Legend is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash beat 'em up game developed by Arcade Zone. It was first published in North America by Seika Corporation in April 1994, followed by a European release from Sony Electronic Publishing on December 21 of the same year for the Super Nintendo.
The side-scrolling beat 'em up genre is one of my favorites, featuring many games I enjoy like the Streets of Rage series and the X-Men arcade game. While I've had a lot of fun with games in this genre, there are also some that didn't quite appeal to me, as is the case with any genre.
The Story
Get ready for non-stop action, gruesome villains, wicked weapons, and cool graphics. Travel back to medieval times when your sword was the only law, and the rich and powerful ruled with an iron fist of terror. Your mission: free the people of Sellech and prevent Clovis from resurrecting the evil power and curses of Beldor. Enter the Black Temple, battle through worlds of wizards and fire-breathing dragons, conquer the baddest boss monsters, and fight your way through the uncharted world of Legend.
The Graphics and Sound
The game truly impresses with its graphics. The character sprites are not only large but also detailed, and the limited animation is visually appealing. The backgrounds add to the medieval theme, offering scenic variety as you progress through different landscapes. From open plains to forests and swamps, the game keeps things interesting. Rain and blackouts in later levels contribute to the atmospheric variety.
The music in Legend is noteworthy, featuring a medieval theme that complements the game's graphics perfectly. The soundscape, including the grunts and cries of enemies and the satisfying swing and impact sounds of your character's weapon, adds to the overall immersive experience.
The Gameplay
The game puts you in control of a warrior navigating a linear path, engaging in combat with groups of enemies. The gameplay involves slicing through foes, jumping to avoid attacks, and utilizing special moves like a powerful projectile attack (at the cost of health) or a screen-clearing magic attack. Collectible items from defeated enemies include health-recovering bread, keys for bonus games, and gold.
However, Legend falls into the trap of repetitiveness common in beat 'em ups. It lacks the variety seen in other titles of the genre, offering only one playable character with limited moves. There's no option to choose different characters or a wide range of attacks, leading to a somewhat monotonous button-mashing experience. The absence of a run or dash feature can also be frustrating, given the relatively slow movement of the character.
While it provides the expected elements of a beat 'em up, it faces the challenge of standing out in a market where the standards had been raised significantly. Despite this, the game manages to maintain a smooth performance with minimal slowdown, even with multiple enemies on screen, and features tight and responsive controls.
The replay value is somewhat limited. While it can be enjoyable in short sessions, it struggles to maintain interest for an extended period. The game's relatively short length, with only six levels, may contribute to this issue. Although there is a slight variation in one of the levels based on gameplay choices, it might not be sufficient to significantly enhance the overall replayability of the game.
My Verdict
If you're a fan of beat 'em up games and have already played the more well-known titles in the genre, Legend might offer some entertainment. However, it doesn't introduce anything particularly innovative to the genre, and its lack of variety might limit its appeal. The experience can be enhanced when played in 2 player mode, providing a more enjoyable cooperative gameplay.
Play it on the fascinating Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on some available emulator.
