Three more classics from the Mega Drive archives
Alisia Dragoon
Released exclusively to the Sega platform in the winter of 1992,Alisia Dragoonis a most iconic title to video game fans of a certain age. This action RPG puts players in the super-skimpy armor of the titular warrior maiden, who embarks upon a quest to avenge the death of her father at the hands of the evil Prince Baldour. Alisia is aided in her adventures by her mythic powers and various familiars.
On release,Alisia Dragoonwon acclaim from critics and players for its fast-paced side-scrolling action and attractive, detailed sprites and stages, with the title being seen as something of Sega’s answer to theCastlevaniaseries, which was, at that time, considered more of a Nintendo property.
Beyond Oasis
Beyond Oasis— Perhaps more commonly known by its alternate titleThe Story of Thor— is a 1994 action-adventure game developed by Ancient Corp and produced by Streets of Rage composer Yuzo Koshiro. This top-down adventure was developed in response to the hugely successfulThe Legend of Zeldaseries, and features design and gameplay choices reminiscent of the Nintendo franchise.
InBeyond Oasis, players explore a dungeon-filled eastern kingdom, gathering together several elemental spirits in order to stop a wicked sorcerer from conquering the land.Beyond Oasiswas highly regarded on release, and is still a very visually and aesthetically impressive example of 16-bit gaming. Worth checking out for those who want to see what Sega brought to the dungeon-crawling party.
Earthworm Jim
No doubt the most recognizable of the three offerings, Shiny Entertainment’sEarthworm Jimlaunched on a wide variety of console and handheld platforms in 1994, toward the latter days of the 16-bit boon period. The cartoonish platformer stars a battlesuit-powered worm, who fights across the galaxy to save the lovely Princess What’s-Her-Name? from the clutches of the devious Psy-Crow.
Earthworm Jimwas celebrated for its lush, hand-drawn animation and silly, cartoon aesthetic. While the gameplay was nothing particularly new or exciting,Earthworm Jimwas part of the era’s final thrust into platform gaming, where titles such asDonkey Kong CountryandDisney’s Aladdinwould attempt to squeeze every last drop of power and resource from the 16-bit platforms.
Alisia Dragoon, Beyond Oasis, andEarthworm Jimare now available in the Nintendo Switch Online Sega Genesis archives.
