ActRaiser

About

ActRaiser alternates between fast platform action and city-building strategy. As a deity-like figure, you battle demons and manage settlements to restore order. The game switches between side-scrolling combat and top-down simulation, requiring both reflexes and planning. You defeat lieutenants through platforming levels, then rebuild towns to regain power and resources for the next fight. Its genre mashup was ahead of its time, blending action and management in a way few games attempt. The story weaves in themes of faith and reliance on higher powers, with a tone that’s equal parts epic and quirky. Originally a 1990 SNES title, it resurfaced on Wii Virtual Console in 2007, introducing retro hybrids to a new audience. Critics praised its ambition, and modern retrospectives highlight its lasting charm as a niche but influential design.

Storyline

The plot follows a godlike being known only as "The Master" (God in the Japanese version) in his fight against Tanzra (Satan in the Japanese version), also referred to as "The Evil One." According to the instruction booklet, The Master was defeated in a battle with Tanzra and his six lieutenants. The Master retreated to his sky palace to tend to his wounds and fell into a deep sleep. In the Master's absence, Tanzra divided the world into six lands, one for each of his lieutenants; they later turned the people to evil. After several hundred years, the Master awakens fully recovered to discover that he has lost his powers due to the lack of belief in him. As the game progresses, the Master defeats Tanzra's lieutenants and recovers his powers by rebuilding the civilizations of his people and communicating with them through prayer. After all lieutenants have been slain, the Master commences an assault on Tanzra's stronghold, Death Heim, eventually defeating him. After the defeat of Tanzra, The Master and his servant revisit the many civilizations that they had helped to build and observe the people. During their observations, they note that nobody is at the temple worshiping the Master. The servant observes that, although the people once prayed to the Master in times of trouble, they no longer feel a need to because they are not in danger. The Master and his servant then enter the sky palace and depart into the heavens to await a time when they may be needed.