Time Stalkers | September 15, 1999

Time Stalkers

 "Time Stalkers" (known as "Climax Landers" in Japan) is a role-playing video game for the Dreamcast. The game's notable feature is the crossover of various worlds and characters from previous works of Climax Entertainment. The game begins with controlling a character named "Sword," who finds himself trapped in a strange world formed by the merging of different worlds. As the story progresses, similar heroes appear, and the player can control them. Players can explore dungeons, complete special missions, and buy or upgrade items.

Gameplay:

"Time Stalkers" is an RPG where the player can collect and train enemies in addition to controlling various characters from Climax's other games. The battle system combines real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based combat, with enemies appearing on screen and engaging in RTS-style combat with different battle formations. The game takes 30 to 60 hours to complete, with multiple endings.

Plot:

While Sword was investigating a legendary clock tower, he is suddenly attacked by an armored monster. After defeating the monster, Sword chases it into the clock tower. Inside, he discovers a mysterious book, and upon opening it, a bright light flashes, causing Sword to lose consciousness. When Sword awakens, he finds that the clock tower has changed, and upon exiting, he finds himself in a strange world where various worlds seem to have merged.

He meets an old man named "Master," who tells Sword that this world is under threat by dark forces and that Sword must help protect it. Sword attempts to find a way out, but the world continues to expand, with new locations like prehistoric mountains, ancient ruins, and modern cities being added. He also teams up with other heroes, like Nigel from "Landstock."

However, Sword eventually learns that "Master" is the one who created this world. Master had been manipulating the people he brought into this world as characters in his story. Sword resolves to prevent his story from continuing and disrupts Master's narrative. In retaliation, Master subjects everyone to endless hunger and thirst.

Sword challenges Master to a final duel. If they accept and Sword wins, everyone will escape the world, but if he loses, Master's story will continue. Master agrees, and the final battle takes place in a dungeon. Sword ultimately wins, and Master reveals the book that is the source of the world. By closing the book, Sword restores the worlds to their original states. Those who had been drawn into the world disappear back into their own worlds.

The ending varies depending on which hero closes the book.

Reception:

"Time Stalkers" received mixed reactions from various review sites. On GameRankings, it scored 52%, indicating that the reception was divided. Pete Bartholow of GameSpot criticized the game for its "typical" story, random dungeon layouts, unappealing graphics, and particularly the fact that experience points are reset at the beginning of dungeons. He instead recommended "Evolver: Sacred Device." Anup Gantayat of IGN praised the unique overworld and monster collection system but pointed out that the game's dialogue was brief and its length short. Fan site PlanetDreamcast gave the game a negative review even before its Japanese release. The Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu gave the game a score of 27 out of 40.