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Valis III is an iconic entry in the Valis series, a set of action-platformer games that captivated players with its intricate storytelling, engaging gameplay, and rich audiovisual presentation. Released initially for the TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM in 1990, Valis III successfully blended a compelling narrative with challenging mechanics, setting a benchmark for future games in the genre. In this article, we delve into the various aspects that make Valis III a memorable experience for players, from its engaging story to its legacy in the gaming world.

Story

Valis III expands upon the lore established in its predecessors, weaving a complex narrative that draws players into its fantastical world. The game is set in a universe where different realms are constantly at odds, and the protagonist, Yuko Asou, is once again called upon to wield the mystical Valis sword to restore balance and peace.

The story begins with a dire threat looming over the Dream World of Vecanti. The evil emperor Glames seeks to conquer Vecanti and the human world by harnessing the power of the dark world, which would plunge all realms into chaos. Yuko, now an experienced warrior, must embark on a perilous journey to stop Glames and his formidable army.

Joining Yuko are two new allies, Cham and Valna. Cham is a warrior from Vecanti, skilled with a whip, who seeks revenge against Glames for the destruction of her homeland. Valna, a sorceress, is also from Vecanti and possesses powerful magical abilities. Together, they must traverse treacherous landscapes, battle formidable foes, and ultimately confront Glames in an epic showdown.

The narrative of Valis III is enriched by its character development and the strong bonds formed between Yuko and her allies. Each character brings their unique perspective and skills to the story, contributing to a multi-layered plotline that keeps players invested throughout the game.

Gameplay

Valis III is celebrated for its refined gameplay mechanics, offering players a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game adopts a side-scrolling action-platformer format, with players controlling Yuko and her allies through various stages filled with enemies, obstacles, and boss battles.

Character Switching

One of the standout features of Valis III is the ability to switch between Yuko, Cham, and Valna at any point during the game. Each character has distinct abilities and weapons, which adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. Yuko wields the Valis sword, Cham uses her whip for close and ranged attacks, and Valna casts powerful spells to defeat enemies from a distance. This mechanic encourages players to adapt to different combat situations by selecting the most suitable character, enhancing the overall depth of the gameplay.

Level Design and Enemies

Valis III features a diverse array of levels, each with its unique aesthetic and set of challenges. From the icy landscapes of frozen mountains to the fiery depths of volcanic caverns, the game keeps players engaged with its varied environments. Each level is populated with a host of enemies, ranging from simple minions to complex, pattern-driven bosses that require skill and strategy to defeat.

The bosses in Valis III are particularly notable, each presenting unique attack patterns and requiring players to study their movements carefully. Defeating these formidable foes often requires switching between characters to exploit enemy weaknesses, adding an additional layer of complexity to the game’s challenge.

Power-Ups and Abilities

Throughout the game, players can collect power-ups and items that enhance their characters’ abilities. These include health restoratives, magic potions, and weapon upgrades that can significantly aid in overcoming difficult sections. Additionally, each character has a special ability that can be charged for more powerful attacks, providing a tactical advantage during intense combat scenarios.

Graphics and Sound

Valis III is renowned for its impressive audiovisual presentation, especially considering the hardware limitations of its time. The game leverages the capabilities of the TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM to deliver vibrant, detailed graphics and a memorable soundtrack that elevates the gaming experience.

Visuals

The graphics of Valis III are a testament to the artistic vision of its developers. The character sprites are well-animated and expressive, conveying the personalities and emotions of the protagonists and their adversaries. The backgrounds are richly detailed, with each environment crafted to reflect the thematic elements of the level, from the shimmering ice caves to the foreboding castles.

Cutscenes are another highlight, utilizing the CD-ROM format to present animated sequences that advance the story and develop the characters. These cutscenes add a cinematic flair to the game, making the narrative more engaging and immersive for players.

Soundtrack and Audio

The soundtrack of Valis III is one of its most lauded features, composed by the talented team at Telenet Japan. The music perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere, with each track capturing the essence of the levels and the intensity of the battles. From haunting melodies to adrenaline-pumping battle themes, the soundtrack enhances the emotional impact of the game.

In addition to the music, the sound effects in Valis III are well-implemented, adding to the overall immersion. The clang of swords, the crack of Cham’s whip, and the explosive effects of Valna’s spells are all designed to provide satisfying auditory feedback for players.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Valis III received praise for its engaging gameplay, rich storytelling, and impressive audiovisual presentation. It was lauded as a standout title in the action-platformer genre, with many players and critics highlighting its character-switching mechanic as a significant innovation.

Critical Acclaim

Valis III was well-received by critics, who praised its challenging gameplay and the depth offered by the ability to switch between characters. The game’s graphics and soundtrack were also highly regarded, with many noting the quality of the cutscenes and the memorable music as standout features.

Influence and Impact

The success of Valis III cemented its place in the pantheon of classic action-platformers, influencing future games in the series and the genre as a whole. Its innovative mechanics and storytelling set a standard for character-driven narratives in video games, inspiring developers to explore similar themes and gameplay elements in their projects.

The game’s legacy is further evidenced by its re-releases and adaptations on various platforms, allowing new generations of gamers to experience its captivating story and gameplay. Valis III remains a beloved title among fans of retro gaming and continues to be celebrated for its contributions to the medium.

Conclusion

Valis III stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of its time, offering a rich narrative experience combined with challenging and engaging gameplay. Its character-switching mechanics, impressive graphics, and unforgettable soundtrack have left a lasting impact on the action-platformer genre, inspiring countless games in the years since its release.

As a pivotal entry in the Valis series, Valis III continues to be celebrated by fans and newcomers alike, who appreciate its blend of storytelling, gameplay, and audiovisual excellence. Its legacy endures, cementing its place in the annals of gaming history as a classic that set a high standard for future titles. Whether you’re a fan of retro games or discovering Valis III for the first time, its timeless appeal and enduring influence make it a must-play experience for any gaming enthusiast.