The sprites have a look reminiscent of Pokemon (this is GAMEFREAK after all). Good but not great.

Audio Score: 4

Audio Notes:

Lovely music that sounds a little thin and heavy on the horns.

Overall Score: 70

Review ID: 1563