Skyblazer has like this mixture of RPG and platforming, which reminds me in a way of Zelda, Castlevania, and Prince of Persia, because of the game's Middle Eastern feelings in some of the stages, and the looks of characters and enemies. Though this is a forgotten game that gamers of the new generation, obviously don't understand, and the old generation does remeber or not, then it is my pleasure to review this game.
Plot. Raglan, the King of the Underworld, and Ashura, Lord of War form a dark alliance for their plans to take over the world and dominate with pure evil. A young warrior named Sky, makes a futile attempt to save the beautiful sorceress, Arianna, who is captured by Ashura. When Sky is healed by an old sage, he recognizes his destiny and must journey throughout the continent in order to obtain mystical powers, so that way he can face and defeat evil and save Arianna, before she is sacrificed by Ashura.
When going on to the next island, Sky can cross the island in a mini game, which he gets jewels while flying on his glider, and can get various lives when collecting hundreds of them in stages and mini-games too. The game has a password system as well, in order to pick up where a player left off.
Concept. Players must guide Sky throughout 24 different levels, in which he must fight against creatures, and bosses to obtain magical powers, in order to be prepared for the showdown against Ashura and Raglan. When players arrive at Raglan's Citadel, Sky must battle all the bosses he defeated for the second time before he confronts Ashura. After Ashura is defeated, Arianna is saved, but then players must fight a hard final battle against Raglan, King of the Underworld.
Design. Kenshi Naruse was the designer of Skyblazer, and the designs in every stage, characters, enemies, bosses and some scenarios was really well made. My favorite stages in the game are the Lair of Kharyon and the Temple Infernus, because their the best designed stages in the game. This game is like: The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy meet The Prince of Persia.
Music. Harumi Fujita is the composer of the game, and he gave it an Indian tone, which he also used in Bionic Commando. The music's Indian style, gave the game's stages quite the Middle Eastern feeling.
Rantings. The boss I hate of this game is the one from Petrolith Castle, because each time you hit that gigantic wall face, it turns around quickly after a few blows, giving him quite the advantage to squash you like a pancake. Even if the Lair of Kharyon was well designed, you will get lost, and try to find a way out for like six to fifteen minutes.
Good Aspects. The game has some replay value, and the designs are very well made. Sky's fighting style made him unique, unlike typical fantasy heroes that always carry swords or spears. His hand-to-hand combat and magical powers defined his characteristics.
Overall. Though this game has faded into obscurity, it's still a cult classic among video gamers of the older generation, this game gets an 8.5 out of 10.