Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rance III: Leazas Kanraku continues the series’ tradition of blending adventure and RPG mechanics into a single cohesive experience. Town navigation unfolds in a first-person perspective against richly detailed still backgrounds, where players issue simple commands such as “look,” “talk,” and “move.” This interface feels intuitive, evoking classic text-adventure sensibilities while retaining the visual polish of late-’90s JRPGs. Engaging with NPCs, purchasing equipment, and gathering information all happen in these town screens, creating a steady rhythm between preparation and exploration.

When Rance ventures into caves and dungeons, the view shifts to an overhead, top-down perspective. Random monster encounters keep every step tense, and once combat triggers, battles play out on a separate grid-based screen. Here, players can reposition Rance and Sill freely, choosing between physical attacks, special skills, or spells. This strategic flexibility ensures that even familiar foes must be approached with caution—positioning can mean the difference between victory and a humiliating Game Over.

Beyond simple hack-and-slash tactics, the game challenges players to manage resources carefully. Health potions, MP-restoring items, and status-curing elixirs are finite, so retreating to town for rest and replenishment becomes a tactical decision rather than a mere formality. Moreover, the balance of the party—primarily Rance and his assistant Sill—offers just enough variety in abilities to keep each encounter engaging without overwhelming newcomers to the genre.

Graphics

Visually, Rance III embraces the pixel art charm of its era, delivering detailed backgrounds in towns and dungeons that bring the world of Leazas to life. Each location—from shadowy cave corridors to bustling market squares—is crafted with a distinct color palette, ensuring that no two areas ever feel visually repetitive. Character portraits that appear during dialogues are well-animated and expressive, capturing Rance’s roguish grin and Sill’s determined gaze with warm, hand-drawn flair.

The top-down dungeon tiles are crisply rendered, providing clear visual cues about terrain, obstacles, and enemy placement. While the animations for monster encounters may feel minimal by modern standards, their evocative design compensates with thematic variety—slimy slugs, armored goblins, and gargantuan bats all look suitably menacing. Transition animations between exploration and battle screens are snappy, maintaining game flow without unnecessary delays.

True to its adult-oriented roots, the game also features a number of richly illustrated event scenes. These still images are detailed and provocative, showcasing the heavier erotic content that sets Rance III apart from more mainstream RPGs. Although these sequences may not appeal to all players, they underscore the game’s identity and demonstrate robust artistry in character design and composition.

Story

Rance III picks up where its predecessors left off: our titular hero, now penniless in Custom City, seeks a fresh start alongside his devoted assistant and girlfriend, Sill. Their fortunes change when Rance meets a mysterious woman from the Kingdom of Leazas, sparking hope for both wealth and adventure. A seemingly routine rescue mission—diving into a nearby cave to save a young noblewoman—quickly escalates into a series of perilous encounters, political machinations, and unexpected alliances.

The narrative strikes a balance between over-the-top humor, risqué scenarios, and genuine stakes. Rance’s lecherous antics and witty banter provide comedic relief, while Sill’s loyalty and competence ensure that the duo’s partnership never feels one-dimensional. Supporting characters, such as the enigmatic boss Keith and the rescued damsel from Leazas, add layers of intrigue as the plot unfolds, making each town visit and dungeon delve feel purposeful.

Moreover, the story explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and redemption. Although Rance is far from a paragon of virtue, his growth—both in combat prowess and personal relationships—anchors the narrative. Players who appreciate a mix of lighthearted romance, risqué fan service, and classic dungeon-crawling adventure will find the story of Rance III both engaging and unexpectedly heartfelt.

Overall Experience

Rance III: Leazas Kanraku delivers a nostalgic yet surprisingly deep RPG experience. Its blend of first-person town exploration and tactical, top-down battles keeps gameplay varied, while resource management adds a layer of strategic challenge. The adult-themed events and character interactions may not suit all tastes, but they are integrated in a way that feels organic to the story rather than purely gratuitous.

The game’s pacing strikes a satisfying balance between risk and reward. Dungeon dives carry genuine tension due to limited resources, making each victory feel earned. Town segments offer a contrasting respite, letting players recover, rest, and savor the unfolding plot. This push-and-pull structure ensures that sessions never become monotonous, whether you’re plundering treasure chambers or flirting with your latest captive.

Ultimately, Rance III stands as a unique entry in the RPG landscape. Its retro visuals and command-driven exploration may seem old-school, but the depth of its combat and the personality of its characters give it lasting appeal. Fans of classic JRPGs, dungeon crawlers, or mature-themed adventures will find much to love in this bold, adventurous title.

Retro Replay Score

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