https://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/719984398578122752/vgjunk-arcus-odyssey-megadrive-genesis
Arcus Odyssey was released in 1991 by Taito for the Sega Genesis. This is a fantasy role-playing game played from a top down perspective. It features a blend of exploration, combat, and character progression that makes this a stand-out game on the Genesis, at least if you like RPGs.
In Arcus Odyssey, you can choose from four distinct characters, each with unique abilities and weapon. These include the warrior, the thief, the mage, and the cleric. This selection offers a layer of strategy, as players can tailor their experience based on their preferred style of play. The warrior is the most balanced, the thief is the most agile, the mage is the most powerful and the cleric is the most versatile.
As with any good RPG, this game’s structure is nonlinear, allowing players to explore various interconnected levels and complete quests at their own pace. Combat is fairly straightforward and features real-time battles against a variety of enemies, including goblins, skeletons, and bosses (though I prefer turn-based combat myself). Players can attack, dodge, and use magic, with each character having their own unique combat styles.
One of the key mechanics of the game is the way magical items and power-ups are scattered throughout the levels. Players can collect various spells and equipment which enhance their character’s capabilities. Managing inventory is crucial since you can’t carry unlimited items and you must decide which items to carry into battles and how best to use them.
The graphics in “Arcus Odyssey” are pretty solid and do a good job of representing the 16-bit capabilities of the Sega Genesis. Sprites and other graphics are well defined and well animated. The character designs are distinctive and do a good job capturing the essence of their particular class. The environments are detailed and varied, ranging from enchanted forests to dungeons and everything in between.
Both the music and sound effects are also well done. Arcus Odyssey features a varied soundtrack that shouldn’t bore you and helps you to get into the game. Sound effects for attacks, spells, various other things are all well done. Good music and sound effects help build tension when needed and this game does a good job of that too.
The game is divided into multiple levels. Each level is filled with its own secrets, traps, and mix of enemies that increase in difficulty as you progress. The level design encourages exploration, with many paths leading to hidden items and power-ups. Enemies and bosses get harder to defeat as you go and require having the right strategy (and items) to beat them, especially in later stages.
While overall, Arcus Odyssey is an excellent RPG, especially on the Genesis, it has it’s flaws as well. For instance, sometimes to complete a quest you have to backtrack through areas of the game you have already been to. This isn’t all bad but it can feel repetitive at times. Still, if you are a console RPG fan then you should pick this one up and give it a try. I’m sure you can also play it via emulations if that is your preference.
