Compatible emulators

Synopsis

You must collect the fragments of the Stone of Gaia, scattered throughout the world. To complete this task, you have the choice between 5 fighters at the start of the game (7 later). All are specific by their strength, their speed and their reach, but above all by their magic: this is the first innovative element of Gaia Crusaders.


Each character controls more or less 3 elements: water, wind and fire. Basic use of the element grants a special move, while high mastery grants super magic that clears the screen, much like in Golden Axe. If big magic is common to all characters, the special magic move is specific to each one, which means that the characters are very different from each other in the end. To use the elements, you will need to pick up the corresponding spheres on the battlefield. Note that your magics are more powerful when you are close to death.

Second innovative element: the use of combos. Certainly, Gaia Crusaders is not the first beat'em all to include them, but it is definitely the first to link them to gameplay. Let me explain: the more combos you make, the more powerful your hits. For example, with a single hit you will deal normal blows, while with an 8 or 9 hits you will ignite the opponents. To chain together you have a button for the fists and one for the feet, which allows you to vary the combinations. You can even conclude the sequences with magic.

In addition to the aforementioned moves, you also have jumping moves, a brief force field that stops enemy hits, and a special move that clears around you but costs you energy. You can also “dash” and follow up with a punch or kick. The range of moves is therefore very extensive. In addition to your enemies, you will deal with the elements of the decor (blades coming out of the ground, electric fields, falling stones) and traditional bosses, with sometimes half-bosses during the levels.

The game is technically impeccable. The characters are neat, charismatic and very well animated, as are the enemies and bosses, who are sometimes enormous. The settings are very varied (futuristic city, ghetto, pyramid) with nice effects, in a fairly mystical-apocalyptic style which is a pleasant change from the eternal urban or medieval universes. The music is successful and the sound effects, as well as the digital voices, are very impactful.

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