The Nintendo SNES era was a golden age for the platformer genre, and one game that still stands out today is Dragon Quest VI. Released as "Maboroshi no Daichi" in Japan, this English-language release brought to life the magical world of Dragon Quest VI, now known as "Land of Illusion" outside of Japan.

Developed by Square (now Square Enix), a renowned developer at the time, Maboroshi no Daichi was designed specifically for Western audiences. The game is an action RPG that features turn-based combat, exploration, and character development. Released in 1995, it is part of the Dragon Quest series, known as Dragon Warrior outside of Japan.

In this review, we'll delve into the world of Land of Illusion, exploring its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. We'll also discuss the availability of the game and its age rating.

Gameplay Mechanics

Maboroshi no Daichi is an action RPG that features turn-based combat. Players control the protagonist, a young man named Roger, who finds himself on a quest to save his kingdom from an evil sorceress named Marmeeva. The gameplay revolves around exploration, character development, and strategic combat.

The game's battle system is based on a real-time action RPG format, where players can move and attack in real-time, while also using magic spells and items to aid in combat. This unique blend of fast-paced action and turn-based strategy makes for an engaging and challenging experience.

One of the standout features of Maboroshi no Daichi is its use of the "Morph" system, which allows players to transform Roger into different creatures to access new areas or solve puzzles. These transformations can be obtained by defeating enemies with specific items or through certain events in the story.

Storyline and Characters

The storyline of Land of Illusion follows Roger as he searches for a way to defeat Marmeeva and save his kingdom. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters who aid him in his quest, including a wise old wizard named Shantotto and a mysterious woman named Princess Sara.

The game's story is full of memorable moments, including a dramatic confrontation with the sorceress Marmeeva and a heartwarming scene where Roger befriends a group of orphans. The characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities, making it easy to become attached to them during the gameplay experience.

Graphics and Soundtrack

Maboroshi no Daichi features beautiful hand-drawn graphics that bring the world of Land of Illusion to life. The game's character designs are memorable and charming, with Roger and his companions looking adorable in their respective costumes.

The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring catchy and memorable themes that complement the gameplay experience perfectly. The music is a mix of electronic and orchestral elements, creating a unique sound that sets it apart from other games in the series.

Age Rating

As a game released over 25 years ago, Maboroshi no Daichi may not be suitable for all audiences due to its age rating. In Japan, the game was rated "All Ages" by the Japanese Entertainment Software Rating Organization (CERO), indicating that it is suitable for players of all ages.

However, in Western countries, the game has been rated as follows:

• ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board): "E for Everyone"
• PEGI (Pan European Game Information): "3+"
• ACB (Australian Classification Review): "PG" (Parental Guidance)

While these age ratings may seem lenient by today's standards, Maboroshi no Daichi is still a family-friendly game that is suitable for players of all ages.

Availability

Maboroshi no Daishi can be found on various platforms, including the Nintendo SNES console. The game has also been re-released as part of several compilation packs and retro gaming collections.

In recent years, Square Enix has released official English-language versions of Maboroshi no Daishi, which include updated graphics and sound effects. These releases are available for purchase on various digital storefronts, including the Nintendo eShop and Steam.

Conclusion

Maboroshi no Daishi is a hidden gem in the world of retro gaming, offering an engaging and challenging experience that is sure to appeal to fans of action RPGs and platformers alike. With its unique gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and beautiful graphics, Land of Illusion is a must-play for anyone looking to explore the SNES era.

While some may find the game's age rating to be a concern, Maboroshi no Daishi remains a family-friendly experience that is suitable for players of all ages. If you're looking for a fun and challenging RPG to add to your retro gaming collection, look no further than Land of Illusion.