Ultima: Kyouryuu Teikoku - The Savage Empire (1995 – SFC Port)
Ultima: Kyouryuu Teikoku - The Savage Empire (literally "Ultima: Dinosaur Empire - The Savage Empire") is a role-playing game developed by Origin Systems and published by Pony Canyon for the Super Famicom, released on May 19, 1995. It is a port of the 1990 PC game, which is a spin-off of the legendary Ultima series, set in a prehistoric world where players must survive and uncover a mystery. The game is a traditional RPG with a unique prehistoric setting, where players explore a world filled with dinosaurs and primitive tribes. Pony Canyon, known for their music production and game publishing, brought this unique RPG to the Super Famicom, creating a game that was praised for its engaging story and unique setting.
Gameplay and RPG Mechanics
Ultima: The Savage Empire is a turn-based RPG where players control a party of characters, each with unique classes and abilities, exploring a prehistoric world. The game features a "skill" system, where characters can learn and improve their abilities by gaining experience points. 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 hero's quest to uncover the secrets of the savage empire, with a narrative that incorporates prehistoric themes. The game's visual style is detailed and colorful, with large, expressive character sprites and beautifully rendered, primitive environments. The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and synth music that enhances the prehistoric fantasy atmosphere.
Ultima: Kyouryuu Teikoku - The Savage Empire received positive reviews for its unique setting and engaging story, becoming a popular title among RPG fans. It remains a nostalgic classic for its prehistoric theme and Pony Canyon's ambitious porting efforts.