Overview
The world ended. Magic returned. Crystalis woke players from cryogenic sleep into a post-apocalyptic world where science and sorcery merged. Four elemental swords, challenging boss battles, and a narrative about technology’s dangers made this SNK title one of the NES’s finest action RPGs—even if it lived in Zelda’s considerable shadow.
Fast facts
- Developer: SNK.
- Setting: Post-nuclear apocalypse.
- Style: Top-down action RPG.
- Comparison: Often called “NES Zelda killer.”
Elemental swords
| Sword | Element | Special |
|---|
| Sword of Wind | Air | First acquired |
| Sword of Fire | Flame | Burns barriers |
| Sword of Water | Ice | Freezes enemies |
| Sword of Thunder | Lightning | Final sword |
Charge attacks
| Level | Power |
|---|
| Uncharged | Basic strike |
| Level 1 | Projectile shot |
| Level 2 | Enhanced projectile |
| Level 3 | Powerful blast |
RPG systems
| Element | Implementation |
|---|
| Experience | Level progression |
| Equipment | Armour, shields |
| Magic | Various spells |
| Items | Consumables |
Post-apocalyptic setting
| Theme | Presentation |
|---|
| Nuclear war | World devastation |
| Technology | Ruins of old world |
| Magic | Nature’s return |
| Mutants | Enemy variety |
World design
| Area | Character |
|---|
| Leaf | Starting village |
| Brynmaer | Major town |
| Oak | Forest region |
| Goa Fortress | Final dungeon |
Boss battles
| Challenge | Approach |
|---|
| Elemental weaknesses | Match sword to boss |
| Pattern learning | Observation required |
| Difficulty | Genuinely challenging |
Game Boy Color version
| Change | Quality |
|---|
| Graphics | Updated visuals |
| Story | Altered narrative |
| Reception | Mixed (changes controversial) |
See also