Friends, join me in a round of "Let's Push Our Effin' Luck." The Virtual Console has done such a good job at not sucking for the past few weeks that it's only natural for me to raise my hopes and watch them get sheared.
So, Nintendo. Square-Enix. Everyone. Time to stop starting and stopping like a nervous thoroughbred. It's time for commitment. It's time for Terranigma.
When you were young, you probably played Soulblazer and/or Illusion of Gaia on the Super Nintendo. Both games provided Zelda-flavoured adventures that were nevertheless unique. Illusion of Gaia in particular still stands out in my mind for its mild hero, Will, a boy with telepathic powers who must jump-start Earth's stagnant evolution. Terranigma actually preceds Will's journey and Soulblazer story-wise, casting the player as Ark. Ark is cast out of his Eden-like villiage and tasked with beginning the very evolution that Will is later called upon to re-direct.
Terranigma plays similarly to Illusion of Gaia, but it might seem unfamiliar because it never made it to North America. It did, however, see a release in Europe. So there's the beauty part: Terranigma already has an English translation waiting patiently for us.
Why do you want to play Terranigma? Because it's expansive, gorgeous and has a soundtrack that rivals greats like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. Also, I'm holding your mom hostage so you might want to work something out with Square-Enix. Just kidding. Really though, listen to The Underworld theme and tell me it's not beautiful. Choose your words carefully; I am holding a big stick (not kidding this time).
Terranigma also has a pretty epic story going on, but seeing as how you're cast as God Junior, that's to be expected. One aspect I enjoy about Illusion of Gaia is the subtle storytelling, which Terranigma continues. As world shapes around you, nobody screams "Holy crap, it's the Great Lakes!" Except you, of course.
Come on, Nintendo. Square-Enix. Do it. I'll be your friend.
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