Landstalker

aka: Landstalker: Die Schätze von König Nolo, Landstalker: Kōtei no Zaihō, Landstalker: Le Trésor du Roi Nole, Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole
Moby ID: 6955
Genesis Specs
Buy on Genesis
$37.50 used on Amazon
Buy on Windows
$0.99 new on Steam
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Description official descriptions

An experienced treasure hunter named Nigel is on a quest to obtain the valuable Statue of Jypta. After successfully recovering and selling the statue, Nigel meets wood nymph named Friday, who is being chased by a trio of thieves. The thieves assume that Friday knows the location of the mysterious treasure of King Nole. However, she does not appear to have the exact location in mind, and instead relies on her senses to track it. She offers Nigel to accompany him on a long journey and eventually lead him to the coveted treasure.

Landstalker is an isometric action game with platforming, puzzle-solving, and light role-playing elements. Much of the game is spent in dungeon-like hostile areas, where Nigel must often fight enemies, jump, climb ladders and ropes, and throw objects to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. Nigel can acquire better weapons and armor, as well as items that permanently increase his hit points and strength. In towns it is possible to talk to non-player characters and buy items in shops. There are optional quests in the game, which may reward the player with attribute-increasing items.

Spellings

  • ランドストーカー ~皇帝の財宝~ - Japanese spelling
  • 랜드 스토커 - Korean spelling

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Credits (Genesis version)

46 People (38 developers, 8 thanks) · View all

Chief Map Designer
First Unit Map Designer
Second Unit Map Designer
Third Unit Map Designer
Map Assistant
Chief CG Designer
First Unit CG Designer
Second Unit CG Designer
Third Unit CG Designer
Monster OBJ CG Designer
People OBJ CG Designer
Item OBJ CG Designer
CG Data Control Director
Chief Programmer
Talk Unit Programmer
Window Unit Programmer
3-D Graphic Tool Programmer
Logic Tool Programmer
Compress Tool Programmer
[ full credits ]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 88% (based on 25 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.9 out of 5 (based on 39 ratings with 5 reviews)

A game that carries you from beginning to end

The Good
Ever played a game you just cant put down? One that feels like Christmas everytime you hit the switch and flick on the screen? Seamless storyline, fun and humour and a villan or two. What more could you want.

The Bad
Theres only a small negative to this game. There hasnt been a Landstalker 2, 3, 4.... why not? It sold incredibly well. So come on Climax drag the Elf out of the dusty old box and throw him back on the shelf.

The Bottom Line
There is no stopping this game. From its release to present day, as a non stop gamer, I still havent played a better game. The story line is entertaining and flows from one small village to the next. Game makers these days seemed to be so impressed with their own graphics and sound effects that they forget a simple truth. An interactive story will always hold a player longer than a crash bash beat em up. How many of you gamers clock a game and never pick it up again. Once youve learned the moves and hammered a few players the game loses its grip on you. Landstalker isnt like that.Its simple, easy to follow but with some degree of difficulty. Theres still things I have discovered in this 10 year old game that still dont appear on cheat sites. So to be brutally honest i'd say there isnt a game on the shelf today that gripped me the way this one did ten years ago. Wanna go without sleep for a week? Play it.

Genesis · by kurikthebasher (4) · 2003

Nigel could take Link any day of the week...

The Good
Landstalker, was yet another great RPG for the Genesis demonstrating quality of quantity. From Climax, the same talented individuals who gave us “Shining In The Darkness”, and “Shining Force”. Landstalker is an action RPG in the same vein as Zelda. Yet what Zelda did Landstalker simply did better.

The plot involves Nigel, The Landstalker, an elf, whom has little care for world affairs or princesses whom can’t stay out of trouble. When Nigel meets Friday a nymph,(Hmm Link later had a similar companion only she was just annoying.) who tells him she knows the location of King Nole’s treasures he and she embark on a quest to find the legendary stash. The quest takes them to Mercator Island, where monsters, traps, and puzzles await, and if you are good enough Nole’s treasures. The story is presented well, and unfolds at an acceptable pace. With many memorable characters surpasses anything Zelda ever could offer.

The Graphics are presented in a isometric view, which takes a little getting used to. The Sprites are big, and colorful and give the game a very unique look, which was clearly the inspiration for Treasure’s “Light Crusader”.

The Sound/Music are excellent, in fact Landstalker’s score is so good I searched for the soundtrack to no avail for a long time. Very memorable tunes. The sound effects are all good as well except maybe the enemy death cries that gets old, but the incredible music outweighs this complaint.

The Gameplay is challenging in a good way. And after the initial learning curve you will be well adjusted to take on the games many challenges. The puzzles to are well designed, there are not that many true, but the Crypt will test your logic, as well as your skill with the blade. Aside from the main plot, there are plenty of side missions and mini games to partake in. Such as collecting all the magic swords, and playing games in the Casino. The packs about 30 hours the first play through, and you will likely want to play again. I can now finish the game in about 15 hours.

The Bad
Some may find the game to be too hard, and yet if you give it time you find that really it is not all that difficult.

The Bottom Line
Anyone who likes Zelda should seek this one out, who knows they may prefer this. Fans of old-school RPGS should also seek this one out. You can purchase this game very cheaply, thought you may have trouble finding it complete.

Genesis · by MasterMegid (723) · 2006

Amusing story told in an isometric environment cluttered with puzzles

The Good
The isometric view was a new way (in 1993) to play an action adventure. I don't want to say that Landstalker was the first isometric adventure game for the Genesis console, but it would be possible :) Actually a special controller was available for this game to better handle the isometric movement of Nigel, the main character. What I really liked are the chunky graphic style and the memorable sounds, as well as the story line told throughout the whole game. Also the puzzles are great, especially the riddles in the crypt of Mercator. I have played the game a few months ago (2006) and got addicted to it immediately!

The Bad
The end was very disappointing to me. A short dialog between Nigel and his appendage Friday, followed by the final staff roll. Such a tough game should provide a longer and more satisfying ending. The isometric view often forces you to guess where the next platform is. This drawback can only be overcome by trial and error.

The Bottom Line
When you are an old-school adventure gamer like me and love a high difficulty level Landstalker is a MUST to play. It's worth the time, even in the days of 3D-empowered movie-like blockbuster games. Go and get it!

Genesis · by hermitC (7) · 2006

[ View all 5 player reviews ]

Trivia

Development

It was originally going to be part of the Shining series, and was to be called Shining Rogue. When Climax and Sega split, the game was retitled.

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  • MobyGames ID: 6955
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Alex Vo.

Wii added by Guy Chapman. Linux, Macintosh added by Foxhack. Windows added by lights out party.

Additional contributors: JRK, gamer_boy, MasterMegid, formercontrib, Patrick Bregger, Rik Hideto.

Game added July 17, 2002. Last modified January 27, 2024.