This is the fourth piece in Mama Robotnik's Sega Obscura ResetEra Series:
Sega Obscura 1 - The Sega Saturn was the best console EVER for…
Sega Obscura 2 - Sonic 1 (8-bit) is a better game than Sonic 1 (16-bit)
Sega Obscura 3 - The first "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" released hates Sonic, and hates us all
Sega Obscura 4 - The Eleven SEGA "Zeldas"
Sega Obscura 5 - The extraordinary Sega game that played the player
Sega Obscura 6 - The ambitious Sonic game from 2009 that you will never, ever get to play
Sega Obscura 7 - When Sega took on Zelda, they really went for the jugular
Sega Obscura 8 - The most consistent sequence of fuckups in the entirety of the history of video games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Legend of Zelda series doesn't need much of an introduction. For the most part, they are gaming masterpieces, iconic and often far ahead of their time. Their designs and mechanics have gently influenced countless titles and genres.
Sometimes, this influence is not subtle - at all. The outcomes are sometimes derided as "Zelda Clones".
What happens when you take SEGA at their prime, and have them and their partner studios aligning their works strongly to Nintendo's Zelda-blueprints?
You get the Eleven SEGA "Zeldas".
These games take the tropes that Nintendo conceived, and run with them. There are overworlds, dungeons, ability upgrades, bombs, arrows, magic, and almost always, a young boy destined to be a hero.
We are going to look at these for two reasons. The first, is because it is interesting to see Sega's various responses to Nintendo's Zelda franchise. The second, is because some of the below are legitimately impressive games, and while they will always stand in the shadows of Zelda, some deserve recognition in their own right. If you are a fan of the genre, there are some titles here that are most definitely worth your time.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's responses to the original Legend of Zelda (released February 21, 1986)
Golvellius - Valley of Doom
Format: Sega Master System
First released: 1988
Recent releases: iPhone, 2009
Originally released on the MSX platform in 1987, Sega purchased the license for Golvellius and built their own remake of the game for the Sega Master System, including comprehensive dungeon overhauls. It's a very ambitious, early attempt at a Sega Zelda.
How Zelda?
The game follows the core Zelda conventions – sword-wielding hero, expansive overworld with spawning enemies, helpful NPCs hidden in caves, and boss dungeons.
Unique Merits
While the overworld is very Zelda, the game's approach to dungeons is remarkably different. Some dungeons see the play character running down auto-scrolling vertical dungeon corridors, avoiding collisions and attacking monsters charging from ahead. These sections seem more like an overhead shoot-em-up in terms of mechanics.
The game also has limited platforming elements, and has some impressively giant sprites for an 8-bit production.
Golden Axe Warrior
Format: Sega Master System
First released: 1991
Recent releases: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Ultimate Collection, PS3 and Xbox 360, 2009
A spin off of Sega's Golden Axe series for the Sega Master System, the game is completely shameless in its attempt to bring Zelda to Sega.
How Zelda?
As Zelda as it gets! The graphics are so similar; it is genuinely difficult to distinguish between this game and the NES game from which it is clearly inspired. Everything from the dungeon shapes, the monster spawning effects, and the upgradable abilities – it's all Zelda.
Unique Merits
The game advances the genre with a wider breadth of environments, and the player can earn powers that allow the transformation of the surroundings – such as morphing fields of lava into fields of ice, for example.
Golden Axe Warrior also has villages and a more extensive use of NPCs than its Zelda forbearer.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's responses to Zelda 2 – The Adventures of Link (released January 14, 1987)
Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Format: Sega System 2 (later ported to a range of non-Sega formats)
First released: 1987
Recent releases: Wii Virtual Console and Sony PlayStation 3 Store, 2012
Wonder Boy in Monster Land is a stunning Master System game. It takes the 2D elements of The Adventures of Link and imagines them as a linear game that alternates between overworld and dungeons.
How Zelda?
Cave and dungeon exploration seems strongly influenced by Zelda 2's equivalents. Comparisons can easily be made for the side-scrolling progression, the magic/spellcasting mechanics, and the combat style.
Unique Merits
While clearly influenced in some areas, the game has a strong identity of its own. The overworlds are colourful and vibrant with platforming elements and verticality. There are secrets, puzzles,and lots of shops and upgrades to seek out or purchase. While the game is more linear than many of the other games listed here, the sense of progression is superb.
This game led to the absolutely remarkable Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap, which took the achievements of Monster Land and brought in transformations, a more cohesive overworld and Metroidvania elements.
Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
Format: Sega Game Gear
First released: 1991
Recent releases: NONE
Another spin-off from the Golden Axe franchise, Ax Battler brought many of the Zelda 2 mechanics to the Game Gear, with impressive results.
How Zelda?
Very Zelda. The overworld map is genuinely difficult to distinguish from the Zelda that inspires it. Enemy encounters – which transition the player form overhead 2D to side-scrolling combat – are also very comparable.
Unique Merits
Unlike Zelda 2, Ax Battler retains the overhead approach for villages and NPC interactions. The 2D combat is impressive, with the character attacking with broad slices and thrusts of melee weapons, rather than the stabby button-bashing of Zelda 2. The environments are also more diverse and present a more robust range of challenges.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's Response to Zelda 3: A Link to the Past (released November 21, 1991)
Crusader of Centy (US) / Soleil (EU) / Ragnacenty (JP)
Format: Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
First released: 1994
Recent releases: NONE (Criminal!)
Our first 16-bit entry, this is one of the most impressive games of its kind, and the hidden jewel of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive library.
How Zelda?
If you were to slap a green tunic onto the main character, this would be a Zelda game. It has the mechanical feel and ambition of A Link to the Past.
Unique Merits
Many. Behind what initially appears to be a Zelda clone lays a ferociously potent title. The music is phenomenal, the environments are interesting, the bosses are varied and bombastic, the movement is fluid, and the upgrades options are bold.
Most intriguing of all, is the scale of the story. The main character begins in the future, but ventures into the past in ways that contextualise the completed dungeons and enemies. The hero ascends to heaven and battles with such fever that God himself declares him to be an affront. As the Supreme Being denounces your actions and plans to destroy the planet, you must create an alternate timeline where the greatest villain of all – humanity – is somehow on a less evil path. It's a subversive game, where the monsters aren't the monsters after all…
An absolute masterpiece. Legitimately better than some of the Zelda games.
Beyond Oasis (US) / The Story of Thor
Format: Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
First released: 1994
Recent releases: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Ultimate Collection, PS3 and Xbox 360, 2009, Steam (2012), iOS and Android (2017)
A gorgeous "Zelda" that pushes its console to the limit, by the excellent developers at Ancient.
How Zelda?
Very similar in style – heroic youth explores vibrant overworld to access dungeons, supported by his sword, bow and arrow, and bombs.
Unique Merits
While the game might not have the scale or scope of some other titles listed, what it provides, it does extremely well. The graphics are stunning for the Genesis/Mega Drive, with some incredibly realised environments and gorgeously-detailed animation. Boss encounters are elaborate and imaginative, and the abilities mechanic – in which the hero is supported by four ancient elemental spirits with their unique supporting powers – is very well done.
The Legend of Oasis (US) / The Story of Thor 2 (EU) / Thor: Seireioukiden (JP)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases: NONE
We move to 32-bit with the sequel – which is in actuality a prequel - to Beyond Oasis.
How Zelda?
Pretty much exactly the same level of Zelda as its predecessor – the game is very, very similar, with the graphics dialled up to take advantage of the Saturn hardware. It is a more intimate game than Zelda – telling a smaller story in a smaller world, but doing so well.
Unique Merits
It continues the strengths of Beyond Oasis, which is very welcome. It has a really pleasing visual style – its' great to see how a title strongly influenced by Zelda could make use of more advanced architecture. It is however a sequel that doesn't bring much new – but if you liked the first game, you're certain to like this.
Shining Wisdom (1995)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases : NONE
A Sega Saturn entry for the Shining franchise that inexplicably disregards the RPG mechanics that its series is known for, and instead goes full Zelda.
How Zelda?
Very. Whereas the other 32-bit titles on this list bring their own visual style to the Zelda blueprint, Shining Wisdom is content with a graphical style very similar to A Link to the Past.
Unique Merits
Not much. While it copies with care, it doesn't do much to expand on the Zelda tropes or establish its own identity. The scale of the adventure compares unfavourably – just when the game appears to be getting going, it is all over. Imagine if A Link to the Past ended before you discovered the Dark World – that is how Shining Wisdom can feel. It doesn't feel that it uses any of the Saturn's capabilities, but is nonetheless somewhat enjoyable for what it is.
Magic Knight Rayearth (1995)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases : NONE
Another Sega Saturn "Zelda", this one based on an anime.
How Zelda?
Overworld, dungeons, exploration, all the tropes are here – though in a more linear fashion.
Unique Merits
The player controls three characters at once, which gives the adventure a different feel to many of the other titles listed. The visuals are stunning – environments are vibrant and distinct, with distortions and effects in places to support the sense of atmosphere.
Linkle Liver Story (1996)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases : NONE
A Japan-only Saturn title created by some of the developers that brought us the transcendent Crusader of Centy/Soleil. The player controls a strange, acrobatic cat-girl.
How Zelda?
While linear, the action-elements are very influenced. The combat, dungeons and various other aspects follow the familiar Zelda tropes.
Unique Merits
The game has a remarkable breadth of environments, which are transitioned through in a unique way – through use of tornadoes. The game introduces 3D elements – such as polygonal bosses and an elaborate globe world map.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's Response to Zelda 4: Link's Awakening (Released June 6, 1993)
Sylvan Tale
Format: Sega Game Gear
First released: 1995
Recent releases : NONE
The Game Gear's attempt at Link's Awakening.
How Zelda?
If the game were monochrome, it could be mistaken for the Nintendo title that inspires it. From ascending cliffs, exploring a central village, and progressing through dungeons and caverns, there is a lot to compare.
Unique Merit
The power of the Game Gear enables the title to exceed some of the hardware limitations that restricted its Game Boy equivalent. Screen-scrolling and the broader colour palette contribute to an impressive looking effort. The abilities gathered also lend themselves to new gameplay opportunities – the power to transform into a mouse, a merman, and to dig using a Mole Suit, all offer unique twists to the Zelda blueprint.
--------------------------------------------------------
In Conclusion
Firstly a note - there are other titles we could have included – such as Landstalker, Wonder Boy III, and Dungeon Explorer – but I feel the listed titles are far more explicit in their use of the Zelda blueprint.
The pantheon of Sega "Zelda's" varies. Some, such as Golden Axe Warrior and Crusader of Centy, are almost indistinguishable from Nintendo's famed franchise. Others, such as Linkle Liver, are strongly inspired, but go their own way.
Some seem shameless in their imitation.
Nonetheless, there are some absolutely excellent titles listed here – many of which have faded into obscurity. Most were only released once, and are now expensive to seek out, while being unjustly locked to ancient consoles. It is hoped that one day, Sega will grant players the opportunity to explore these obscure "Zelda" experiences.
Sega Obscura 1 - The Sega Saturn was the best console EVER for…
Sega Obscura 2 - Sonic 1 (8-bit) is a better game than Sonic 1 (16-bit)
Sega Obscura 3 - The first "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" released hates Sonic, and hates us all
Sega Obscura 4 - The Eleven SEGA "Zeldas"
Sega Obscura 5 - The extraordinary Sega game that played the player
Sega Obscura 6 - The ambitious Sonic game from 2009 that you will never, ever get to play
Sega Obscura 7 - When Sega took on Zelda, they really went for the jugular
Sega Obscura 8 - The most consistent sequence of fuckups in the entirety of the history of video games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Legend of Zelda series doesn't need much of an introduction. For the most part, they are gaming masterpieces, iconic and often far ahead of their time. Their designs and mechanics have gently influenced countless titles and genres.
Sometimes, this influence is not subtle - at all. The outcomes are sometimes derided as "Zelda Clones".
What happens when you take SEGA at their prime, and have them and their partner studios aligning their works strongly to Nintendo's Zelda-blueprints?
You get the Eleven SEGA "Zeldas".
These games take the tropes that Nintendo conceived, and run with them. There are overworlds, dungeons, ability upgrades, bombs, arrows, magic, and almost always, a young boy destined to be a hero.
We are going to look at these for two reasons. The first, is because it is interesting to see Sega's various responses to Nintendo's Zelda franchise. The second, is because some of the below are legitimately impressive games, and while they will always stand in the shadows of Zelda, some deserve recognition in their own right. If you are a fan of the genre, there are some titles here that are most definitely worth your time.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's responses to the original Legend of Zelda (released February 21, 1986)
Golvellius - Valley of Doom
Format: Sega Master System
First released: 1988
Recent releases: iPhone, 2009
Originally released on the MSX platform in 1987, Sega purchased the license for Golvellius and built their own remake of the game for the Sega Master System, including comprehensive dungeon overhauls. It's a very ambitious, early attempt at a Sega Zelda.
How Zelda?
The game follows the core Zelda conventions – sword-wielding hero, expansive overworld with spawning enemies, helpful NPCs hidden in caves, and boss dungeons.
Unique Merits
While the overworld is very Zelda, the game's approach to dungeons is remarkably different. Some dungeons see the play character running down auto-scrolling vertical dungeon corridors, avoiding collisions and attacking monsters charging from ahead. These sections seem more like an overhead shoot-em-up in terms of mechanics.
The game also has limited platforming elements, and has some impressively giant sprites for an 8-bit production.
Golden Axe Warrior
Format: Sega Master System
First released: 1991
Recent releases: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Ultimate Collection, PS3 and Xbox 360, 2009
A spin off of Sega's Golden Axe series for the Sega Master System, the game is completely shameless in its attempt to bring Zelda to Sega.
How Zelda?
As Zelda as it gets! The graphics are so similar; it is genuinely difficult to distinguish between this game and the NES game from which it is clearly inspired. Everything from the dungeon shapes, the monster spawning effects, and the upgradable abilities – it's all Zelda.
Unique Merits
The game advances the genre with a wider breadth of environments, and the player can earn powers that allow the transformation of the surroundings – such as morphing fields of lava into fields of ice, for example.
Golden Axe Warrior also has villages and a more extensive use of NPCs than its Zelda forbearer.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's responses to Zelda 2 – The Adventures of Link (released January 14, 1987)
Wonder Boy in Monster Land
Format: Sega System 2 (later ported to a range of non-Sega formats)
First released: 1987
Recent releases: Wii Virtual Console and Sony PlayStation 3 Store, 2012
Wonder Boy in Monster Land is a stunning Master System game. It takes the 2D elements of The Adventures of Link and imagines them as a linear game that alternates between overworld and dungeons.
How Zelda?
Cave and dungeon exploration seems strongly influenced by Zelda 2's equivalents. Comparisons can easily be made for the side-scrolling progression, the magic/spellcasting mechanics, and the combat style.
Unique Merits
While clearly influenced in some areas, the game has a strong identity of its own. The overworlds are colourful and vibrant with platforming elements and verticality. There are secrets, puzzles,and lots of shops and upgrades to seek out or purchase. While the game is more linear than many of the other games listed here, the sense of progression is superb.
This game led to the absolutely remarkable Wonderboy III: The Dragon's Trap, which took the achievements of Monster Land and brought in transformations, a more cohesive overworld and Metroidvania elements.
Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
Format: Sega Game Gear
First released: 1991
Recent releases: NONE
Another spin-off from the Golden Axe franchise, Ax Battler brought many of the Zelda 2 mechanics to the Game Gear, with impressive results.
How Zelda?
Very Zelda. The overworld map is genuinely difficult to distinguish from the Zelda that inspires it. Enemy encounters – which transition the player form overhead 2D to side-scrolling combat – are also very comparable.
Unique Merits
Unlike Zelda 2, Ax Battler retains the overhead approach for villages and NPC interactions. The 2D combat is impressive, with the character attacking with broad slices and thrusts of melee weapons, rather than the stabby button-bashing of Zelda 2. The environments are also more diverse and present a more robust range of challenges.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's Response to Zelda 3: A Link to the Past (released November 21, 1991)
Crusader of Centy (US) / Soleil (EU) / Ragnacenty (JP)
Format: Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
First released: 1994
Recent releases: NONE (Criminal!)
Our first 16-bit entry, this is one of the most impressive games of its kind, and the hidden jewel of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive library.
How Zelda?
If you were to slap a green tunic onto the main character, this would be a Zelda game. It has the mechanical feel and ambition of A Link to the Past.
Unique Merits
Many. Behind what initially appears to be a Zelda clone lays a ferociously potent title. The music is phenomenal, the environments are interesting, the bosses are varied and bombastic, the movement is fluid, and the upgrades options are bold.
Most intriguing of all, is the scale of the story. The main character begins in the future, but ventures into the past in ways that contextualise the completed dungeons and enemies. The hero ascends to heaven and battles with such fever that God himself declares him to be an affront. As the Supreme Being denounces your actions and plans to destroy the planet, you must create an alternate timeline where the greatest villain of all – humanity – is somehow on a less evil path. It's a subversive game, where the monsters aren't the monsters after all…
An absolute masterpiece. Legitimately better than some of the Zelda games.
Beyond Oasis (US) / The Story of Thor
Format: Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
First released: 1994
Recent releases: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Ultimate Collection, PS3 and Xbox 360, 2009, Steam (2012), iOS and Android (2017)
A gorgeous "Zelda" that pushes its console to the limit, by the excellent developers at Ancient.
How Zelda?
Very similar in style – heroic youth explores vibrant overworld to access dungeons, supported by his sword, bow and arrow, and bombs.
Unique Merits
While the game might not have the scale or scope of some other titles listed, what it provides, it does extremely well. The graphics are stunning for the Genesis/Mega Drive, with some incredibly realised environments and gorgeously-detailed animation. Boss encounters are elaborate and imaginative, and the abilities mechanic – in which the hero is supported by four ancient elemental spirits with their unique supporting powers – is very well done.
The Legend of Oasis (US) / The Story of Thor 2 (EU) / Thor: Seireioukiden (JP)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases: NONE
We move to 32-bit with the sequel – which is in actuality a prequel - to Beyond Oasis.
How Zelda?
Pretty much exactly the same level of Zelda as its predecessor – the game is very, very similar, with the graphics dialled up to take advantage of the Saturn hardware. It is a more intimate game than Zelda – telling a smaller story in a smaller world, but doing so well.
Unique Merits
It continues the strengths of Beyond Oasis, which is very welcome. It has a really pleasing visual style – its' great to see how a title strongly influenced by Zelda could make use of more advanced architecture. It is however a sequel that doesn't bring much new – but if you liked the first game, you're certain to like this.
Shining Wisdom (1995)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases : NONE
A Sega Saturn entry for the Shining franchise that inexplicably disregards the RPG mechanics that its series is known for, and instead goes full Zelda.
How Zelda?
Very. Whereas the other 32-bit titles on this list bring their own visual style to the Zelda blueprint, Shining Wisdom is content with a graphical style very similar to A Link to the Past.
Unique Merits
Not much. While it copies with care, it doesn't do much to expand on the Zelda tropes or establish its own identity. The scale of the adventure compares unfavourably – just when the game appears to be getting going, it is all over. Imagine if A Link to the Past ended before you discovered the Dark World – that is how Shining Wisdom can feel. It doesn't feel that it uses any of the Saturn's capabilities, but is nonetheless somewhat enjoyable for what it is.
Magic Knight Rayearth (1995)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases : NONE
Another Sega Saturn "Zelda", this one based on an anime.
How Zelda?
Overworld, dungeons, exploration, all the tropes are here – though in a more linear fashion.
Unique Merits
The player controls three characters at once, which gives the adventure a different feel to many of the other titles listed. The visuals are stunning – environments are vibrant and distinct, with distortions and effects in places to support the sense of atmosphere.
Linkle Liver Story (1996)
Format: Sega Saturn
First released: 1996
Recent releases : NONE
A Japan-only Saturn title created by some of the developers that brought us the transcendent Crusader of Centy/Soleil. The player controls a strange, acrobatic cat-girl.
How Zelda?
While linear, the action-elements are very influenced. The combat, dungeons and various other aspects follow the familiar Zelda tropes.
Unique Merits
The game has a remarkable breadth of environments, which are transitioned through in a unique way – through use of tornadoes. The game introduces 3D elements – such as polygonal bosses and an elaborate globe world map.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sega's Response to Zelda 4: Link's Awakening (Released June 6, 1993)
Sylvan Tale
Format: Sega Game Gear
First released: 1995
Recent releases : NONE
The Game Gear's attempt at Link's Awakening.
How Zelda?
If the game were monochrome, it could be mistaken for the Nintendo title that inspires it. From ascending cliffs, exploring a central village, and progressing through dungeons and caverns, there is a lot to compare.
Unique Merit
The power of the Game Gear enables the title to exceed some of the hardware limitations that restricted its Game Boy equivalent. Screen-scrolling and the broader colour palette contribute to an impressive looking effort. The abilities gathered also lend themselves to new gameplay opportunities – the power to transform into a mouse, a merman, and to dig using a Mole Suit, all offer unique twists to the Zelda blueprint.
--------------------------------------------------------
In Conclusion
Firstly a note - there are other titles we could have included – such as Landstalker, Wonder Boy III, and Dungeon Explorer – but I feel the listed titles are far more explicit in their use of the Zelda blueprint.
The pantheon of Sega "Zelda's" varies. Some, such as Golden Axe Warrior and Crusader of Centy, are almost indistinguishable from Nintendo's famed franchise. Others, such as Linkle Liver, are strongly inspired, but go their own way.
Some seem shameless in their imitation.
Nonetheless, there are some absolutely excellent titles listed here – many of which have faded into obscurity. Most were only released once, and are now expensive to seek out, while being unjustly locked to ancient consoles. It is hoped that one day, Sega will grant players the opportunity to explore these obscure "Zelda" experiences.
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