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A 30-Year Battle with One of the First Great Fantasy Strategy Games
Introduction
In the early 1990s, when most players were still enjoying straightforward platformers and action games, Dark Wizard for the Sega CD emerged as one of the earliest large-scale strategy and fantasy epics ever released on a home console. Combining an expansive world map, deep tactical gameplay, and a rich storyline with memorable characters, it stood apart from anything else available at the time. The fantasy setting gave it a unique charm, the music was beautifully composed, and the sheer scope of the adventure made it an unforgettable — and often unforgiving — experience for those willing to take on its challenge.
The fantasy elements gave it a charm and personality rarely seen at the time, but behind that charm was a game that demanded patience, tactical thinking, and sheer determination.
A Game That Wouldn’t Let Go
When it first hit shelves in 1994, I rented it several times, each time hoping to conquer its sprawling campaign. The challenge was immense, and my limited rental windows meant I never reached the end. Without a proper guide, the game’s puzzles, hidden mechanics, and complex strategy systems felt almost insurmountable.
To those who somehow beat this game back in 1994 without any help — my hat is off to you.
The Three-Part Playthrough
The full game has been captured in a series of lengthy playthrough videos, broken into three massive parts, each one running around twelve hours:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/VqgREkY2Ih8
Part 2: https://youtu.be/sTqBp7KxmWc
Part 3: https://youtu.be/V-WK8gFZ_vI
Years of Struggle
About a decade after its original release, I gave it another try via emulation. Once again, I found myself drawn into its world, but progress came slowly, and eventually I set it aside. Something about the game kept pulling me back though, and eventually I managed to see the credits roll — a moment of personal gaming triumph.
A few years ago, I attempted another run. This time, I was cruising toward the end when a devastating bug stopped my progress cold at around three-quarters completion. It was frustrating enough to make me shelve the game yet again.
The Final Push
Several months ago, I decided to take one last shot. I approached it with the determination of someone who had been haunted by an unfinished game for decades. Finally, after thirty years of intermittent attempts, I made it through to the end.
It’s not a perfect playthrough — I didn’t tackle every side quest, instead focusing only on what was necessary to complete the main storyline. At some point, I plan to add time stamps to key moments so the videos can double as a player’s guide, but right now, I’m simply enjoying the relief of having this long-standing gaming burden finally lifted.
Mixed Feelings
Even though my latest run ended in victory, the process was grueling. The video capture quality isn’t perfect, and the game still throws relentless challenges at the player. But for all the frustration, I can’t deny that it’s a masterpiece for fans of deep, tactical strategy games.
It’s a game that has tested me like few others, and while I’m relieved to be finished, I also recognize its brilliance. It’s not hatred that makes me walk away this time — it’s the satisfaction of finally winning a battle that started back in 1994.
