![Aqutallion [Model SHVC-AQ]](images/marquees/61035.jpg "Aqutallion [Model SHVC-AQ]")
![Aqutallion [Model SHVC-AQ] screenshot](images/game/61035_2.png "Aqutallion [Model SHVC-AQ]")
Aqutallion © 1993 Tecmo, Limited.
Aqutallion is an intriguing, often overlooked Japanese role-playing game that blends traditional fantasy tropes with technological elements. The story follows Ray, a courageous teenager living on a small island, who is thrust into a quest to save the world from the encroaching demon, Homncruse. Following in the footsteps of his father, who met a mysterious end years prior, Ray must assemble a diverse group of allies.
The gameâs standout mechanic is its dual-party system: players command two distinct groupsâthe Aqutallions and the Kustera. Success requires strategic switching between these teams, as each possesses unique abilities that must be leveraged in tandem. The world itself is a fascinating tapestry where magic and machinery collide, as many of Homncruseâs minions rely on advanced technology to execute their sinister plans. While the core loop involves classic JRPG elementsâexploring towns, traversing dungeons, and engaging in turn-based, random-encounter combat to earn experience and level upâthe inclusion of a spell-combining system allows for powerful, player-driven offensive combos that add tactical depth to battles.
![Goodies for Aqutallion [Model SHVC-AQ]](images/covermini160/61035_1.jpg)
GAME ID: SHVC-AQ
BARCODE: 4960677280036
Released on November 5, 1993 (Friday) in Japan at a retail price of 8,900 JPY.
Wolf Teamâs Signature Style: During the early 90s, Wolf Team was known for their willingness to experiment with game mechanics. Aqutallion showcases their hallmark interest in blending high-speed action with the sense of scale found in larger RPGs.
A "Hidden Gem" Status: Because it was released during a period when the Super Famicom library was exploding with massive hits like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, Aqutallion was largely overlooked by the mainstream press. It has since gained a reputation among collectors as a "hidden gem" for those who prefer reflex-based combat over menu-driven battles.
Visual Complexity: The developers pushed the hardware to include detailed, layered backgrounds that gave the world a sense of depth and verticality. Navigating the various dungeons and outdoor environments often feels more like a platforming challenge than a standard RPG dungeon crawl.
The Soundtrack: True to Wolf Teamâs reputation, the game features a highly praised, evocative musical score. It utilizes the Super Famicomâs sound chip to create distinct moods for different regions, moving from melancholic, slow-paced melodies in desolate ruins to faster, more energetic tracks during combat.
Streamlined Progression: The game avoids complex, overly granular stat management. Character growth is handled through finding items and equipment, keeping the focus on the actual experience of playing and exploring rather than spreadsheet-like optimization.
Control Philosophy: The movement is notably "snappy." The hero feels highly responsive, allowing for tight maneuvers around enemies and environmental hazards. This emphasis on control was meant to make the player feel like a true adventurer, rewarding precise movement over brute-force strength.
Export releases:
[US] Tecmo Secret of the Stars [Model SNS-AQ-USA]