Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III [Arcade] Review and Longplay [1991]

Being a big fan of Rastan my entire life dating back to the arcades at the bowling alley, I always found myself going back to that game. Sadly, the sequel sucked. Little did I know until someone in Facebook groups mentioned it, but there was a 3rd title, released only in Japan. I found it and gave it a shot. I did not love nor hate it. It was a very well done game for its time. I only wish I played it in 1991 for the first time rather than 2023, because visually it is a pleasing game.

Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III – A Hidden Gem in the Scrolling Brawler Crown

Harken back to the days when arcades were the pulsing heart of the gaming world, and you might stumble across a cabinet that didn’t get the attention it deserved – “Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III.” Released in 1991 by the legendary Taito Corporation, this entry into the Rastan series aimed to carve its name into the annals of arcade history with a broadsword’s swing.

A Barbaric Symphony of Steel and Sorcery

“Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III” is not your run-of-the-mill side-scrolling hack-and-slash affair. Its dual-screen presentation immediately sets it apart, offering a panoramic view of the game’s ferocious fantasy world that was as technically impressive as it was immersive. Players embark on a quest as one of three characters – the barbarian Rastan, the swift warrior Dewey, or the vengeful sorceress Sophia – each bringing their own brand of righteous fury to the hordes of beasts and minions standing in their way.

Combat and Carnage: A Dance of Blades

The combat is fluid, responsive, and satisfying, with a depth that rewards strategic play. Each character’s arsenal goes beyond mere hack-and-slashing, encouraging players to experiment with a variety of moves and combo attacks. The inclusion of rideable mounts and selectable paths injects a welcomed dose of variety and replayability into the mix. These mounts aren’t just for show; they offer a genuine change in how players approach combat, adding another layer to the game’s already robust action.

A World of Wonder and Peril

Visually, “Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III” is a feast for the eyes. Sprites are detailed and animate smoothly, while the backgrounds are richly designed, creating an atmosphere that is both epic and otherworldly. The dual-screen setup is not merely a gimmick but is used to great effect, providing an expansive canvas for Taito’s artists to unleash their creativity.

The soundtrack and sound effects match the on-screen action perfectly, with clangs of steel and the roars of monsters echoing through the arcade halls. The music complements the game’s high-fantasy setting, with driving melodies that push the player forward on their quest.

An Odyssey Worth Undertaking

While “Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III” may not have achieved the fame of some of its contemporaries, it stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of the era. For those willing to seek it out, the game offers a robust and enchanting experience that goes beyond the simple pleasures of most arcade brawlers. It’s a decent game that, while it may not have rewritten the rules, certainly embellished them with style and a sense of grand adventure.

So, if you find yourself with a pocket full of quarters and a yearning for a trip through a fantastical realm of magic and muscle, “Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III” is a journey worth taking. It’s a game that deserved a better fate than to be a footnote in arcade history, and for those who discover it, a treasure worthy of the Rastan name.