SkyBlazer

Developer: Ukiyotei     Publisher: Sony Imagesoft     Released: 1994     Genre: Platformer

Sony during the 16-bit era were not exactly a quality publisher. When it really gets down to it it seemed like they were trying to outdo Akklaim in terms of who could create the worst licensed trash. When your most recognizable titles are Cliffhanger and Three Ninjas Strikes Back, you have problems. But every now and then they would release a quality game that would fly under the radar. SkyBlazer is that game. This little gem is one of the most enjoyable platformers of that era and sadly underrated. Find it as soon as possible as it is awesome.

The sorceress Arianna has been kidnapped by the demon Ashura to be used in a ceremony to help him rule the world. As Sky, son of the legendary Sky Lord, it is now your job to save her. Skyblazer was developed by Ukiyotei, who also created Hook. Many of that game’s gameplay elements are present here except dialed up to 11. Skyblazer is Sony Imagesoft’s best game from that period; it’s not like its competition is fierce but that is actually a complement. It has flown under the radar until now but now is the perfect time to discover this lost classic.

Sky is a very agile protagonist and gifted with quick movement. Initially your abilities are a 3-hit combo, a small wave spell and to climb walls. In certain levels you can fly freely in auto scrolling stages, sort of like Hook. In fact the gameplay is very similar to that title except faster and with tighter controls. Collecting 100 gems grants an extra life as in most platformers. The real depth in the game comes from your burgeoning list of magic spells.

After every major boss Sky leanrs one new spell, up to an eventual eight. These cover a range of effects, from healing, stopping time, to even turning invisible. Some like the comet flash double as both an attack and a means of covering longer distances, which the game begins to rely on. Each spell uses varying amounts of magic but the game is pretty balanced and drops refills frequently. Magic also isn’t so powerful that you can steamroll bosses by hoarding it. Red potions are readily available for a reason, use them.

Beyond its solid mechanics SkyBlazer has some of the best level design of that period. Initially the world map is nothing but fluff as your options are few. Eventually it opens up, offering several choices at once. It is even possible to complete the game early by skipping certain levels although you will miss any upgrades therein. Each stage is its own little set piece, presenting a different challenge within. The rotating tower of the Tarolisk is as tricky to climb as it is beautiful. The Lair of Kharyon can be frustrating to navigate as you must constantly change the direction of the water current to progress. This level of variety carries on until the end which is surprising as there are seventeen levels altogether. But most of them are short which is probably why.

Like Hook Skyblazer is a beautiful title. The art direction is superb, both varied and incredibly detailed. The environments such as forests and mountain landscapes are lush and colorful. With this many levels present the game covers a wide swath of locales, from towers and ice caverns to water filled temples. Those that played Hook will notice the near identical animation between Peter Pan and Sky except the movements here are faster. There are a number of special effects present with transparency and Mode 7 used the most. The flying bonus stage is a clear standout with the effect convincingly portraying flight. The soundtrack has a heavy Middle Eastern influence and is pretty good although each track is short.

The difficulty curve in Skyblazer is near perfect in my opinion.  Early on it is overly generous with life restoring potions and extra lives. It might even give the impression that the game is easy. These are in preparation for the back half of the game where they become scarce.  Once you have the majority of your powers skill plays a greater factor in your ability to survive. All of the bosses have simple patterns to follow but it still boils down to execution. While my least favorite mechanic, the boss rush, is present it is done better here than in most titles. While it has its moments most will not have trouble seeing Skyblazer to its conclusion.

In Conclusion

It’s too bad Sony Imagesoft’s track record probably made gamers apprehensive about any of their releases as they missed a great game. Skyblazer is the definition of a hidden gem and one of my favorite platformers on the SNES. Underrated titles like this are why I do this. Buy this game.