Valis III

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Valis III
Single-player

Valis III

bosses
.

Valis III was created by most of the same staff members who worked on the previous entry at Laser Soft, an internal gaming division of Telenet. Masami Hanari and Fumiyuki Moriyama reprised their roles as director and producer, respectively. The TurboGrafx-CD version features animated cutscenes, similar to those initially introduced in Valis II. The Genesis port was slated for a European release by

platforms and compilations. The TurboGrafx-CD version garnered generally favorable reviews from critics, while the Genesis version carried similar reception as the original release. It was followed by Valis IV
(1991).

Gameplay

TurboGrafx-CD
version.

Like its predecessors, Valis III is an action-platform game starring Yuko Asou, wielder of the mystical Valis sword, and is set after the events of

boss at the end of each level.[5] At certain points in the game, gameplay pauses, and a cinematic cutscene plays regarding the game's storyline.[4]

The main difference between Valis III and previous games in the Valis series is that the player is now in control of multiple characters that can be switched at any time (reminiscent of Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse). Each character uses different upgradable weapons (Yuko has a chargeable energy wave, Cham has a whip, and Valna shoots magical blasts from her wand) and spells (of lightning, fire, and ice variety). The characters cannot be switched during boss fights, where the choice of the character also results in a different cutscene. Some stages also force the player to play as a particular character, usually the main heroine Yuko. Another feature new to the series is a ground slide move which can double as an attack.[3][4][5] The Sega Genesis port has most of the cinematic cutscenes removed. Several levels were removed as well, and a new one was added to this version, while the remaining levels are more similar to each other. However, boss fights and parallax scrolling were improved.[3]

Plot

Story

King Glames[c] leads denizens of the Dark World to conquer both Vecanti and Earth, seeking a home for his people before the destruction of his planet. Against this common foe, Yuko Asou fights together with Cham and Valna. Furthermore, the mystical Valis sword wielded by Yuko Asou is shown to be capable of more than what Yuko has accomplished with it thus far.[3][4][5] During the course of the game, Yuko rescues Cham from kidnapped and Valna from captivity.[4][5] Later, they visit the ruler of Vecanti, Nizetti,[d] and unleashes the Valis blade's full potential, which culminates in a climactic battle between the three girls and Glames as well the returning antagonist from the first game, Rogles.[e][4] Yuko defeats them both, and for her dutiful and unwavering service, she is permitted to step down from being a guardian and become a goddess in Vecanti, leaving Earth behind forever. The Valis sword retires to the heavens, and Vecanti prepares itself for prosperity, while Cham and Valna wave goodbye to Yuko as she departs to take on her new role.[6]

Characters

Yuko Asou[f] is the main character of Valis III, a Japanese teenage schoolgirl chosen as the Valis warrior and keeper of the Valis sword. Of the three playable characters, she is the one with the most fighting strength, but is little weak in her magical abilities.[5] Cham[g] is the game's second character, a demon warrior-maiden born in the Dark World who wields a deadly whip. Her father, Lada, a baron of the Dark World, was killed by Glames for standing against the plan to invade Dreamland. Faced with this fact, she seeks revenge and initially tries to steal the Valis sword from Yuko. However, Cham and Yuko decide to fight together.[5] Valna[h] is Yuko's sister who grew up within Vecanti and the game's third character. She became strong in the ways of magic and carries with her a powerful magic staff. Valna has the most powerful magic of the three character, but it is the one with the least attack strength.[5]

Development and release

Valis III was developed by Laser Soft, an internal gaming division of Telenet, previously responsible for Valis II (1989).[7][8] It was created by most of the same staff members who worked on the previous entry, with both Masami Hanari and Fumiyuki Moriyama reprising their roles as director and producer respectively, while animator Osamu Nabeshima returned as one of the game's artists.[8][9] Because of being released on CD-ROM, the team was able to include animated cutscenes into the game as they had done before with Valis II.[10]

Valis III was first released for the

UbiSoft, as part of a multi-game licensing deal with Renovation, but it was never officially released in the region for unknown reasons.[17] The Genesis conversion was co-programmed by Yoshiki "UAI" Yamauchi and Masayasu Yamamoto, who had prior involvement with the series since Valis: The Fantasm Soldier.[18][19] Michiko Naruke, best known for her work on the Wild Arms series, was involved in the Genesis adaptation as one of three composers under late sound director Shinobu Ogawa.[18][20] A new stage was introduced for the port, but most of the cutscenes and multiple stages were removed due to cartridge size limitations.[3]

A special visual compendium CD-ROM released in 1993 for the PC Engine, Valis Visual Collection, features the cutscenes from the game along with those of Valis II and its follow-up

Super Valis as Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Complete Plus, which came bundled with a CD soundtrack instead.[23] In 2021, the media company Edia announced a reprint of the PC Engine version to commemorate the series' 35th anniversary.[24] The PC Engine version was included in the Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection compilation for the Nintendo Switch in Japan by Edia on December 9, 2021.[25] The physical edition of the collection is also planned for a western release by Limited Run Games.[26] It was re-released separately through the Nintendo eShop by Edia first in Japan on February 10, 2022,[27] and later in Europe and North America in March 2022.[28][29] The Genesis port was included as part of the Renovation Collection 1 compilation for Evercade, launched in 2022 by Blaze Entertainment.[30][31] In 2023, the Genesis version was included as part of Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection III for Switch.[32]

Reception

Valis III on the TurboGrafx-CD garnered generally favorable reviews from critics, some of which reviewed it as an

Joystick's Jean-Marc Demoly applauded the title's gameplay and audiovisual improvements compared to Valis II.[1] Aktueller Software Markt's Sandra Alter also commended the graphics, sound and gameplay, but criticized its animated cutscenes between stages for their length.[33] Electronic Gaming Monthly's four reviewers felt that the TurboGrafx-CD version was superior, but they disliked its overall audio design and low difficulty.[35] TurboPlay's Donn Nauert stated that the game's multiple characters offered enough challenge for players.[44] Hardcore Gaming 101's Kurt Kalata wrote that "At the time of its release, Valis III was by far the most versatile, fun and best-looking game in the series."[3]

The Sega Genesis version of Valis III carried similar reception as the original TurboGrafx-CD release,

Raze compared the title with Strider but praised its attention to detail, depth and visuals.[38]

Console XS felt the game was monotonous.[40] Mega Drive Advanced Gaming noted the overall presentation but found it occasionally difficult.[41] Kalata of Hardcore Gaming 101 commended the Genesis release for its improved boss encounters.[3] Complex selected it as the 61st best game on the Sega Genesis in a list originally published in 2016.[48]

Notes

  1. ^ Ported to Sega Genesis by Telenet Japan
  2. ^ ヴァリスIII, Varisu Surī
  3. ^ ぐらめす (Guramesu), Ramses in the North American localization for the TurboGrafx-CD version.[3]
  4. ^ にぜち (Nizeti)
  5. ^ ログレス (Roguresu)
  6. ^ 麻生 優子 (Asou Yūko)
  7. ^ ちゃむ (Chamu)
  8. ^ ヴァルナ (Varuna)

References

  1. ^ a b c Demoly, Jean-Marc (December 1990). "Consoles - Valis III (CD-ROM)". Joystick (in French). No. 11. Sipress. p. 121.
  2. ^
    IGN Entertainment. Archived
    from the original on 2019-05-16. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Kalata, Kurt (July 13, 2010). "Valis III". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 2022-02-05. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Valis III manual (TurboGrafx-CD, US)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Valis III instruction manual (Sega Genesis, US)
  6. ^ Pacheco, Márcio (February 23, 2016). "Valis III". GameHall (in Brazilian Portuguese). R7. Archived from the original on 2021-01-08. Retrieved 2022-06-03.
  7. ^ a b "PC Engine: All Titles -1990-" (in Japanese). Telenet Japan. 2005. Archived from the original on 2005-11-18. Retrieved 2007-05-27.
  8. ^
    GameSetWatch. UBM plc. Archived
    from the original on 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  9. Staff roll
    .
  10. .
  11. ^ a b c "NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: ヴァリスIII (PCエンジンCD-ROM)". Famitsu (in Japanese). No. 109. ASCII Corporation. September 14, 1990. p. 20.
  12. ^ "Turbo Champ: TurboGrafx-CD Player - Valis III". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 26. Sendai Publishing. September 1991. p. 71.
  13. . pp. 6–13.
  14. ^ Wirt, Ken (Spring 1992). "Software Calendar; What's In Store For CD-ROM?". Turbo Edge. Vol. 2. NEC. pp. 1-2.
  15. ^ ソフトウェア一覧(ソフトライセンシー発売)| メガドライブ. SEGA HARD Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Sega. 2022. Archived from the original on 2020-06-26. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  16. ^ "16-bit Gamer's Guide (Part 1) — Genesis Carts: Only the beginning?". GamePro. No. 23. IDG. June 1991. pp. 36–40.
  17. Europress Impact
    . January 1992. p. 10.
  18. ^ a b Telenet Japan (June 1991). Valis III (Sega Genesis). Renovation Game. Level/area: Making Staff.
  19. ^
    ISBN 978-4896372670. (Translation by Shmuplations. Archived 2022-02-19 at the Wayback Machine
    ).
  20. ^ Greening, Chris (April 9, 2013). "Michiko Naruke Profile". Video Game Music Online. Archived from the original on 2021-02-05. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  21. ^ "NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: ヴァリス コレクション集 (PCエンジンCD-ROM)". Famitsu (in Japanese). No. 219. ASCII Corporation. February 26, 1993. p. 38.
  22. ^ Venom, Dr. (August 2006). "Valis - Ascensão E Queda De Uma Serie". MSX Force (in Portuguese). No. 8. ASCII Corporation. pp. 21–27.
  23. ^ a b "プロジェクトEGG,「夢幻戦士ヴァリスCOMPLETE PLUS」を500本限定で発売". 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). Aetas Inc. November 24, 2011. Archived from the original on 2019-07-13. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  24. ^ Romano, Sal (June 15, 2021). "Valis: The Fantasm Soldier, Valis II, and Valis III coming to Switch – PC Engine reprints also planned". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 2021-08-14. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  25. ^ Romano, Sal (August 19, 2021). "Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection for Switch launches December 9 in Japan". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 2021-08-23. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  26. ^ Romano, Sal (November 11, 2021). "Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection coming west". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 2021-11-26. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  27. ^ 「夢幻戦士ヴァリスCOLLECTION」海外での配信を記念したセールがスタート. 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). Aetas Inc. February 10, 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-02-10. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  28. Nintendo Life. Nlife Media. Archived
    from the original on 2022-05-14. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  29. Nintendo Life. Nlife Media. Archived
    from the original on 2022-05-18. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  30. Nintendo Life. Nlife Media. Archived
    from the original on 2021-10-22. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  31. ^ Davison, Pete (March 23, 2022). "Valis III is Valis, but better (and harder)". Rice Digital. Rice Digital Ltd. Archived from the original on 2022-03-23. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  32. ^ Romano, Sal (August 24, 2023). "Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection III launches December 7 in Japan". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 2023-08-25. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  33. ^ a b Alter, Sandra (February 1991). "Konsolen: Fraunen an der Macht - Valis III [PC Engine (CD-ROM)]". Aktueller Software Markt (in German). No. 49. Tronic-Verlag. p. 102.
  34. ^ a b Harris, Steve; Semrad, Ed; Alessi, Martin; Williams, Ken (April 1991). "Review Crew: Valis III (Genesis - Renovation)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 21. Sendai Publishing. p. 22.
  35. ^ a b Harris, Steve; Semrad, Ed; Alessi, Martin; Williams, Ken (November 1991). "Review Crew: Valis III (Turbo Grafx 16 - NEC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 28. Sendai Publishing. p. 26.
  36. ^ a b "Console Connexions: Valis 3 (Mega Drive)". Games-X. No. 5. Europress. May 31, 1991. p. 36.
  37. ^ Demoly, Jean-Marc (May 1991). "Consoles - Valis III (Megadrive)". Joystick (in French). No. 16. Sipress. p. 157.
  38. ^
    Raze. No. 9. Newsfield
    . July 1991. p. 59.
  39. ^ a b Harbonn, Jacques (July 1991). "Rolling Softs: Valis III (Megadrive, Cartouche Reno)". Tilt (in French). No. 91. Editions Mondiales S.A. [fr]. p. 76.
  40. ^
    Console XS. No. 1. Paragon Publishing
    . May 1992. p. 136.
  41. ^ a b "The Incredibly Complete Mega File: Valis 3 (Import)". Mega Drive Advanced Gaming. No. 5. Maverick Magazines. January 1993. p. 95.
  42. ^ a b Jarratt, Steve (October 1991). "The Hard Line: Valis 3 (Import)". Sega Power. No. 23. Future plc. p. 55.
  43. ^ a b Butt, Damian (Christmas 1991). "Mega Drive - ProReview: Valis III". Sega Pro. No. 3. Paragon Publishing. pp. 62–63.
  44. ^ a b Nauert, Donn (January 1992). "Closer Look: Valis III (NEC)". TurboPlay. No. 10. Larry Flynt Publications. pp. 12–13.
  45. ^ "PC Engine All Catalog '92: Action Game (91本) - ヴァリスIII". PC Engine Fan (Appendix) (in Japanese). Vol. 5, no. 8. Tokuma Shoten. August 1, 1992. pp. 4–32.
  46. SoftBank Creative. September 1995. p. 85. Archived
    from the original on 2021-03-14. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  47. ^ Dave, Doctor (July 1991). "Genesis ProReview: Valis III". GamePro. No. 24. IDG. p. 44.
  48. ^ Concepcion, Miguel (April 11, 2018). "The 100 Best Sega Genesis Games". Complex. Verizon Hearst Media Partners. Archived from the original on 2022-01-01. Retrieved 2022-05-27.

External links