Light Crusader

Infobox VG
title = Light Crusader


developer = Treasure
publisher = Sega
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|North America|NA|May 25 1995
vgrelease|Japan|JP|May 26 1995 vgrelease|Europe|EU|1995
Virtual Console:
vgrelease|PAL Region|PAL| December 6 2007
vgrelease|North America|NA|December 31 2007
genre = Action RPG
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: K-A (Kids to Adults)
platforms = Sega Genesis, Virtual Console
media = 16-megabit cartridge
requirements =
input = Joypad

"Light Crusader" is an Action RPG developed by Treasure and published by Sega. It is similar in gameplay to , blending console role-playing game RPG, action-adventure and platform game elements in much the same way. It featured an art style and presentation that mimicked European RPGs. It marked a major departure for the developer, known for fast paced action games, with colorful anime-inspired visuals. It is, to date, their only RPG, and their only game with a distinctly Western art style.

Gameplay

The adventure follows the knight Sir David as he travels to the town of Green Row. Green Row has been suffering from a rash of disappearances and Sir David has been summoned by the King to find the cause. Gameplay is viewed from an isometric viewpoint. Players can execute simple sword slashes as well as using the 4 magic elements, move freely, jump, and push objects. Gameplay is a mix of action, puzzle solving, and platforming for the most part, with the usual role-playing staples like towns, shops, equipment, and spellcasting. The player contols Sir David as he travels through an assortment of dungeons, battling creatures such as 'slime', solving puzzles to advance and saving those who were kidnapped.

tory

Upon starting the game, the player is introduced to a man who is later revealed as a evil wizard named Ragno Roke who is angered by the queen; it is said that both the king and him had offered to marry the queen, but he was rejected. He decided to reawaken the evil demon Ramiah to get revenge. Sir David is offered to come over to Green Row after his journey. He hasn't been there for a long time and was awaiting to return. However, the king informs David about recent events that involved people disappearing out of nowhere. The king tells him to search for the missing people. By the end of the game, David confronts both Roke and Ramiah. Roke tells David that he doesn't need the life of the missing people to revive Ramiah and that his own life should be enough. Upon defeating Ramiah, Roke ends up dying and the missing people come back.

Characters

Sir David - The main character and hero of the game. He was offered to take a vacation in Green Row, but upon hearing the news from the king, he must find the missing people before Roke can awaken Ramiah.

Cullen - A resident of Green Row who was taken by the Wizard's Guild to be sacrificed to awaken Ramiah. He is found in B2, B3, and B6 of the dungeon; offers the solution to one of B2's puzzles and offer some advice.

King and Queen - The rulers of Green Row, the queen was given a choice to marry either the king or Roke, but she chose the king. The king gives David the talisman to bypass the barrier leading to B2.

Ghost of King Garriott - Appears as a boss in B4, he challenges you to see if you are worthy of wielding his sword, the Light Crusader. It was used to seal Ramiah into the dungeon along with the help of 8 wizards. His name may be a homage to game developer Richard Garriott, creator of the seminal computer RPG series "Ultima".

The 8 Wizards of King Garriott - The 8 wizards who helped seal Ramiah into the dungeon. They must be found in the 8 worlds of B5.

Enemies

Blobs - They come in green, red, and sliver variants. Red and sliver ones shoot magic attacks at you, green ones will try to attack you.

Goblins - Green monsters that work for Roke. They will attack with either a mace or with arrows. David can gain a goblin costume to talk with some of the goblins. You can also use it to keep them from attacking you.

Wizards - Evil magicians that cast random spells. If they are in pairs, they can create fake holograms of themselves.

Skeletons - These sword and shield holding enemies can be killed with the Holy Sword or the Turn Undead spell. Regular attacks have no effect.

Sponge blobs - Sponge blobs are sponge-like enemies that don't move and attack with a blue stick that will cause damage if in contact.

Cowboys - Cowboys are found in one of the worlds in B5. They attack with rifles and attack at close range. Wearing the goblin costume will keep them from attacking.

Soldiers - Like the cowboys, the soldiers are found in the both war worlds of B5. They attack with guns but cannot attack if David is wearing the costume.

Swords

Long Sword - Available from start.

Rapier - Found in B1, improves damage from attacks.

Thunder - Found in B2, improves damage from attacks.

Lightning - Found in B3, improves damage from attacks.

Relayer - Can be brought in the weapons shop for 1500 G or found in B4, improves damage from attacks.

Crystal - Found in one of the worlds of B5, improves attack and sometimes casts the freeze spell.

Holy Sword - Found in B6, improves attacks and sometimes casts the Turn Undead spell.

Light Crusader - The best sword in the game, given to you in B4 after defeating King Garriott's ghost.

Note - When David is in his goblin costume, you cannot switch swords and David's sword will always appear to be a mace.

Armor

Plate - Available from start.

Chain Mail - Found in B3 after solving a puzzle, resistance from attacks is slightly improved.

Bronze - Can be brought in the weapons shop for 2000 G or it may be randomly dropped by a enemy in the place where you find Lightning in B3. Using the Thunder spell will increase the chance of getting the armor. Resistance from attacks is improved.

Dragon - Found in B4 by walking towards an enemies spot after defeating them, resistance from attacks is improved.

Pidge - Found in B6 after completing a puzzle, resistance from attacks is improved.

Gold - Found in B2 from defeating lilypads, gold armor will randomly appear. The best armor in the game and you cannot take damage when wearing this armor.

Gloves

Gloves - Available from start.

Gauntlets - Found in B2 after solving a puzzle, increases attack range.

Power - Found in B3, increases attack range.

Kaiser - Can be brought in the weapons shop for 1000 G, increases attack range.

Iron Gloves - Found in one of the worlds of B5, increases attack range.

Power Gloves - Found in one of the worlds of B5 from a random enemy drop, increases attack range.

Scratcher - Found in one of the worlds of B5 from a random enemy drop, best gloves in the game, superior attack range.