Original Version by: Compile
Published by: Sega Of America
System: Sega Master System
Reviewd by: Kelesis
Genre: Action/RPG
Golvellius: Valley Of Doom was originally one of a japanese PC games series. It was ported to the Master System during the late 80's, as a representive of the series, and IMHO, is one of the best SMS games ever made.
Rex. In the language of the kings, it means 'tyrant'. It was a title used in legends to describe Golvellius, an evil king, who had destroyed his kingdom and disappeared a thousand years ago.
Under new kings, the country was reborn and knew decades of peace and prosperity. In time, the kingdom became known as 'Alied', after the current ruler, the good King Aleid. The kingdom only had one problem. For water, the people had to go to the river valley. But the people of Aleid were honest and hard workers, so they didn't mind the walk... ...until demons began to appear in the valley!
The tales of demons continued to grow. And when people who went to the valley for water failed to return, the feared name 'Golvellius' - once used just to scare bad children - was whispered from stall to stall in the marketplace. And the valley of life now became "The Valley Of Doom".
The good King Aleid was so worried that he fell sick with remorse. Only a magical, medicinal herb called 'Mea', found on the valley floor, could save him. So against all objections, his good and faithful daughter, the Princess Rena, journeyed to the valley to obtain the herb. She never returned. The people knew what had happened. The evil Golvellius has captured her! And nobody was brave enough to get her back!
Then, a wandering lad with wild green hair and a taste for adventure came into the village. His name was Kelesis, which in the language of the kingdom of Aleid meant - "Bane Of Demons".
Kelesis listened to the story of the missing princess. He listened to the terrible legends of Golvellius. Then he looked at a picture of Princess Rena and he fell in love.
After that, there was no stopping to him. He said, "I'm going into the valley for Rena. Any who tries to stop me...shall feel the bite of my sword!".
Kelesis entered the cave leading to the Valley Of Doom, and this began his quest...
Gameplay: The game is an Action/RPG, pretty similar to Zelda, as far as I can judge (I've given Zelda only a brief look), where you see everything from above. You are Kelesis (Oh no! I've just exposed my identity! ;->), a green-haired wandering youth, and your goal is to defeat Golvellius in order to save Rena, the princess.
Sounds too common? You'll get surprised!
In order to reach Golvellius, you'll have to defeat 7 bosses and get a Crystal after you defeat each one. During your journey, you'll also encounter some unusual items sold by sometimes not-so-nice old ladies, you'll meet Enny and Randar, the healers, and of course - the Fairies which will give you information about your quest. What out of this information is true and actually important? You'll have to find out for yourself. The only problem with it that it could be longer, but don't expect to beat it too easily, even if you're a real addict. (9.5/10)
Graphics: The graphics are pretty good, the animations are smooth. There are hardly any blinkings and slowdowns, which are so common on other SMS games. I can't say there is anything really extraordinary about the graphics, but they are way above the average.
Another noticeable thing is the scrolling between the screens.
(9/10)
Music and Sound Effects: The music on this game is simply amazing! Top quality! It surely stands above any other game's music, including Phantasy Star 1-4, Out Run, Wonder Boy 1-3 and Y's: The Vanished Omens. The Sound Effects are darn good as well, and there's surely plenty of them! (10/10)
All in all - this is a true masterpiece! don't pass on it!(9.5/10)
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