![Septentrion [Model SHVC-TT] screenshot](images/game/62135_2.png "Septentrion [Model SHVC-TT]")
Septentrion © 1993 Human Ent.
Septentrion is a unique, cinematic survival action game. The narrative follows four distinct characters trapped aboard the sinking luxury cruise ship, the SS Lady Crithania. Unlike traditional action games where the goal is to defeat enemies, the primary antagonist here is the ship itself; players must navigate tilting, crumbling corridors, rescue survivors, and reach the lifeboats before time runs out.
GAME ID: SHVC-TT
BARCODE: 4959143600034
Specifications: The game utilizes an 8-megabit cartridge.
Released on May 28, 1993 (Friday) in Japan at a retail price of 8,500 JPY.
Pioneering 'Survival' Mechanics: Septentrion is widely considered one of the earliest examples of the 'survival' genre. It eschewed the combat focus prevalent in 1993 for a tense, puzzle-like experience. Players are constantly fighting against the physics of the environment—as the ship lists, the perspective shifts, and the movement mechanics become increasingly difficult, requiring careful balancing and timing.
The 'Human' Touch: Human Entertainment was renowned for their unconventional game design. They prioritized atmospheric storytelling and high-concept mechanics over polished combat. Septentrion is a perfect example of their experimental spirit, featuring a multi-path narrative where the characters you save (or fail to save) directly influence the ending.
Physics-Based Atmosphere: The game’s most technical achievement is its use of shifting environments. The ship's tilt is not just a visual gimmick; it fundamentally changes the gameplay, forcing players to scramble up walls that have become floors and navigate obstacles that slide across the screen in real-time.
