Saint Seiya - Ougon Densetsu Kanketsu Hen

Game Details:

Developed by TOSE and published by Bandai, this game was released exclusively for the Japanese Famicom platform on May 30, 1988 (not released in North America). The game features two core gameplay modes: one is a side-scrolling platformer where the character runs and punches enemies, jumps to avoid pits, and accumulates experience ("Seven Senses"); the other is a turn-based battle mode entered after entering the Golden Sanctuary, where players use punches, kicks, and skills via a menu to fight against the Gold Saints. The game faithfully recreates the original story sequence, but if players do not follow the story's order, they may not be able to proceed, which is a trap for many veteran players. Overall, the game receives a general rating, with an average score of about 3/5. The platforming sections are difficult to control, but the battle system is relatively fair.

Editor's Recommendation:

As one of the first successful anime adaptations to blend side-scrolling action with role-playing elements, "Saint Seiya - Ougon Densetsu Kanketsu Hen" holds unique commemorative significance. The game faithfully recreates the Twelve Palaces storyline and the settings of the Saint Seiya characters and factions; the turn-based combat incorporates the "Seven Senses" planning, emphasizing both strategy and operation; although some level's jump accuracy requirements are high, the game integrates nostalgia, operation, and tactics, making it a must-play for Saint Seiya fans to collect. In addition, the in-game settings contain plot elements and system restrictions, which is quite a retro challenge.

Game Guide:

I. Key Points of the Twelve Palaces Sequence

Players must challenge all twelve Golden Palaces in the order of the story, otherwise, they may encounter situations where they cannot proceed or characters fall. Pay special attention to the Athena's plot prompts and hidden dialogues, or you may not trigger subsequent battles.

II. Seven Senses and Attribute Allocation

Each time you defeat a certain number of enemies, you can gain "Seven Senses" points, which can be freely distributed to HP or Cosmo energy. It is recommended to prioritize increasing Cosmo in the early stages to handle the turn-based battles of the Golden Sanctuary; later, you can add HP to ensure survival in the action levels.

III. Side-Scrolling Level Operation Analysis

• Jumping judgment is more refined; it is recommended to quickly and repeatedly practice the air jump-kick path to avoid repeated stepping into empty space.
• There are many enemies; it is recommended to run while interrupting the path of enemy generation. The jump area before the boss needs to be steady and accurate.

IV. Turn-Based Golden Sanctuary Skills

• Use the menu to accurately select punch or kick attacks; use skills first when Cosmo energy is sufficient.
• In some Holy Wars, if the plot conditions are not met (such as the "Talk" command), the Boss will become invincible, leading to failure.
• If Gold Saint is affected by a dead angle, switching characters and continuing can avoid deadlocks.

V. Notes and Traps

1. The order in which the plot is triggered cannot be messed up, otherwise, it may get stuck.
2. Talk command: Use Seiya or Ikki to talk to Saga, otherwise the final Boss will be unable to damage the stage.
3. Save Suggestions: It is recommended to save after completing each palace (such as using an emulator) to avoid major errors and getting stuck.
4. Cultivate balance: Reasonable allocation of Cosmo and HP, switch characters to deal with the different golden saints' attribute weaknesses.