Thinking back to my favorite games in my youth, I've started to notice a pattern. I've always gravitated to action RPGs on whatever system I've been lucky enough to have. Something about the action of combat and exploration coupled with the individualization of the RPG systems and item inventories has always resonated with me. Games such as the Zelda series, the Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and the Diablo games all spring to mind. But reaching back into the neon glow of my early 90s memories always brings me back to the NES gem, Crystalis.
Crystalis was and has always been a staple of my growth as a gamer. From my garage sale NES cartridge, to my GBC remaster, to the Switch in the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection. Crystalis has grown with me and at the same time remained a time capsule of nostalgic joy for me. Now, some of you have probably played this SNK adventure for yourselves, but a stunning number of people I have gamed with have no knowledge of this game's existence. So, for my fellow wielders of the elemental blades, let's remember our struggles to stop the Draygonia Empire. And for those that aren't in the know...let me introduce you to the best game you never knew you needed.
Crystalis is an action RPG released by SNK on the NES in 1990. It is a story of a post apocalyptic world where nuclear war has thrown society back to medieval times. Your character is awakened in a cave by a large machine. You now begin your journey, being led by four wise sages. Now, as my fellow old-school gamers can attest, there are not names in games like there were in the early 90s. These sages, named Zebu, Tornel, Asina, and Kensu. These sages are responsible for guiding your journey as well as well as teaching you magic along the way. The mechanics of Crystalis are your standard sword swinging and spell slinging that we've all grown accustomed to. But, in 1990, they were cutting edge. The ability to charge magical attacks in your sword and position yourself perfectly to vanquish your foes in a whirl of tornadoes, or a blast of fire, or even by summoning a lightning storm was almost more than my 6 year old mind could handle. The story may be lacking by today's standards. But, just as we've adopted the term NES-Hard, I've also learned to embrace the idea of NES Storytelling. The beauty of this generation of games' storytelling is that it gives you just enough to get you moving, but leaves details to your imagination. I mean, nobody had to know where Mario came from to enjoy rescuing Princess Peach. Just like we didn't care about the history of Link when we were finding the Master Sword and destroying Ganon. The games of the early 90s told stories that engaged our child imaginations in incredible ways, and didn't need to hold our hand or feed us every possible detail. Crystalis gives enough intrigue and story to be a good game, but creates a world for your mind to get lost in and create your own story. That, in my opinion, is what elevates a good game to being a great game. That being said, the story of Crystalis is quite good. I always enjoy the sub stories in the many towns you visit, as well as the amazing payoff when you finally travel to the floating tower. But, what is a great story without an incredible soundtrack. I frequently pull the OST for Crystalis up and listen to it in my car or when I cut my lawn. Those songs hold so many dear memories for me. Yoko Osaka did an amazing job composing for this game.
So, now that I've reawakened a desire to jump back into one of my top games of all time, I hope that my enthusiasm may have inspired you to give it a look as well. I hope your adventure goes well...and as always...Game On!
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