BASTARD!! - Ankoku no Hakaishin (1994)
BASTARD!! - Ankoku no Hakaishin (literally "BASTARD!! - The Dark Destroyer") is a role-playing game developed by Cobra Team and published by Cobra Team for the Super Famicom, released on January 28, 1994. It is based on the popular manga and anime series Bastard!! by Kazushi Hagiwara, which is a dark fantasy series known for its heavy metal-inspired themes, complex characters, and epic battles. The game is a turn-based RPG that follows the adventures of the protagonist, Dark Schneider, a powerful sorcerer, as he battles demonic forces. Cobra Team, known for their RPGs and adventure games, brought their storytelling and game design expertise to this licensed title.
Gameplay and RPG Mechanics
BASTARD!! - Ankoku no Hakaishin is a turn-based RPG where players control a party of characters from the series, including Dark Schneider, Tia Noto Yoko, and others, each with unique classes and abilities. The game features a "magic" system, where characters can learn and cast powerful spells, including the iconic "Venom" and "Explosion" spells. The game's combat is turn-based, with players selecting attacks, magic, and items to defeat enemies. The game's world is large and interconnected, with various towns, dungeons, and secret areas to explore, each filled with enemies, puzzles, and lore.
The game's story follows the events of the manga, with dramatic cutscenes and character interactions. The game's visual style is faithful to the manga, with large, expressive character sprites and dark, fantasy-themed backgrounds. The soundtrack features a mix of heavy metal and orchestral music that matches the series' dark, epic tone.
BASTARD!! - Ankoku no Hakaishin received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation and solid RPG mechanics, becoming a popular title among fans of the series. It remains a nostalgic classic for fans of dark fantasy RPGs and Cobra Team's licensed game expertise.