Arliel: Crystal Densetsu

Game Details:

Developed by Sega and released in Japan on December 13, 1991, it was launched in North America and Europe on April 10, 1992. Players can deploy up to 9 units on the battlefield, as can the enemy, using a turn-based system. Units have a combat mode: melee, spellcasting, retreat, or summon. Defeating beast-type enemies allows them to be tamed into combat units to aid the team in subsequent battles. The maximum level for characters in the game is level 9, and the permanent death setting increases the tension.

Terrain and elemental interaction mechanics are a core strategy, with fire countering wind, wind countering water, water countering fire, and earth units being neutral. In towns, new characters can be recruited, equipment and magic can be purchased, and automatic saving is enabled; a two-player mode supports Gear connection, allowing players to battle each other. Sega Force magazine rated it 63%, with detailed graphics but a slightly slower combat pace. Initial reviews were good, with GamePro giving it 4/5, Mega Fun and Player One giving it 80%, and Sega Force Sweden giving it as high as 91%; however, in retrospect, such as Nintendo Life giving it a rating of 5/10, Critic's reviews varied .

Editor's Recommendation:

"Arliel: Crystal Densetsu" is exceptional on the Game Gear platform thanks to its blend of strategy and RPG gameplay. The construction of a nine-person team and the permanent death mechanic require players to think deeply, and each battle is highly urgent. The elemental interaction mechanics make deployments more strategically challenging, and the summon gameplay adds more variability. Although the interface is small and the running speed is slightly slow, the map and unit style design is refined, and combined with cinematic-like battle animations, it enhances the immersive experience. The support for two-player battles adds more fun, making it a rare high-level strategy masterpiece in the Game Gear era, and it's worth a try for strategy and RPG enthusiasts.

Game Guide:

① Build a Balanced Team

There are 6 characters at the beginning of the game, and you can recruit up to 9. Recommended configuration:

• 2 Fire-type (heavy damage output),
• 2 Water-type (counter Fire-type, and defense),
• 2 Wind-type (fast attack and mobility),
• 1–2 Earth-type (healing and support),
• 1–2 summonable monsters, to make up for the weaknesses of elemental interaction.

② Make Good Use of Elemental Interactions and Terrain

The elemental interaction system between enemies and us is extremely important. Use the terrain (forest slows, bridges create bottlenecks) for deployment—for example, place slow, high-output Fire units behind narrow passages, and use Wind units to charge; while melee units should press forward.

③ Tame War Beasts

After defeating beast-type enemies, choose the "monster" command to tame them. They can be meat shields or deal damage on the battlefield. Try to capture Wind-type monsters first to deal with the threat of Water-type enemies, and efficiently improve combat flexibility .

④ Level and Permanent Death Management

The permanent death setting for characters is cruel; once they die, they cannot be revived. Be sure to balance the use of reserve units with the main output, to avoid excessive sacrifice of main units. The experience needed to level up is 10 points, and each unit killed gives 4 points. Pay attention to concentrating attacks to level up quickly.

⑤ Magic and Equipment Selection

After buying in town, Fire-types choose stronger magic like Blaze and Cold, and Earth-types buy support magic like Heal and Peace; prioritize movement and durability for equipment, and Earth-types should prioritize high-defense weapons and armor to ensure the support character's endurance.

⑥ Two-Player Mode Battle Strategy

If using Gear link for battle, also pay attention to elemental coordination and use map bottlenecks to delay the enemy's attack; use magic for harassment tactics to speed up the enemy's fall.