Story

Beyond Oasis, also known as The Story of Thor in Europe and Japan, transports players to a vibrant and fantastical world where magic and adventure intertwine. The narrative follows Prince Ali, a young hero who discovers a magical Golden Armlet that grants him the ability to summon elemental spirits. This discovery sets Ali on a quest to thwart the dark ambitions of an evil sorcerer who wields the Silver Armlet, a malevolent counterpart to Ali’s own artifact.

The game kicks off with Prince Ali unearthing the Golden Armlet in an ancient cave, which soon compels him to seek out the elemental spirits of water, fire, shadow, and plant. These spirits, each residing in different corners of the world, are crucial allies in Ali’s mission to stop the antagonist and restore peace. As Ali journeys across the kingdom of Oasis, he uncovers the rich history of these mystical items and the enduring battle between good and evil that rages on.

The storyline is both compelling and straightforward, drawing players into an epic saga that combines themes of heroism, friendship, and the eternal struggle against darkness. Although the narrative may not be as complex as other RPGs of its time, its charm lies in its simplicity and the way it seamlessly integrates with the gameplay to provide an immersive experience.

Gameplay

Beyond Oasis offers a rich gameplay experience that blends action, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements. As an action-adventure game, it stands out for its fluid combat system and the innovative use of elemental spirits, which are central to both progression and combat.

Combat and Exploration

Prince Ali’s primary weapon is a dagger, but he can also acquire other weapons like swords and bombs throughout his journey. The combat is dynamic, with players able to perform a variety of attacks and combos. The game encourages players to engage actively with enemies, making each encounter feel engaging and rewarding.

Exploration is a key component, with the game world offering a mix of forests, caves, castles, and dungeons. Each area is meticulously designed to encourage investigation and interaction with the environment. Players must solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to advance, often requiring the clever use of elemental spirits.

Elemental Spirits

The elemental spirits are a standout feature of Beyond Oasis. Each spirit offers unique abilities that aid Ali in combat and puzzle-solving:

• Water Spirit, Dytto: Provides healing and water-based attacks, and can extinguish fires or trigger water-related mechanisms.
• Fire Spirit, Efreet: Delivers powerful fire attacks and can melt ice or burn obstacles.
• Shadow Spirit, Shade: Grants defensive capabilities by creating a shadow clone and enables passage through shadowy areas.
• Plant Spirit, Bow: Allows Ali to summon vines for navigation and immobilizes enemies with plant-based attacks.

The strategic use of these spirits is essential, as players must summon and manage them based on the challenges faced, adding depth to both the combat and exploration elements of the game.

Graphics and Sound

Beyond Oasis is lauded for its remarkable graphics, especially considering the limitations of the Sega Genesis hardware. The game employs a vibrant color palette and detailed sprite work, bringing the world of Oasis to life with impressive clarity and vibrancy. The environments are lush and varied, with each location offering a distinct visual style that enhances the sense of adventure and discovery.

The animations are smooth, particularly during combat sequences where Prince Ali and his foes move fluidly across the screen. The attention to detail in character design and environmental elements helps immerse players in the game’s fantastical world.

Accompanying the visuals is a memorable soundtrack composed by Yuzo Koshiro, known for his work on Streets of Rage and other classic titles. The music in Beyond Oasis complements the action and exploration perfectly, with tracks that range from serene and mysterious to intense and energetic. The sound effects are equally well-crafted, adding to the overall atmospheric experience of the game.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release in 1994, Beyond Oasis was met with critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and stunning audiovisual presentation. It was praised for its engaging combat system, the clever integration of elemental spirits, and its ability to push the Sega Genesis to its graphical limits.

Beyond Oasis has maintained a dedicated fan base over the years, earning its place as a beloved classic in the action-adventure genre. Its influence can be seen in subsequent games that combine action and RPG elements, and it remains a benchmark for quality design and execution on 16-bit consoles.

The game’s legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in various Sega compilations and re-releases on modern platforms, allowing new generations of players to experience its timeless adventure. Its success also led to a sequel, The Legend of Oasis, on the Sega Saturn, which expanded upon the original’s concepts and mechanics.

Conclusion

Beyond Oasis stands as a testament to the creativity and technical prowess of the developers at Ancient and Sega. Its engaging story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning presentation have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. For fans of action-adventure games, Beyond Oasis offers a captivating journey filled with wonder and excitement, embodying the spirit of exploration and adventure that defines the genre. As a timeless classic, it continues to inspire and entertain, securing its legacy as one of the standout titles on the Sega Genesis.