The world of classic video games meets modern console technology as Sorcerian, the fifth installment in Nihon Falcom's esteemed Dragon Slayer series, makes its way to the Nintendo Switch on June 13. This launch is a part of a collaborative effort by D4 Enterprise and Project EGG, who are working under their "EGGCONSOLE" banner to reissue vintage games originally designed for Japanese computers. Sorcerian joins this collection, providing gamers with the chance to experience a piece of video game history.
Sorcerian was initially released in 1987 on the PC-88 platform in Japan. It features a distinct approach to the role-playing game (RPG) genre, allowing players to craft a party with diverse races, genders, and classes. These characters team up to embark on various quests, gaining experience and skills through dungeon explorations and town visits, where they can undertake additional tasks to further develop their team. The gameplay is primarily from a 2D sidescrolling perspective, focusing on dungeon expeditions where the main character leads the party, issuing commands that help navigate challenges and combat adversaries.
Unlike traditional RPGs of its time which often used a top-down view, Sorcerian's sidescrolling action set it apart, offering a unique and immersive experience. Players interact with a dynamic game environment, solving puzzles and engaging in combat with the help of their party members who play supportive roles in both battles and explorative scenarios.
Since its original release, Sorcerian has seen several ports and updates. It expanded its reach to various Japanese home computers, mobile phones, and consoles such as the Sega Mega Drive and PC Engine CD. Notably, it crossed into the North American market in 1990 when Sierra released an English-language version for MS-DOS computers, marking its only official localization in the West until now.
The game also inspired a few remakes like the Dreamcast-exclusive Sorcerian: Shichisei Mahou no Shito, which updated its graphics to 3D polygons, and two versions for Windows titled Sorcerian Forever and Sorcerian Original, each bringing enhancements and additional features to the classic setup.
As part of the EGGCONSOLE series, Sorcerian will be reissued in its original PC-88 format. While these reissues aim to preserve the classic feel of the games, they come with a twist—most of the titles remain untranslated, maintaining their original Japanese language, with the exception of some English instructions and menu navigation aids provided to help non-Japanese players. This release marks the third Dragon Slayer series game to be revived on the Switch's eShop under this label, following earlier releases of Xanadu and Dragon Slayer IV.
The fans of classic RPGs and new players alike are eagerly anticipating the chance to experience or revisit this legendary game. Its innovative design, engaging gameplay, and significant place in gaming history make Sorcerian a notable addition to any gamer’s collection. Whether you are a longtime fan of Nihon Falcom’s works or new to the series, the upcoming reissue on the Nintendo Switch offers a great opportunity to experience one of the pioneering games in the RPG genre. This launch not only celebrates the legacy of a classical era in gaming but also bridges it with the contemporary appeal of current gaming platforms.
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