Terranigma

Terranigma, or Tenchi Souzou (天地創造, meaning "Genesis") in Japan, is a 1996 Enix action role-playing game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (developed by Quintet). It is the story of the resurrection of the world (as we know it), and its progress from prehistoric times to the near future. Terranigma was scored by Miyoko Kobayashi and Masanori Hikichi.

Related Topics:
Enix - Role-playing game - Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Quintet - Scored - Miyoko Kobayashi - Masanori Hikichi

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Terranigma's Earth is a hollow sphere, and the game begins on the inside (gravity is inverted there). The player controls the pike-wielding hero Ark, a troublemaker boy who lives in Crysta, a town in the "underworld". After opening a door he was told not to open, everyone in the town is frozen. He is guided by the elder of Crysta to resurrect the continents of the world in order to unfreeze the people. After resurrecting the continents, he must resurrect the plants, birds, mammals and at last the human race. The game progresses through the broad outlines of human history, featuring cameos from various historical figures such as those who were influential in transport and communication. By meeting certain criteria involving inventions and inventors, you can help the cities around the world to grow from villages into metropolises.

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Because of the parallels to religious tales and heavy religious overtones, this game was not released in America, but was popular in Europe and Australia (published by Nintendo). However, Terranigma got a chance at American life through console emulation. There is also a patch to convert the European version from PAL to NTSC to suit the American audience.

Related Topics:
America - Europe - Australia - Nintendo - Console emulation - PAL - NTSC

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Terranigma is the third game in a loosely tied trilogy, beginning with Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia. Common elements to the games include a dog named Turbo showing up, the presence of dark and light Gaia, and certain locations reppearing such as Mu and South Cape. The ending to Illusion of Gaia suggests a modern world similar to the one in Terranigma, although none of the characters make an appearance. Soul Blazer features similar gameplay elements to Terranigma in resurrecting aspects of different worlds, and Illusion of Gaia has a similar combat and message system in some ways, and shares similar themes about balancing light and darkness.

Related Topics:
Soul Blazer - Illusion of Gaia

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