Difference between revisions of "Valis III"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=ValisIII_MDTitleScreen.png
 
| bobscreen=ValisIII_MDTitleScreen.png
−
| publisher=[[Renovation Game]] (JP), [[Renovation Products]] (US)
+
| bobscreen2=ValisIII MD JP TitleScreen.png
 +
| tab1=NTSC-U
 +
| tab2=NTSC-J
 +
| publisher={{company|[[Renovation Game]]|region=Japan}}, {{company|[[Renovation Products]]|region=US}}
 +
{{company|[[Edia]]|system=Switch|inline=no}}
 
| developer=[[Nihon Telenet]]
 
| developer=[[Nihon Telenet]]
 +
{{company|[[D4 Enterprise]]|system=Switch|inline=no}}
 +
| licensor={{company|[[Edia]]|system=ProjectEGG}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
−
| genre=Action
+
| genre=Action{{fileref|Valis3 MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 
| originalsystem=PC Engine
 
| originalsystem=PC Engine
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 +
| md_date_jp=1991-03-22{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 +
| md_code_jp=T-49023
 +
| md_rrp_jp=8,400e{{magref|bemega|1991-04|15}}
 
| md_date_us=1991-06{{magref|gamepro|23|42}}
 
| md_date_us=1991-06{{magref|gamepro|23|42}}
 
| md_rrp_us=69.99{{magref|gamepro|24|80}}
 
| md_rrp_us=69.99{{magref|gamepro|24|80}}
 
| md_code_us=T-49086
 
| md_code_us=T-49086
−
| md_date_jp=1991-03-22
 
−
| md_code_jp=T-49023
 
−
| md_rrp_jp=8,400
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{releasesDigital
 +
|projectegg_date_jp=2012-06-19<ref>https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/game/?product_id=1010</ref>
 +
|projectegg_rrp_jp=880
 +
|projectegg_code_jp=TEL0043
 +
}}
 +
{{releasesSwitch
 +
| switch_date_jp_d=2024-06-06{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240605212427/https://store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000075524.html}}
 +
| switch_rrp_jp_d=1,980{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240605212427/https://store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000075524.html}}
 +
| switch_rating_jp_d=b{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240605212427/https://store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000075524.html}}
 +
| switch_date_us_d=2024-05-30{{ref|https://archive.is/5LfQo|https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/valis-iii-mega-drive-switch/}}
 +
| switch_rrp_us_d=15.00{{ref|https://archive.is/5LfQo|https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/valis-iii-mega-drive-switch/}}
 +
| switch_rating_us_d=t{{ref|https://archive.is/5LfQo|https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/valis-iii-mega-drive-switch/}}
 +
| switch_date_uk_d=2024-06-06{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/W0ynr|https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html}}
 +
| switch_rrp_uk_d=12.19{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/W0ynr|https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html}}
 +
| switch_rating_uk_d=16{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/W0ynr|https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html}}
 +
| switch_date_de_d=2024-06-06{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/joJXc|https://www.nintendo.com/de-de/Spiele/Nintendo-Switch-Download-Software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html}}
 +
| switch_rrp_de_d=13,50{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/joJXc|https://www.nintendo.com/de-de/Spiele/Nintendo-Switch-Download-Software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html}}
 +
| switch_rating_de_d=12{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/joJXc|https://www.nintendo.com/de-de/Spiele/Nintendo-Switch-Download-Software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html}}
 +
| switch_date_au_d=2024-06-06{{ref|https://archive.is/WoIFo|https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000076459}}
 +
| switch_rrp_au_d=20.25{{ref|https://archive.is/WoIFo|https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000076459}}
 +
| switch_rating_au_d=pg{{ref|https://archive.is/WoIFo|https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000076459}}
 +
| switch_date_kr_d=2024-06-06{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240815150242/https://store.nintendo.co.kr/70010000076460}}
 +
| switch_rrp_kr_d=18,700{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240815150242/https://store.nintendo.co.kr/70010000076460}}
 +
| switch_rating_kr_d=12{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230606134125/https://store.nintendo.co.kr/70010000057758}}
 +
}}
 +
 
| otherformats={{NonSega|CDROM2}}
 
| otherformats={{NonSega|CDROM2}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ヴァリスIII) is a 1990 action game for the TurboGrafx-16 CD by [[Telenet Japan]]. It was ported to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1991 and released in the US and Japan. It was the first ''Valis'' game released on a [[Sega]] system (the first two games would follow).
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ヴァリスIII) is a 1991 action game for the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. It is a port of the 1990 action game of the same name for the [[CD-ROM² systems|CD-ROM²]] by [[Telenet Japan]]. It was the first ''Valis'' game released on a [[Sega]] system; the first two games would follow.
  
 
A European release was planned by [[Ubisoft]]{{magref|sfuk|1|10}} but it did not materialise.
 
A European release was planned by [[Ubisoft]]{{magref|sfuk|1|10}} but it did not materialise.
 +
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
−
After the events of ''[[SD Valis|Valis II]]'', the Dark world [''sic''] is being destroyed. The fortuneteller Leigh informs the Dark world's king, Glames, that they only have six months before it is destroyed. Hopeless, Glames decides to become king of both the Human world and Dreamland, but knows that Nizetti is controlling the power level of the Valis sword and that any attempt to invade either world would result in Yuko coming with a full-powered Valis to destroy him. Nevertheless, he takes the risk, knowing his sword Leethus, is just as powerful as Valis and when they are combined... !
+
{{ScreenThumb|Valis III, Introduction.png|width=200|Introduction}}
 +
After the events of ''[[SD Valis|Valis II]]'', the Dark World is being destroyed. The fortuneteller Leigh informs the Dark World's king, Glames, that they only have six months before it is destroyed. Hopeless, Glames decides to become king of both the Human World and Dreamland, but he knows that Nizetti, the ruler of Vecanti, is controlling the power level of the Valis sword and that any attempt to invade either world would result in Yuko coming with a full-powered Valis to destroy him. Nevertheless, he takes the risk, knowing his sword Leethus, is just as powerful as Valis and that both swords can be combined for terrible destructive power.
 +
 
 +
==Gameplay==
 +
The game is a platformer. The game is initially played as Yuko, but Cham and Valna become available to play after rescuing them. The characters move with {{left}} and {{right}} and crouch with {{down}}. They jump with {{C}}, jump higher with {{up}}+{{C}}, and jump off ledges with {{down}}+{{C}}. They can slide along the ground with {{down}}+{{A}}, which can be used to evade enemies or to move over gaps in the terrain. The player can switch the active character by holding {{A}} while standing still. The active character cannot be switched during boss fights.
 +
 
 +
The characters attack using their standard weapons with {{B}}. Attacks neutralize enemy projectiles. Their attacks are stronger when the power gauge is fuller. Attacks expend the power gauge, but it quickly replenishes. Power-ups can be found to lengthen the power gauge to increase the maximum attack strength and to increase the speed at which the gauge replenishes. Characters also have special magical abilities, which are cast with {{up}}+{{B}} after finding a magic ability item. The magic ability item gives the characters the ability to cast spells with either the fire, ice, or thunder elements. Magic abilities cost magic points, which can be restored by finding items. In addition to having different standard weapons, Yuko, Cham, and Valna have different magic abilities.
 +
 
 +
Characters have a hit point gauge that indicates their health. They lose hit points when they take damage from enemies, but they can restore health by finding items. The characters share their hit points and magic points. They lose a life when they lose all of their hit points and must restart the stage. Additionally, each stage has a time limit, and the player also loses a life when time runs out. Characters lose their weapon upgrades and magic points when they lose a life. The game ends if the player runs out of lives. There are no continues.
 +
 
 +
===Characters===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Yuko
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Characters.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Yuko is the Warrior of Valis and keeper of the Sword of Valis. She is the strongest fighter of the three. Valis shoots a wave-like projectile when it is swung; the distance that it travels is farther when the power gauge is fuller. She has the weakest magic but also the lowest cost magic abilities.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Cham
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Characters.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=24 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Cham is a warrior maiden who was born in the Dark World. She fights with a deadly, medium-ranged whip. She steals the Valis sword at the beginning of the game but later joins Yuko and fights alongside her.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Valna
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Characters.png | 2 | crop_width=27 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Valna is Yuko's sister and the Queen of Dreamland. She carries a magical staff. She has a relatively weak projectile attack that attacks forwards as well as upwards. She has strong magical abilities, but her magic consumes more energy.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Magic===
 +
Magic abilities are dependent on the currently held magic item and differ for each character.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Flame
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Magic, Fire Yuko.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Magic, Fire Cham.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Magic, Fire Valna.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Yuko's flame ability is the Flame Dagger, which conjures two fiery daggers that fly out to seek enemies.
 +
 
 +
Cham's flame ability is the Fire Dragon, which summons a fire dragon that attacks enemies.
 +
 
 +
Valna's flame ability is the Fire Star, which surrounds Valna in fireballs that protect her and harm enemies that they touch.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Ice
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Magic, Ice Yuko.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Magic, Ice Cham.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Magic, Ice Valna.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Yuko's ice ability is the Ice Cutter, which discharges an ice wave that temporarily freezes enemies that it hits.
 +
 
 +
Cham's ice ability is the Ice Throw, which shoots penetrating icy arrows in both directions horizontally. The arrows temporarily freeze enemies that they hit.
 +
 
 +
Valna's ice ability is the Chill Cube, which shoots ice shards in the four diagonal directions that temporarily freeze enemies that they hit.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Thunder
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Magic, Thunder Yuko.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Magic, Thunder Cham.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Magic, Thunder Valna.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Yuko's thunder ability is the Thunder Sword, a screen flash that damages all enemies on screen.
 +
 
 +
Cham's thunder ability is the Lightning Bolt, which fires lightning bullets in a semicircle above her.
 +
 
 +
Valna's thunder ability is the Thunder Storm, which unleashes electric sparks that bounce around the screen and attack enemies.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Item Box
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Attack to reveal an item.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=S Magic
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores the MP gauge by 2 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=B Magic
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores the MP gauge by 8 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Healing
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores the HP gauge by 4 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Recover
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Restores the HP gauge by 16 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=1 Up
 +
| sprite=
 +
| desc=Gives the player an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Power Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Lengthens the power gauge, up to three levels.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Charging Speed
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Makes the power gauge charge faster.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Flame
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Equips the characters with flame magic.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Blizzard
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Equips the characters with ice magic.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Thunder
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Valis III, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Equips the characters with thunder magic.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
Of course, Yuko doesn't know any of this this. But Cham, another warrior, does...
+
===Stages===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 1
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Stage 1-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Valis III, Stage 1-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 2
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Stage 2-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Cham becomes playable in this act.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 3
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Stage 3-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Valis III, Stage 3-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=Valna becomes playable in the last part of this act.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 4
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Stage 4-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 5
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 5.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 5 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 6
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 6-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 6-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Stage 6-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Valis III, Stage 6-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Act 7
 +
| screenshot=Valis III, Stage 7-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Valis III, Stage 7-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Valis III, Stage 7-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Valis III, Stage 7-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Valis III, Stage 7-4 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot6=Valis III, Stage 7-4 Boss 2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The final boss can only be played as Yuko.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
==Gameplay==
+
==History==
−
You can play as either Yuko or Cham, using {{A}} to switch (though some levels can only be played as either Yuko or Cham, and the first level can only be played as Yuko as you must rescue Cham first). {{B}} attacks; {{up}}+{{B}} performs a magic attack. {{Down}}+{{A}} slides. {{C}} jumps. {{Up}}+{{C}} jumps higher.
+
===Development===
 +
''Valis III'', alongside ''[[Ys III]]'', features an intriguing [[Valis III/Hidden content#Interlaced mode|interlaced mode cheat]] which, according to the latter's manual, "shakes the screen to display text clearly. Normally you don't need to use this mode."{{fileref|WanderersFromYs_MD_JP_PEGG_Manual.PDF|page=12}} The original version of the game was released for the [[PC-8801]], a home computer system with the ability to separately render interlaced, high-resolution text atop its standard 8-bit graphics, with the game seeming to have used this option for monitor compatibility reasons. When activated in ''{{PAGENAME}}'', the software engages interlaced mode 2, doubling the resolution by drawing odd and even 8x16 pixel tiles on even/odd frames{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916044149/https://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?threads%2Fwhy-does-ys-iii-feature-an-interlaced-video-mode.43060%2F#post-1077318}}
  
−
Breaking open various jewels reveals items. Hearts recover health; blue crystals recover magic energy, and swords increase the power of the character's weapon.
+
Despite this, both manuals claiming it has circumstantial utility, with evidence indicating it was intended for Mega Drive users playing on RGB monitors - as the interlacing removes scanlines, which can improve readability issues with kanji.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916044149/https://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?threads%2Fwhy-does-ys-iii-feature-an-interlaced-video-mode.43060%2F#post-1077333}} It appears that [[Nihon Telenet]] were overzealous in the porting process and wanted to faithfully port the game's INT MODE somehow, regardless of whether the port was originally programmed to actually take advantage of it. As a result, these mostly-vestigial leftovers from the original PC-8801 versions have remained a curious and vestigial quirk of their Mega Drive ports.
  
−
Dialogue is interspersed throughout the game; hit {{start}} to progress.
+
===Legacy===
 +
The game was re-released as part of ''[[Valis Collection]]'' by [[Retro-Bit]] in 2022. It was also re-released as part of ''Mugen Senshi Valis Collection III'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]] by [[Edia]] in December 2023 on Japan and January 2024 worldwide. It was released for the Nintendo Switch once again in stand-alone format on May 2024 in Americas and June 2024 internationally. Both re-releases on the system keeps the [[Sega]] logo at the startup.
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
Line 48: Line 273:
 
*'''Total producer:''' Takashi Fukusima
 
*'''Total producer:''' Takashi Fukusima
 
:'''(c) [[Telenet Japan|Telenet Japan Co.,Ltd.]]'''
 
:'''(c) [[Telenet Japan|Telenet Japan Co.,Ltd.]]'''
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Valis III MD credits.pdf
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Digital manuals==
 +
<gallery>
 +
ValisIII MD JP PEGG Manual.pdf|Project EGG manual
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
Line 69: Line 301:
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|vd|60|5
 
|vd|60|5
 +
|vd|61|68
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 75: Line 308:
 
{{ratings|MD}}
 
{{ratings|MD}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=Valis3 MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=Valis3 MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=ValisIII_MD_JP_CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=ValisIII MD JP Manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
Line 80: Line 320:
 
| cart=Valis3 md us cart.jpg
 
| cart=Valis3 md us cart.jpg
 
| manual=Valis III MD US Manual.pdf
 
| manual=Valis III MD US Manual.pdf
−
}}{{Scanbox
 
−
| console=Mega Drive
 
−
| region=JP
 
−
| cover=Valis3 MD JP Box.jpg
 
−
| cart=Valis3 MD JP Cart.jpg
 
−
| carttop=ValisIII_MD_JP_CartTop.jpg
 
−
| manual=
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=bb051779d6c4c68a8a4571177990f7d190696b4a|md5=a50202da29099f2c9d8b1c629653a718|crc32=59a2a368|size=1MB|date=1991-03|source=Cartridge (US)|comments=|icon=|quality=good}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=640c3d4f341c8a9b19e5deafae33e7742f109e2d|md5=f22adcdb3907b108f4ae96cb65069ca7|crc32=4d49a166|size=1MB|date=1991-03|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|icon=|quality=good}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
{{NECRetro|italics=yes}}
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
−
{{NECRetro|italics=yes}}
 
  
 
{{ValisIIIOmni}}
 
{{ValisIIIOmni}}
 +
{{Valis}}

Latest revision as of 13:31, 9 November 2024

n/a

  • NTSC-U
  • NTSC-J

ValisIII MDTitleScreen.png

ValisIII MD JP TitleScreen.png

Valis III
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Renovation Game (Japan), Renovation Products (US)
Nintendo Switch
Edia
Developer:
Licensor:
Project Egg
Edia
Original system(s): PC Engine
Genre: Action[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥8,400 (8,652)8,400e[3] T-49023
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$69.9969.99[5] T-49086
Project Egg
JP ▼ 		¥880880 TEL0043
Nintendo Switch
JP ▼ 		¥1,9801,980[7]
CERO: B
Nintendo Switch
US ▼ 		$15.0015.00[8]
ESRB: Teen
Nintendo Switch
DE ▼ 		€13,5013,50[10]
USK: 12
Nintendo Switch
UK ▼ 		£12.1912.19[9]
PEGI: 16+
Nintendo Switch
AU ▼ 		$20.2520.25[11]
OFLC: Parental Guidance (PG)
Nintendo Switch
KR ▼ 		₩18,70018,700[12]
GRB: 12
Non-Sega versions

Valis III (ヴァリスIII) is a 1991 action game for the Sega Mega Drive. It is a port of the 1990 action game of the same name for the CD-ROM² by Telenet Japan. It was the first Valis game released on a Sega system; the first two games would follow.

A European release was planned by Ubisoft[14] but it did not materialise.

Story

Valis III, Introduction.png

Introduction

After the events of Valis II, the Dark World is being destroyed. The fortuneteller Leigh informs the Dark World's king, Glames, that they only have six months before it is destroyed. Hopeless, Glames decides to become king of both the Human World and Dreamland, but he knows that Nizetti, the ruler of Vecanti, is controlling the power level of the Valis sword and that any attempt to invade either world would result in Yuko coming with a full-powered Valis to destroy him. Nevertheless, he takes the risk, knowing his sword Leethus, is just as powerful as Valis and that both swords can be combined for terrible destructive power.

Gameplay

The game is a platformer. The game is initially played as Yuko, but Cham and Valna become available to play after rescuing them. The characters move with Left and Right and crouch with Down. They jump with C, jump higher with Up+C, and jump off ledges with Down+C. They can slide along the ground with Down+A, which can be used to evade enemies or to move over gaps in the terrain. The player can switch the active character by holding A while standing still. The active character cannot be switched during boss fights.

The characters attack using their standard weapons with B. Attacks neutralize enemy projectiles. Their attacks are stronger when the power gauge is fuller. Attacks expend the power gauge, but it quickly replenishes. Power-ups can be found to lengthen the power gauge to increase the maximum attack strength and to increase the speed at which the gauge replenishes. Characters also have special magical abilities, which are cast with Up+B after finding a magic ability item. The magic ability item gives the characters the ability to cast spells with either the fire, ice, or thunder elements. Magic abilities cost magic points, which can be restored by finding items. In addition to having different standard weapons, Yuko, Cham, and Valna have different magic abilities.

Characters have a hit point gauge that indicates their health. They lose hit points when they take damage from enemies, but they can restore health by finding items. The characters share their hit points and magic points. They lose a life when they lose all of their hit points and must restart the stage. Additionally, each stage has a time limit, and the player also loses a life when time runs out. Characters lose their weapon upgrades and magic points when they lose a life. The game ends if the player runs out of lives. There are no continues.

Characters

Valis III, Characters.png
 Yuko
Yuko is the Warrior of Valis and keeper of the Sword of Valis. She is the strongest fighter of the three. Valis shoots a wave-like projectile when it is swung; the distance that it travels is farther when the power gauge is fuller. She has the weakest magic but also the lowest cost magic abilities.
Valis III, Characters.png
 Cham
Cham is a warrior maiden who was born in the Dark World. She fights with a deadly, medium-ranged whip. She steals the Valis sword at the beginning of the game but later joins Yuko and fights alongside her.
Valis III, Characters.png
 Valna
Valna is Yuko's sister and the Queen of Dreamland. She carries a magical staff. She has a relatively weak projectile attack that attacks forwards as well as upwards. She has strong magical abilities, but her magic consumes more energy.

Magic

Magic abilities are dependent on the currently held magic item and differ for each character.

Valis III, Magic, Fire Yuko.png

Valis III, Magic, Fire Cham.png

Valis III, Magic, Fire Valna.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Fire Yuko.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Fire Cham.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Fire Valna.png

Flame
Yuko's flame ability is the Flame Dagger, which conjures two fiery daggers that fly out to seek enemies.

Cham's flame ability is the Fire Dragon, which summons a fire dragon that attacks enemies.

Valna's flame ability is the Fire Star, which surrounds Valna in fireballs that protect her and harm enemies that they touch.

Valis III, Magic, Ice Yuko.png

Valis III, Magic, Ice Cham.png

Valis III, Magic, Ice Valna.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Ice Yuko.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Ice Cham.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Ice Valna.png

Ice
Yuko's ice ability is the Ice Cutter, which discharges an ice wave that temporarily freezes enemies that it hits.

Cham's ice ability is the Ice Throw, which shoots penetrating icy arrows in both directions horizontally. The arrows temporarily freeze enemies that they hit.

Valna's ice ability is the Chill Cube, which shoots ice shards in the four diagonal directions that temporarily freeze enemies that they hit.

Valis III, Magic, Thunder Yuko.png

Valis III, Magic, Thunder Cham.png

Valis III, Magic, Thunder Valna.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Thunder Yuko.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Thunder Cham.png

  • Valis III, Magic, Thunder Valna.png

Thunder
Yuko's thunder ability is the Thunder Sword, a screen flash that damages all enemies on screen.

Cham's thunder ability is the Lightning Bolt, which fires lightning bullets in a semicircle above her.

Valna's thunder ability is the Thunder Storm, which unleashes electric sparks that bounce around the screen and attack enemies.

Items

Valis III, Items.png
 Item Box
Attack to reveal an item.
Valis III, Items.png
 S Magic
Restores the MP gauge by 2 points.
Valis III, Items.png
 B Magic
Restores the MP gauge by 8 points.
Valis III, Items.png
 Healing
Restores the HP gauge by 4 points.
Valis III, Items.png
 Recover
Restores the HP gauge by 16 points.
1 Up
Gives the player an extra life.
Valis III, Items.png
 Power Up
Lengthens the power gauge, up to three levels.
Valis III, Items.png
 Charging Speed
Makes the power gauge charge faster.
Valis III, Items.png
 Flame
Equips the characters with flame magic.
Valis III, Items.png
 Blizzard
Equips the characters with ice magic.
Valis III, Items.png
 Thunder
Equips the characters with thunder magic.

Stages

Valis III, Stage 1-1.png

Valis III, Stage 1-2.png

Valis III, Stage 1-3.png

Valis III, Stage 1-3 Boss.png

  • Valis III, Stage 1-1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 1-2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 1-3.png

  • Valis III, Stage 1-3 Boss.png

Act 1

Valis III, Stage 2-1.png

Valis III, Stage 2-2.png

Valis III, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

  • Valis III, Stage 2-1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 2-2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

Act 2
Cham becomes playable in this act.

Valis III, Stage 3-1.png

Valis III, Stage 3-2.png

Valis III, Stage 3-3.png

Valis III, Stage 3-3 Boss.png

  • Valis III, Stage 3-1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 3-2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 3-3.png

  • Valis III, Stage 3-3 Boss.png

Act 3
Valna becomes playable in the last part of this act.

Valis III, Stage 4-1.png

Valis III, Stage 4-2.png

Valis III, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

  • Valis III, Stage 4-1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 4-2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

Act 4

Valis III, Stage 5.png

Valis III, Stage 5 Boss.png

  • Valis III, Stage 5.png

  • Valis III, Stage 5 Boss.png

Act 5

Valis III, Stage 6-1.png

Valis III, Stage 6-2.png

Valis III, Stage 6-3.png

Valis III, Stage 6-3 Boss.png

  • Valis III, Stage 6-1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 6-2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 6-3.png

  • Valis III, Stage 6-3 Boss.png

Act 6

Valis III, Stage 7-1.png

Valis III, Stage 7-2.png

Valis III, Stage 7-3.png

Valis III, Stage 7-4.png

Valis III, Stage 7-4 Boss 1.png

Valis III, Stage 7-4 Boss 2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 7-1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 7-2.png

  • Valis III, Stage 7-3.png

  • Valis III, Stage 7-4.png

  • Valis III, Stage 7-4 Boss 1.png

  • Valis III, Stage 7-4 Boss 2.png

Act 7
The final boss can only be played as Yuko.

History

Development

Valis III, alongside Ys III, features an intriguing interlaced mode cheat which, according to the latter's manual, "shakes the screen to display text clearly. Normally you don't need to use this mode."[15] The original version of the game was released for the PC-8801, a home computer system with the ability to separately render interlaced, high-resolution text atop its standard 8-bit graphics, with the game seeming to have used this option for monitor compatibility reasons. When activated in Valis III, the software engages interlaced mode 2, doubling the resolution by drawing odd and even 8x16 pixel tiles on even/odd frames[16]

Despite this, both manuals claiming it has circumstantial utility, with evidence indicating it was intended for Mega Drive users playing on RGB monitors - as the interlacing removes scanlines, which can improve readability issues with kanji.[17] It appears that Nihon Telenet were overzealous in the porting process and wanted to faithfully port the game's INT MODE somehow, regardless of whether the port was originally programmed to actually take advantage of it. As a result, these mostly-vestigial leftovers from the original PC-8801 versions have remained a curious and vestigial quirk of their Mega Drive ports.

Legacy

The game was re-released as part of Valis Collection by Retro-Bit in 2022. It was also re-released as part of Mugen Senshi Valis Collection III for the Nintendo Switch by Edia in December 2023 on Japan and January 2024 worldwide. It was released for the Nintendo Switch once again in stand-alone format on May 2024 in Americas and June 2024 internationally. Both re-releases on the system keeps the Sega logo at the startup.

Production credits

  • Programmer: Masayasu Tamamoto, Yoshiki UAI Yamauchi
  • Graphic designer: Kiku, David Iwata, Yoshihisa Shimizu, Seiichirou Nagatomo, Sophy Kinoshita
  • Scenario writer: Ohta(Hachiohji)
  • Music: Takaharu Umezu, Michiko Naruke, Minoru Yuasa
  • Music director: Shinobu Ogawa
  • Special thanks to: Business suport Co.,Ltd.
  • Art work director: T. Neko Miura
  • Art work staff: Takao Yoshioka, Masahisa Ohno, Yuma Miura, Mitsuho Abe
  • Special thanks to: Kazuyuki Fukushima, Yuji Fukushima, Jiro Fukushima, Yoshinobu Abe, Takami Kinoshita, Tetsuji Matuzawa, Mie Nakahara
  • Original game licensed by: Shin-nihon Laser Soft Co.,Ltd.
  • Total producer: Takashi Fukusima
(c) Telenet Japan Co.,Ltd.
Source:
In-game credits
Valis III MD credits.pdf
[18]


Digital manuals

  • Project EGG manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Valis III/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-01: "January 1991" (1990-12-08)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-02: "February 1991" (1991-01-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-03: "March 1991" (1991-02-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1991-04: "April 1991" (1991-03-08)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Game Players (US) #0307: "Vol. 3 No. 7 July 1991" (1991-0x-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Velikiy Drakon (RU) #60: "xxxx xxxx" (2002-09-05)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[22]
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
60
[23]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
65
[24]
Console XS (UK) NTSC-J
78
[25]
Cool Gamer (RU)
40
[26]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
78
[27]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 10 (RU)
60
[28]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
100
[5]
Games-X (UK)
90
[29]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
60
[30]
Joystick (FR) NTSC-J
80
[31]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC-J
62
[32]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC-U
48
[33]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
72
[34]
Mega Play (US) NTSC-U
78
[35]
Power Play (DE)
53
[36]
Raze (UK) NTSC-J
85
[37]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC-J
100
[38]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC-U
75
[39]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
79
[40]
Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-J
88
[41]
Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-U
78
[42]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
60
[43]
Tilt (FR)
70
[44]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
80
[45]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
81
[46]
Sega Mega Drive
 72
Based on
26 reviews

Valis III

Mega Drive, JP
Valis3 MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
ValisIII MD JP CartTop.jpg
Valis3 MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, US
Valis3 MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Valis3 md us cart.jpg
Cart
Valis III MD US Manual.pdf
Manual

Technical information

Main article: Valis III/Technical information.

References

Necretro-round.svg
NEC Retro has more information related to Valis III
  1. ↑ File:Valis3 MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
  3. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-08), page 15
  4. ↑ GamePro, "June 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 42
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 GamePro, "July 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 80
  6. ↑ https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/game/?product_id=1010
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 https://store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000075524.html (Wayback Machine: 2024-06-05 21:24)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/valis-iii-mega-drive-switch/ (archive.today)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html (Ghostarchive)
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 https://www.nintendo.com/de-de/Spiele/Nintendo-Switch-Download-Software/VALIS-III-MEGA-DRIVE--2586425.html (Ghostarchive)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000076459 (archive.today)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 https://store.nintendo.co.kr/70010000076460 (Wayback Machine: 2024-08-15 15:02)
  13. ↑ https://store.nintendo.co.kr/70010000057758 (Wayback Machine: 2023-06-06 13:41)
  14. ↑ Sega Force, "January 1992" (UK; 1991-12-12), page 10
  15. ↑ File:WanderersFromYs_MD_JP_PEGG_Manual.PDF, page 12
  16. ↑ https://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?threads%2Fwhy-does-ys-iii-feature-an-interlaced-video-mode.43060%2F#post-1077318 (Wayback Machine: 2024-09-16 04:41)
  17. ↑ https://forums.sonicretro.org/index.php?threads%2Fwhy-does-ys-iii-feature-an-interlaced-video-mode.43060%2F#post-1077333 (Wayback Machine: 2024-09-16 04:41)
  18. ↑ File:Valis III MD credits.pdf
  19. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "January 1991" (JP; 1990-12-08), page 36
  20. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "October 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 73
  21. ↑ Velikiy Drakon, "xxxx xxxx" (RU; 2003-02-07), page 68
  22. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 232
  23. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 255
  24. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-08), page 28
  25. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 136
  26. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 231
  27. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "April 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 22
  28. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 10, "" (RU; 2003-10-08), page 227
  29. ↑ Games-X, "31st May 1991" (UK; 1991-05-24), page 36
  30. ↑ Hippon Super, "April 1991" (JP; 1991-03-04), page 41
  31. ↑ Joystick, "Mai 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 157
  32. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 93
  33. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
  34. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "June 1991" (JP; 1991-05-08), page 91
  35. ↑ Mega Play, "March/April 1991" (US; 1991-04-xx), page 44
  36. ↑ Power Play, "7/91" (DE; 1991-06-12), page 126
  37. ↑ Raze, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-05-30), page 59
  38. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 54
  39. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 55
  40. ↑ Sega Pro, "Christmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-12), page 62
  41. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 66
  42. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
  43. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87
  44. ↑ Tilt, "Juin 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 76
  45. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 134
  46. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 215


Valis III

ValisIII MDTitleScreen.png

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Valis games for Sega systems
Valis III (1991) | Valis: The Fantasm Soldier (1991) | Syd of Valis (1992)
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