The Nintendo SNES Bahamut Lagoon is a classic game that has been making waves among retro gaming enthusiasts and fans of the Final Fantasy series. Released in Japan in 1995 as part of the Super NES's final lineup of games before its discontinuation, Bahamut Lagoon marked an interesting departure from the traditional role-playing game (RPG) formula that Nintendo was known for at the time. Instead of being a traditional RPG, Bahamut Lagoon combined elements of both strategy and RPG gameplay with a unique battle system and party-based gameplay.

The game's story follows the tale of four main characters - Loto, Kato, Yuna, and Zan - who each possess different abilities that would help them defeat an evil dragon known as Bahamut. The player must control one character at a time, navigating through various environments and battling enemies to progress through the story.

The gameplay in Bahamut Lagoon is centered around the party-based system, where the player has access to four characters with unique abilities. Each character can be equipped with different weapons and armor, and the party's strategy plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges. The game also features an open-world exploration element, where players can explore various islands and interact with NPCs.

One of the standout features of Bahamut Lagoon is its battle system, which combines elements of both turn-based and real-time combat. Instead of using traditional turn-based attacks or magic spells, the player must use abilities known as "Fusion" to combine the attacks of multiple characters into a single attack. This fusion system adds a layer of strategy to battles, requiring players to carefully plan their movements and coordinate with other party members.

The game's graphics and sound design have also been widely praised for their quality, even by today's standards. The game features vibrant and colorful graphics, with detailed character models and environments that add depth to the game world. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is equally impressive, with catchy and memorable themes that perfectly capture the game's atmosphere.

However, despite its excellent gameplay and design, Bahamut Lagoon has been relatively underappreciated in recent years. This may be due to several factors, including its release date and the fact that it was not widely released outside of Japan. However, with the rise of retro gaming and the resurgence of interest in classic consoles, Bahamut Lagoon is now gaining more recognition as a hidden gem in Nintendo's catalog.

One of the main reasons for Bahamut Lagoon's relative obscurity is its age. Released in 1995, the game has been out of production for nearly three decades, making it difficult to find copies and play the game on original hardware. However, with the development of emulation technology and the creation of real hardware editions by companies like DeJap+Neill Corlett+Tomato, players can now experience Bahamut Lagoon in a new light.

The real hardware edition of Bahamut Lagoon that we'll be reviewing is v1.3, which was released by DeJap+Neill Corlett+Tomato. This version features improved graphics and sound quality compared to earlier editions, making it the most authentic and enjoyable way to play the game on original hardware.

In terms of age ratings, Bahamut Lagoon has been rated by various organizations around the world. In Japan, the game was originally rated "A" for adults due to its mild violence and suggestive themes. However, in Western countries, the game has been rated T (Teen) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it contains some violence and mild language.

In terms of content, Bahamut Lagoon is suitable for players aged 13 and above, as it contains some mild violence, suggestive themes, and brief strong language. However, these elements are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall gameplay experience.

Overall, Nintendo SNES Bahamut Lagoon is a hidden gem in Nintendo's catalog that deserves more recognition than it has received in recent years. With its unique battle system, party-based gameplay, and immersive atmosphere, Bahamut Lagoon offers a truly unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you're a fan of the Final Fantasy series or simply looking for a challenging and rewarding game to play, Bahamut Lagoon is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, Nintendo SNES Bahamut Lagoon is a classic game that has aged remarkably well despite its release date in 1995. With its unique battle system, party-based gameplay, and immersive atmosphere, Bahamut Lagoon offers a truly unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you're playing on original hardware or through emulation, Bahamut Lagoon is a must-play for fans of retro gaming and the Final Fantasy series.

Rating Breakdown:

• Gameplay: 9/10
• Graphics: 8/10
• Sound Design: 9/10
• Overall Experience: 8.5/10

Recommendation:

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding game to play on your original SNES, Bahamut Lagoon is definitely worth checking out. With its unique battle system, party-based gameplay, and immersive atmosphere, Bahamut Lagoon offers a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

For fans of retro gaming and the Final Fantasy series, Bahamut Lagoon is a must-play that has aged remarkably well despite its release date in 1995.

However, if you're not familiar with the game or are new to retro gaming, it's worth noting that Bahamut Lagoon may be challenging due to its unique gameplay mechanics and lack of context.

Overall, Nintendo SNES Bahamut Lagoon is a hidden gem in Nintendo's catalog that deserves more recognition than it has received in recent years.