Skyblazer is a platform video game developed by Ukiyotei Company, Ltd (Japanese video game developer based in Osaka, Japan) and published by Sony Imagesoft, released in early 1994 for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom.
I found out about Skyblazer when I was looking at a list of SNES games for emulator play on my PC. I was originally searching for Soul Blazer. The pictures of the game looked interesting, so I decided to try it out.
The Story
In SkyBlazer, the evil Ashura, Lord of War, has taken control of the Realm, and it's up to SkyBlazer, son of the powerful sorcerer Sky Lord, to save the world from eternal darkness.
As SkyBlazer, you possess a unique ability to transform into various super beings and wield the forces of nature. Your journey involves confronting monster bosses, using SkyBlazer's extraordinary powers like the comet flash and the Fiery Phoenix. From battling on land to soaring in the clouds, swimming through underwater caverns, exploring ruins, and climbing cliffs, your quest takes you from the Gateway of Eternal Storms to the Tower of the Tarolisk, ending in the ultimate showdown against Ashura.
The Graphics and Sound
Skyblazer boasts impressive graphics that contribute to its distinctive identity. The visuals are sharp and well-executed, featuring smooth animations throughout the game. What sets it apart are the various levels that go beyond standard platforming, introducing elements like hang-gliding bonus levels, a tsunami-inspired stage, and an exhilarating dragon fight as you navigate around a tower.
The music carries a unique flavor. From the beginning and in various levels, you'll notice a Middle Eastern influence, characterized by a certain twangy sound. While not every level embraces this style, with some ogoing for standard SNES synthesized pieces, the game offers a musical experience that stands out. It's worth noting that some players might observe a slightly sped-up quality in most of the music.
The Gameplay
Skyblazer delivers engaging gameplay that combines elements of jump-and-run with intense action. Distinguishing itself from other iconic characters in the genre, Sky, the game's player character, employs a variety of moves, including fists, feet, and magic, to combat enemies. The game's scrolling takes players in various directions as Sky navigates through well-crafted, relatively linear levels. Each major level concludes with a formidable boss encounter, and these bosses are intricately designed, requiring more than just basic attacks for defeat. The level design shines, offering a balanced experience without excessively long or frustrating segments.
While Skyblazer might not introduce entirely new ideas, drawing inspiration from successful SNES platform action titles, it manages to integrate these elements effectively. Additionally, the game features a password system, ensuring players don't have to restart from the beginning after each session. Or you could just use the save state feature on emulators.
Skyblazer offers a relatively easy difficulty level, making it a great choice for beginners. Skilled players may find themselves completing the game in a day or two, but the enjoyable experience ensures that these play sessions are filled with fun. The appealing design of certain levels may even entice players to revisit them, contributing to the overall replay value of the game.
My Verdict
If you are a fan of of classic platformers, don't hesitate to find a means to experience Skyblazer. It is a hidden gem.
Play it on the collectible Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a favored emulator.