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Another week has gone by, and naturally I've been playing another game I didn't fully understand because it was in Japanese. And once again it proved quite worthwhile, so I'm going to espouse its virtues to all those with an inkling of interest. The name of the game would be Treasure Hunter G, and it's a good one. Not necessarily an excellent one, but seekers of something different ought to track it down post-haste.
What makes Treasure Hunter G unique is its combat. Upon entering battle the player's four protagonists are zapped onto a larger version of the environment they were in at the time of encounter, and the fight plays like a tactical title instead of a traditional RPG. Moving around the field, attacking, using an item, casting a spell/special, these all cost action points, more depending upon the color of the ground below the character (which is determined by the proximity to and type of enemy). Weapons have differing ranges, friendly fire is a risk when using weapons, protagonists and enemies alike can face in the four cardinal directions along with four diagonals, damage varies depending upon which direction the opponent is facing with relation to the attack... quite a bit is going on here. Experience also takes a Shining Force/Fire Emblem inspired path by needing 100 to go up a level, and each action taken in battle nets a bit for the character, but enemies give out less as the protagonists get stronger.
Treasure Hunter G was the final title published by Squaresoft on the Super Famicom, but Square didn't internally develop the game. Instead, Sting's debut on the official development scene demonstrates that the company has had interesting notions in its games for quite awhile. Admittedly the only other Sting game I have currently completed is Riviera, but that was one unique title. And I anticipate grabbing Baroque eventually, which is another truly unique title from Sting.
The battle system is the highlight of this game, but that does not mean its other elements are dispensable. It has fine visuals, if not quite at the pinnacle of the SNES's abilities. Its aural prowess amply demonstrates what Nintendo's machine could achieve. The game isn't very long, but that could be an asset for many. The only disappointment is a story that, even in Japanese, reads like a movie trailer version of the typical RPG. "Red and Blue were brothers searching for their lost father when, one day, disaster struck! Their home aflame, they set out to unlock their hidden powers and protect the girl with a secret, Rain. The Dark Lord wants Rain, and he will stop at nothing to get her!"...I can't write movie trailers, apparently. That should provide the gist though.
Treasure Hunter G was released 11 years ago and has seen no reissues on any systems. Of course, in the realm of SNES titles that never crossed the Pacific there are certain computer programs to enable their playing (often in English). I shan't be too explicit regarding this, a simple mention should suffice. Naturally I own and have played through the cartridge, but that option is not available for all. And the game is worthy enough to be played using whatever methods prove necessary.
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