Games Database
GBA
Adventure
| Viewed: | 2D Side-on, Scrolling | Genre: | Adventure Platform |
| Arcade origin: | No | ||
| Developer: | Treasure | Soft. Co.: | Treasure |
| Publishers: | Ubisoft
(US/GB) SEGA (JP) |
Released: | 22 Sept 2004
(JP) 2004 (US) 18 Feb 2005 (GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ |
Summary
The original Guardian Heroes on the Sega Saturn (1996) has a fond place in the heart of many a hardcore video gamer. Published by Sega, it was developed by cult favourites Treasure, an outfit best known for their 2D shoot-em-ups. They have pleased connoisseurs of the genre over the years with such releases as Radiant Silvergun, Bangai-0, Ikaruga and Gradius V. Guardian Heroes, a side-scrolling beat-em-up, enjoys no slighter a reputation, and copies today regularly fetch up to $150 on ebay.
Innovative for its time, Guardian Heroes fused sophisticated fight mechanics with RPG elements. Four typically sworded and sorcerous characters were available for selection: warrior, magician, priest and ninja, each with both light and heavy attacks, special moves and magical attacks. Experience points earned in combat allowed the player to power-up his character between levels. In addition to that, there were multiple paths through the game according to the character chosen and decisions made. The game also featured co-operative play and even a multiplayer mode for up to six players.
Advance Guardian Heroes on the Game Boy Advance is not a port of the Saturn original but an all-new sequel. In fact, this is the first time a Treasure title has had a true sequel made. Published by Ubisoft, it is set in the same Magic Kingdom as its predecessor, but players must choose from one of three new characters: Enn, Ray or Hyu. The basic gameplay dynamic carries on from the original – beat-em-up slash action married with RPG character power-ups, and the title also features two-player options, both co-operative and versus (up to four players) modes. As well as that, Advance Guardian Heroes has some new gameplay ideas – most notably it is now possible to counter enemy attacks, by pressing block immediately as they hit you. This leaves opponents stunned, and open to a quick combo attack sequence. The eponymous heroes can now execute directional ‘dashes’ in mid-air, and have hyper gauges which, once filled, enable them to enter ‘hyper mode’. A ‘homing movement’ system has also been introduced to ease navigation. The game’s makers also boast that there are 20 controllable characters and more than 60 special moves contained in the game. The cartridge provides one slot for saving your game. First Astro Boy and now this - Treasure fans with GBAs are being spoilt to bits.
Innovative for its time, Guardian Heroes fused sophisticated fight mechanics with RPG elements. Four typically sworded and sorcerous characters were available for selection: warrior, magician, priest and ninja, each with both light and heavy attacks, special moves and magical attacks. Experience points earned in combat allowed the player to power-up his character between levels. In addition to that, there were multiple paths through the game according to the character chosen and decisions made. The game also featured co-operative play and even a multiplayer mode for up to six players.
Advance Guardian Heroes on the Game Boy Advance is not a port of the Saturn original but an all-new sequel. In fact, this is the first time a Treasure title has had a true sequel made. Published by Ubisoft, it is set in the same Magic Kingdom as its predecessor, but players must choose from one of three new characters: Enn, Ray or Hyu. The basic gameplay dynamic carries on from the original – beat-em-up slash action married with RPG character power-ups, and the title also features two-player options, both co-operative and versus (up to four players) modes. As well as that, Advance Guardian Heroes has some new gameplay ideas – most notably it is now possible to counter enemy attacks, by pressing block immediately as they hit you. This leaves opponents stunned, and open to a quick combo attack sequence. The eponymous heroes can now execute directional ‘dashes’ in mid-air, and have hyper gauges which, once filled, enable them to enter ‘hyper mode’. A ‘homing movement’ system has also been introduced to ease navigation. The game’s makers also boast that there are 20 controllable characters and more than 60 special moves contained in the game. The cartridge provides one slot for saving your game. First Astro Boy and now this - Treasure fans with GBAs are being spoilt to bits.
