Septerra Core is a high-quality gem that unfortunately failed commercially at its release. Despite the fact that the combat and area navigation can get repetitive and boring, the game is supported by good storyline, memorable characters, and unique setting. The art and graphics were of good quality for the time of its release, and many people will have noticed that it plays out very much like Chrono Trigger, just with a mouse. Unlike Chrono Trigger, however, the movement and interface is rather clunky. The voice acting is above average, and it's the voice acting combined with its F.M.V. cut-scenes that help draw you into the game. The game-play itself is where Septerra falters. Combat measures its turns by an action bar with three segments. Weak attacks, items and magic spells require only a single segment, while the strongest attacks require all three. This sounds good on paper, but enemies more often than not take a turn every single time they get a segment (which you can't see). This means that early in the game, you're taking 2-3 hits before you dish out your one strong attack, while later in the game the entire system is subverted later in the game because the combination magic spells only require the first line segment, rendering all level 2 and 3 skills obsolete. Compounding this is the lack of a convenient teleport system to prevent backtracking, and the game's insistance that you traverse areas you've previously explored in order to complete quests - which means more fights. Compared to Chrono Trigger, where areas could be avoided or simply flown over most of the time, this is a step back from 1995 standards. Regardless of that, The game is enjoyable overall, with some straightforward puzzles, some interesting boss fights, and relatively distinct societies that make your world-shell hopping very memorable. A quick Google for cheat codes will also empower you with the ability to essentially skip all combat, rendering the flaws of this game completely moot. To those who enjoy the 16-bit era of gaming, I highly recommend this game. It's worthy of a place in your heart and on your shelf.
