Valis III

About

Valis III is a side-scrolling platformer where you switch between three playable characters battling a war between dimensions. Yuko returns with Cham, a whip-wielding ally, and Valna, a magic-focused fighter. Each character handles differently: Cham dodges and strikes like a rogue, Valna casts spells with weaker melee attacks, and Yuko balances both. Progress through 20 levels of environmental hazards and foes, collecting weapons and magic to tackle challenges in varied ways. The game emphasizes precise platforming with minor physics quirks, but combat remains the core loop. The new threat of Glames raises the stakes, though the story remains secondary to gameplay depth. While the three-character system adds flexibility, it rarely forces strategic choices. With 1990 Turbografx-16 visuals and a soundtrack of chip tunes, it feels dated but still polished for its era. Fans of classic platformers with branching character roles might find appeal in its 4-hour runtime. No modern releases have revived the series, but the gameplay remains functional and straightforward.