Remember the 16-bit era? While Nintendo had Hyrule, Sega Genesis owners were treated to their own brand of action-adventure magic. One title that stands out, often whispered about in hushed, reverent tones among retro enthusiasts, is Crusader of Centy. Known as Soleil in PAL regions and Shin Souseiki Ragnacënty in Japan, this game is far more than just a footnote in the Genesis library; it's a vibrant, quirky, and surprisingly deep experience that deserves a spot in any retro gamer's heart.
Released in 1995 by Atlus in North America (after Sega of America passed on it, a decision many lament), Crusader of Centy arrived late in the Genesis lifecycle but brought with it a fresh take on the top-down action RPG formula. Developed by Nextech, a team that included former members of Wolf Team, it aimed to provide an accessible adventure that felt different from the typical RPGs of the time.
What Makes Crusader of Centy Special?
At first glance, the comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past are unavoidable. You play as a young hero, Corona, on his 14th birthday, inheriting a sword and shield and setting out on a quest to combat monsters. The overhead perspective, the sword combat, the exploration, and the puzzle-solving all feel comfortably familiar.
However, Crusader of Centy quickly carves out its own identity, primarily through its most memorable mechanic: animal companions.
Gameplay: A Menagerie of Mayhem
Forget finding new items in dungeons; Corona's progression is tied to befriending a delightful array of talking animals. Early in the game, a strange event causes Corona to lose the ability to understand humans but gain the ability to communicate with animals and plants. This sets the stage for recruiting over a dozen unique creatures, each offering a distinct ability.
You can equip two animals at a time, mixing and matching their powers to solve puzzles, access new areas, or gain combat advantages. Want to freeze enemies? Equip the penguin. Need to bounce over gaps? The rabbit's got you. How about a fiery sword attack? Befriend the lion! This system encourages experimentation and adds a layer of strategic depth not often seen in similar games of the era. It transforms the world into a place where every creature could potentially be a valuable ally.
A Journey of Discovery (and Talking Animals)
The plot of Crusader of Centy is charmingly unique. Starting with Corona's coming-of-age quest, the narrative takes unexpected turns, including the aforementioned language barrier with humans and the ability to travel through time in the game's second half. It's a story that balances lighthearted moments with a surprising amount of depth, exploring themes of understanding and communication between different races (humans and monsters, humans and animals). The Atlus translation is particularly praised for its witty and sometimes humorous dialogue.
Sega's Answer to Hyrule?
The "Zelda clone" label, while understandable due to the genre and perspective, doesn't fully capture the essence of Crusader of Centy. While it shares structural similarities, the focus on animal companions, the distinct art style, the unique narrative elements, and the overall tone give it a personality all its own. It feels less like a clone and more like a parallel evolution of the action-adventure genre, uniquely suited to the Genesis hardware and Sega's slightly edgier, quirkier vibe compared to Nintendo. For Genesis fans who envied the SNES's adventure library, Centy was a fantastic, worthy contender.
Why It's a Cult Classic Today
Despite its late release and relatively low profile compared to Sega's flagship titles, Crusader of Centy garnered positive reviews from critics upon release, praising its gameplay and presentation. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation among retro gamers for its quality, originality (within its subgenre), and sheer fun factor.
Today, physical copies, particularly the North American Atlus release, are highly sought after by collectors, often fetching significant prices. This high collector value is a testament to its status as a beloved, albeit rare, gem.
Playing Crusader of Centy Now
If you missed out on this adventure back in the 90s, there's good news! Crusader of Centy received an official re-release on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service in June 2023. This makes it accessible to a new generation of players and allows veterans to revisit Corona's world without tracking down expensive cartridges.
FAQ
- Is Crusader of Centy really a Zelda clone? While it shares the top-down action-adventure format and some mechanics, its unique animal companion system, distinct story elements, and overall tone give it its own identity. It's better described as being in the vein of Zelda rather than a direct copy.
- What are the different names for the game? It's known as Crusader of Centy in North America, Soleil in PAL regions (Europe/Australia), and Shin Souseiki Ragnacënty in Japan.
- Why is the North American version expensive for collectors? The North American release by Atlus was reportedly a smaller print run compared to Sega's own titles, making it rarer and thus more valuable on the collector's market.
- Where can I play Crusader of Centy today? The easiest way is via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
Crusader of Centy is a prime example of a game that might have been overlooked in its time but has rightfully earned its place as a cherished cult classic. Its innovative animal companion system, charming world, and engaging adventure make it a must-play for any fan of 16-bit action RPGs or Sega Genesis history. If you have access to it, do yourself a favor and give this hidden gem a spin!
