Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kūsō Kagaku Sekai Gulliver Boy embraces a classic Japanese turn-based RPG system, diverging from the action-RPG style of its Super Famicom counterpart. You command a party of four heroes—Gulliver, the young magic-wielding protagonist; Misty, the gentle healer; Edison, the ingenious inventor; and a rotating fourth slot—each bringing distinct abilities to the frontlines. Battles initiate only when Gulliver physically contacts an enemy sprite on the map, eliminating random encounters and allowing for strategic avoidance or deliberate farming.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the most refreshing mechanics is the trading-based economy. Instead of looting gold from defeated foes, you buy low and sell high in different Mediterranean ports. This system adds a layer of resource management and route planning: you’ll scour Venice, Barcelona, and other cities for underpriced goods, then transport your wares aboard a customizable ship. Ship navigation itself becomes a mini-game, as you traverse a stylized map of the Mediterranean Sea, balancing risks like pirate attacks against lucrative trade winds.

Combat depth comes from the interplay of physical attacks, elemental magic, and Edison’s mechanical gadgets. Gulliver’s spell list grows through scrolls discovered during exploration, while Misty’s healing magic and Edison’s concoctions can turn the tide of tougher boss fights. Although story progression is largely linear, several optional islands and hidden dungeons invite non-linear side quests. The balance between straightforward narrative drives and exploratory detours ensures both newcomers and genre veterans remain engaged throughout the 30-hour adventure.

Graphics

Kūsō Kagaku Sekai Gulliver Boy leverages the PC Engine CD’s capabilities to deliver full-motion anime sequences that open each major chapter, setting it apart from the static comic-style cutscenes typical of its era. These animated interludes feature smooth character motions, vibrant color palettes, and memorable character expressions, underpinned by full voice acting that brings Gulliver and his friends to life. The jump from FMV to in-game sprites is handled seamlessly, preserving immersion.

In-game, character portraits and battlefield backdrops are richly detailed, with a charming, slightly caricatured art style. Mediterranean towns evoke old-world Italy and Iberia, complete with winding canals in Venice and sun-baked plazas in Seville. Dungeon and ship-interior tilesets all boast unique touches—steampunkish gears in Edison’s lab, for example—to reinforce the game’s blend of historical setting and science-fiction whimsy.

Spell effects and item animations pack visual punch despite hardware constraints: fireballs flicker convincingly, ice spells sparkle, and mechanical contraptions whirr with animated gears. The user interface is clear and functional, with readable fonts and intuitive menu layouts that don’t sacrifice aesthetic flair. While the graphics may feel dated by modern standards, they retain a nostalgic charm and faithfully replicate Teruhisa Hiroi’s original anime designs.

Story

Rooted in the anime Gulliver Boy by Teruhisa Hiroi, the game opens with Gulliver’s graduation from a small-town Italian magic school. Bored with rote lessons, he yearns for adventure. Within moments he’s off to Venice to reunite with Misty, whose healing powers balance his arcane prowess, and Edison, whose inventions add a technological twist to the narrative. Together, they uncover a Spanish crown conspiracy aimed at world domination.

The plot unfolds in a mostly linear fashion, yet cleverly integrates side stories and optional locales that expand on character backstories. Gulliver wrestles with the responsibilities of newfound power, Misty grapples with the ethics of her healing magic, and Edison’s inventions have unforeseen consequences. Key narrative beats are accentuated by FMV cutscenes that deepen emotional impact through voice acting and dynamic camera angles.

Comic relief is generously sprinkled throughout, from Edison’s over-the-top mechanical mishaps to Gulliver’s playful banter with Misty. Anachronistic nods—futuristic gadgets in a Renaissance setting—underscore the game’s “fantasy science” theme. While some tropes feel familiar to long-time RPG fans, the authentic anime voice performances and occasional plot twists keep the experience engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Kūsō Kagaku Sekai Gulliver Boy offers a unique JRPG journey that marries traditional turn-based combat with a trading-focused economy and full-motion anime storytelling. The visible enemy encounters and ship-based exploration break the mold of typical random-battle RPGs, giving players more agency over where and when to fight. Although the narrative follows a linear path, optional areas and trading routes inject replay value for completionists and strategy enthusiasts alike.

Graphically, the game stands out among PC Engine CD titles thanks to its high-quality FMV sequences and vibrant in-game sprites. The audio design, complete with Japanese voice acting and an evocative soundtrack, elevates key story moments and lends authenticity to character interactions. Some modern listeners may find the voice work a tad theatrical, but it perfectly complements the game’s anime roots.

For retro JRPG collectors and anime fans, Kūsō Kagaku Sekai Gulliver Boy is a must-experience title that showcases the unique strengths of CD-ROM technology in the early ’90s. While certain mechanics may feel dated to contemporary gamers, the blend of engaging gameplay systems, faithful adaptation of the source material, and nostalgic audiovisual flair make this a memorable journey through a fantastical Mediterranean world.

Retro Replay Score

null/10