Algarna [アルガーナ] Final Battle & Ending - X68000

Algarna is a simple side-scrolling ARPG by M.N.M Software in 1991 that is in the vein of Falcom's "Ys" series (primarily "Ys III: Wanderers from Ys" and the original "Ys"), except more simplified and considered orthodox, archaic, and mediocre even within Japanese communities. It is a considerable step up from the prior game in the "series" designed using the same engine, Tigunasu no Bouken (FSS or Fantasy Saga System Vol.1) as it includes the "Aura" system and opening/ending cutscenes. Its primary stand-out feature is that the music was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is probably best known for his work with the "Streets of Rage" series, "Actraiser" series, and a few of the early Ys games.

The story is relatively straightforward. Thousands of years ago, the Goddess "Kyarura" created the magical land of "Saloon". Those born of this land that possessed the ability or artifacts to use magic were thought to lead this land towards eternal bliss... but the magical powers that also helped the land would bring about its downfall. Humans with impure hearts began to exploit magic and use it for evil deeds, starting wars and gradually bringing the land to ruin. Watching what her magic was doing from her majestic temple "Uorubisu" (which comes out as Walvis) and displeased by these events, Kyarura used her powers to wipe out all magic, making them rely purely on their resourcefulness. Realizing the folly of their ways, humans worked together to bring prosperity back to Saloon and formed new towns and countries.

One day however, a mysterious incident swept the land in which some of the inhabitants seemed to be manipulated by magical forces, with the goddess nowhere to be found. Monsters started crowding forests and mountain paths and humans lived in fear. It was soon discovered that the cause of the problems was created by a man known as the "Uizarodo" or the "Dark Wizard", and now the only person capable of stopping him is a lone female magician named "Algarna", a mysterious young woman who has the potential to use magic and combat the Dark Wizard's forces and learn of the goddess' whereabouts. The king and queen of Saloon have put all their hopes on her now, and she must travel far and wide talking to the world's various NPCs, gather items, and utilize different spells to come out on top.

The game is pretty simple. You fight monsters by bumping into them or attacking them with various spells (shot patterns with different properties) which you acquire later in the game. You have to do various good deeds in order to progress like most games of this type, and you don't have to shuffle through key items in order to use them as they take effect when you activate various in-game switches, further simplifying the game's progression (though you'll have to find them first). You also gain access to a few weapons and armors and advance in levels by defeating enemies; one thing to note on that is that enemies give less experience the higher your level is, until they give one point of experience each. The game is meant to be difficult, but your character regenerates health when standing still and you can advance quite far without grinding if you move about carefully. You can save pretty much anywhere in the game.

These videos show the game in action. We also have the final battle and ending. Enjoy.