Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Valis IV returns to its action-platforming roots with a trio of playable characters—Lena, Amu, and Asfal—each bringing a unique set of weapons, spells, and special abilities to the battlefield. The core loop involves running, jumping, slashing, and casting elemental spells against a variety of monsters and environmental hazards. From the outset, you’ll appreciate the tightness of the controls: Lena’s dash-slide, Amu’s double-jump, and Asfal’s trap immunity all feel precise, allowing for fluid navigation through intricately designed levels.

(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 👍)

Progression in Valis IV is built around exploration and character growth. Scattered throughout each stage are power-up spheres that increase your hit points and magic points, as well as scrolls that can boost your spell power by up to three levels. This system encourages revisiting earlier areas once you’ve unlocked new abilities—Amu’s double-jump can unlock secret platforms, while Asfal’s immunity to floor spikes reveals hidden shortcuts. It’s a satisfying blend of action and light Metroidvania elements that rewards careful exploration.

The combat itself strikes a good balance between accessibility and depth. Standard fodder enemies rarely pose a threat, but mini-bosses and full-level bosses demand quick reflexes, pattern recognition, and judicious use of spells. Switching between characters on the fly adds a strategic layer: you might use Lena’s thunder bolts to clear airborne foes, switch to Amu for mid-air combat, then call upon Asfal’s lance trident to finish off heavily armored adversaries. This dynamic keeps encounters varied and engaging.

Item management also plays a key role. Health and magic potions are limited, so choosing when to heal or unleash a powerful spell can determine success or failure. The game does a solid job of pacing item drops, ensuring you never feel overly burdened by scarcity, but still mindful of your resources. This tension adds a welcome weight to every skirmish, keeping you invested in each encounter.

Finally, level structure in Valis IV mixes linear segments with branching paths. While the main route is well signposted, you’ll find hidden alcoves, optional mini-bosses, and treasure rooms that house rare upgrades. These detours not only bolster replay value but also reward players who master each character’s movement quirks.

Graphics

Graphically, Valis IV embraces the pixel-art aesthetic of its predecessors while pushing the 16-bit hardware to its limits. Backgrounds are richly detailed, with lush forests, crystalline caverns, and ornate castles rendered in vibrant color palettes. Each environment has its own personality, from the sun-dappled leaves of Dream Land’s outer realms to the shadowy corridors of Galgear’s fortress.

Character sprites are well-animated, boasting smooth run cycles, expressive attack animations, and fluid spellcasting poses. The three protagonists each have a distinct silhouette and color scheme, making it easy to identify which hero you’re controlling even amidst a flurry of enemies and projectiles. Boss designs are similarly imaginative, ranging from giant stone golems to spectral apparitions that ooze foreboding menace.

One of the standout visual features is the elemental spell effects. Thunder crackles in jagged blue bolts, fire spells explode in flickering flames, and ice magic sends crystalline shards hurtling across the screen. These effects are rendered with small but noticeable particle animations that add flair without sacrificing clarity. It’s easy to distinguish between your magic and enemy attacks, which is crucial when the screen gets crowded.

While Valis IV doesn’t include fully animated cutscenes, it compensates with well-drawn stills and in-engine dialogue boxes that feature character portraits. These assets give the story moments of visual drama, reinforcing the stakes as Lena and her sisters venture deeper into enemy territory. Overall, the presentation feels polished and cohesive, preserving the charm of late–’80s and early–’90s platformers while offering a slight modern polish.

Story

The narrative of Valis IV picks up after the fall of the Dark World’s tyrant, King Asfal, and centers on his son Galgear—an heir who has gone mad from the influence of a cursed magic ring. After orchestrating the kidnapping of Queen Valna, Galgear seizes control of Dream Land, plunging the realm into terror. This grim setup immediately injects urgency into the quest to rescue Valna and thwart Galgear’s reign of chaos.

At the heart of the story is Cham, leader of the resistance, who receives a divine message from Yuko—the former Valis soldier turned goddess. Yuko reveals that Lena is the rightful heir to the mystical Valis sword, setting the young heroine on a journey of self-discovery and courage. Alongside her sister Amu and the stalwart Asfal, Lena must master ancient powers and defeat the twisted prince to restore peace.

The game unfolds through a series of dialogue interludes, NPC interactions, and boss introductions that flesh out the motivations of both heroes and villains. While the writing is straightforward and occasionally melodramatic, it suits the high-stakes fantasy setting. Characters express genuine concern for one another, and Yuko’s divine guidance injects a mythic dimension into the proceedings—casting Lena’s quest as not just personal but cosmic in scope.

Although the narrative doesn’t stray far from traditional “rescue the royal captive” tropes, it compensates with charming character moments: Amu’s playful banter, Asfal’s quiet determination, and Lena’s earnest resolve all help to humanize the mission. By the final confrontation, you’re genuinely invested in seeing Galgear’s tyranny ended and Dream Land liberated.

Overall Experience

Valis IV offers a compelling blend of platforming action, RPG-lite progression, and a fantasy-driven narrative that keeps you moving forward. The ability to switch between three heroes on the fly adds depth and variety to both combat and exploration. Whether you’re sliding under traps with Lena, double-jumping across chasms with Amu, or plowing through hazards with Asfal, the game constantly challenges you to adapt.

The difficulty curve is fair but firm. Early stages ease you into each character’s mechanics, while later levels ramp up enemy density, environmental hazards, and boss patterns. Occasional checkpoints and generous item drops prevent frustration from spiraling, but you’ll still need to hone your reflexes and resource management to conquer the most perilous encounters.

Replayability is bolstered by hidden paths and optional bosses, encouraging multiple playthroughs to unlock every secret and max out your characters’ stats. Even after completing the main story, there’s a satisfying urge to return and see what you missed—be it an extra magic upgrade or a concealed treasure trove.

In summation, Valis IV is a standout entry in the series and a must-play for fans of retro action-platformers. Its engaging mix of tight controls, diverse character mechanics, colorful pixel art, and earnest storytelling combine into a cohesive package. Dream Land’s fate hangs in the balance, and if you’re ready to master the Valis sword and its allied heroes, this adventure offers plenty of thrills along the way.

Retro Replay Score

null/10