Remember the console wars? While Nintendo had Link exploring Hyrule, Sega fans often craved their own epic action-adventure saga. Enter Beyond Oasis, a game that landed on the Sega Genesis in 1994, aiming squarely at that void. It wasn't just a clone; it was a vibrant, ambitious title that carved out its own identity with unique mechanics and a memorable world.
For many of us who grew up with the Genesis, discovering Beyond Oasis felt like finding a hidden treasure. It promised grand adventure, elemental magic, and challenging foes. Let's dust off this cartridge (or digital file!) and see how it holds up today.
Sega's Answer to Hyrule? The Context
In the early to mid-90s, the rivalry between Sega and Nintendo was legendary. Each console had its strengths: Sega had speed and attitude (Sonic!), Nintendo had iconic platformers and, crucially, The Legend of Zelda. Sega's library was rich, but a deep, top-down action-adventure RPG wasn't a staple.
Beyond Oasis, known as Story of Thor in Japan and Europe, stepped up to the plate. It put you in the shoes of Prince Ali, who discovers the powerful Gold Armlet, an ancient relic used in a past war against the wielder of the Silver Armlet. Naturally, the Silver Armlet resurfaces, and it's up to Ali to master the Gold Armlet's power and save the world of Oasis. The setup felt familiar, but the execution brought something fresh to the table.
Stepping Into Oasis: Gameplay Basics
At first glance, Beyond Oasis feels comfortably familiar to anyone who's played a classic Zelda or maybe even Secret of Mana. You navigate a top-down world, explore diverse environments, delve into dungeons, solve puzzles, and fight monsters.
But it quickly distinguishes itself. While exploration is key, the structure isn't always a neat grid, which can sometimes make navigation a little less intuitive than, say, A Link to the Past. However, the world is packed with secrets and hidden paths, rewarding curious players.
The Gold Armlet & Elemental Spirits
This is where Beyond Oasis truly shines and sets itself apart. Prince Ali's Gold Armlet isn't just a stat booster; it allows him to summon elemental spirits. By using a magical sphere item on specific elemental sources (like water, fire, shadow, or even sound), you can call forth Dytto (Water), Effreet (Fire), Shade (Shadow), and Bow (Sound).
Each spirit has unique abilities, both in combat and for puzzle-solving. Dytto can heal Ali and create watery platforms, Effreet blasts fire, Shade can teleport Ali through walls, and Bow shoots arrows. Mastering which spirit to use and when is crucial for progression. They aren't just summoned helpers; they are integral tools for interacting with the world and overcoming obstacles.
Combat & Exploration: The Good, The Clumsy
Combat in Beyond Oasis is real-time and action-focused. Ali starts with a simple dagger but finds numerous other weapons like swords, bows, and bombs. A notable mechanic (perhaps ahead of its time, or perhaps just frustratingly realistic) is weapon durability – many weapons break after a certain number of uses, keeping you on your toes and encouraging you to manage your inventory.
The combat allows for some cool combos, especially with certain weapons. However, lining up attacks precisely can sometimes feel a bit awkward, particularly against faster enemies. This is one area where the game can feel a little less polished than its Nintendo counterparts.
Exploration is generally engaging, but the lack of any fast travel system can make backtracking a chore. If you miss an item or need to return to a specific area for a quest, prepare for a lengthy walk.
Looks & Sounds: Genesis Charm
Visually, Beyond Oasis is a treat on the Genesis. The character sprites are large, detailed, and well-animated. The environments are colorful and varied, from lush forests to arid deserts and spooky dungeons. It really pushed the Genesis's capabilities and has a distinct, appealing art style.
The soundtrack was composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, ActRaiser). While some argue the Genesis soundfont doesn't always do his composition justice, particularly with some brassy themes, the music is generally atmospheric and memorable, fitting the adventurous tone of the game.
Why Beyond Oasis Endures
Despite a few rough edges like the sometimes-clumsy combat and tedious backtracking, Beyond Oasis remains a beloved classic for many Genesis fans. It offered a substantial action-adventure experience with unique mechanics (the spirits!) and a charming world when the Genesis library was perhaps perceived as lacking in that genre.
It's a game that evokes strong nostalgia – the feeling of discovering its secrets, the challenge of its bosses, and the satisfaction of mastering the elemental spirits. While finding original cartridges can be part of the retro collecting fun, you can also experience this gem on modern platforms like the Sega Genesis Mini or various retro game compilations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Beyond Oasis like Zelda? A: Yes, it shares similarities as a top-down action-adventure game with exploration, dungeons, and puzzles, but its elemental spirit system gives it a unique feel.
Q: Who is Prince Ali in Beyond Oasis? A: Prince Ali is the main protagonist of the game, who discovers the powerful Gold Armlet and must use its abilities to fight against the threat of the Silver Armlet.
Q: Can I play Beyond Oasis today? A: Yes! While originally on Sega Genesis, it's available on collections like the Sega Genesis Mini and sometimes included in digital retro game bundles on modern consoles.
Q: What are the elemental spirits in Beyond Oasis? A: The four main elemental spirits Prince Ali can summon are Dytto (Water), Effreet (Fire), Shade (Shadow), and Bow (Sound), each with unique abilities.
Conclusion
Beyond Oasis might not have dethroned the King of Hyrule, but it certainly proved the Sega Genesis was capable of delivering a compelling, deep action-adventure experience. Its innovative spirit system, beautiful graphics, and adventurous spirit make it a standout title in the Genesis library and a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast looking for a classic quest with a unique twist. It's a reminder of a time when consoles battled fiercely, and developers pushed boundaries to give players unforgettable worlds to explore.
