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Arcana technical data
Name | Arcana |
System | Super Nintendo |
Year | 1992 |
Developer | HAL Laboratory |
Genre | RPG |
Arcana is a 1993 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) role-playing game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Enix. It is the first release of the company's "Mystic Ark" series, which also includes Mystic Ark: Maboroshi Gekijou and Arcana II: Fates of Illusion. The story follows a young man named Rune, who finds himself in the mysterious world of Arcana, inhabited by strange creatures called Arcana Beasts. He soon discovers that he has been chosen to be the "Guardian" of Arcana and must battle his way through its many dungeons in order to save it from destruction.
The game is an action-adventure RPG with a unique card-based battle system. Players control Rune as he explores dungeons filled with monsters and traps, while collecting cards from defeated enemies which can be used during battle. Different combinations of cards yield different effects such as healing or damaging enemies, and players must use strategy to create the most powerful decks possible in order to defeat their foes. As Runes progress through the game they will gain experience points which can be used to upgrade their cards and increase their stats.
In addition to exploring dungeons, players must also complete side quests in order to unlock new areas, items, spells and abilities. These side quests range from helping villagers in need to gathering ingredients for a local alchemist. Completing these tasks will reward players with valuable items that can be used during battles or sold for money at shops located throughout Arcana's towns.
Arcana features detailed graphics and sound effects along with an engaging storyline that keeps players entertained throughout the game's 20+ hours of playtime. The colorful characters and challenging puzzles provide an enjoyable gaming experience for both casual gamers looking for something lighthearted as well as hardcore gamers seeking a challenge. With its unique blend of RPG elements combined with card battling mechanics, Arcana stands out as one of the best SNES RPGs ever created and remains a classic today more than 25 years after its initial release.