Description

"Virtual Hydlide" is an action-adventure game developed and published by T&E Soft for the Sega Saturn in 1995. It is a unique installment within the Hydlide series, known for being one of the earliest examples of an open-world RPG to feature fully 3D graphics and environment. The player takes on the role of Jim, a knight who must rescue Princess Ann from the evil emperor Boralis. Throughout the gameplay, players navigate through a vast world comprised of diverse environments such as forests, caves, and dungeons. The game uses randomly generated game maps and item placements, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike. This randomization extends to the quests and enemy placements, adding a layer of replayability and unpredictability.

Although "Virtual Hydlide" aimed to pioneer in the realm of 3D role-playing games, it faced mixed reviews upon release. Critics and players noted the game's ambitious open-world and real-time combat system, but also criticized its slow frame rate and somewhat awkward graphical rendering as limitations of the Sega Saturn's hardware capabilities were evident. Additionally, the use of digitized sprites instead of fully textured 3D models gave it a distinct look that was memorable, though not universally appreciated. Despite these criticisms, "Virtual Hydlide" is remembered for its adventurous spirit and for pushing the boundaries of RPG gaming on the Sega Saturn, contributing to the progression of 3D gaming in the mid-90s.

Gameplay

Virtual Hydlide - Gameplay

Close