Dark Half
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(Super Famicom - JP, Action & Adventure)
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Developed_By:
Westone Co. Ltd.
Published_By:
Enix
Released On:
31 May 1996
Dark Half is an action-adventure game that tells the story of two eternal enemies, Roda and Rukyu . The world was once at peace, but the light and darkness were separated, giving birth to the great demon Roku in one realm and the divine hero-god Roda in another. A legendary battle took place between them, but Roda swore to defeat his dark counterpart once and for all.
The gameplay is unique, as you get to play as both Roda and Rukyu , switching between the two characters chapter after chapter. The game takes place in an isometric world, where battles are random and turn-based. You can position and move your characters on a grid-based battlefield. Both characters can join party members, and they primarily use magic attacks. Roku has a special energy called "Soul Power", while Roda uses one-time spells from scrolls he receives after battles.
Dark Half was released on the Super Famicom in 1996, allowing players to experience an action-adventure game with a twist. The game's story and gameplay offer a fresh take on the traditional RPG genre, making it an exciting challenge for fans of action & adventure .
EAN-13:
4988601002974 (Japan)
eBay Product ID:
56275130 (Japan)
Part #:
SHVC-AHLJ-JPN (Japan)
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Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
In this dark fantasy role-playing game, players assume the role of Luky, the original Demon King who commands absolute power over the world. The premise centers on restoring order to a chaotic existence governed by the cyclical nature of light and darkness. Players must navigate their journey as the feared ruler while facing emerging forces that seek to alter fate.
Story
Prologue
Light returns to darkness, and darkness gives birth to light. Everything begins from there and eventually heads back there.
When heaven and earth were separated and life was born on the land, Luky already existed. Luky controlled a great darkness and was eventually called the Demon King.
The Demon King's power was absolute. Humans feared the Demon King and knelt before its power.
However, at a certain time, those who would change fate appeared.
~ 'Demon King Chaos' Prologue ~
Enemies & Characters
Falko
The human protagonist who is revived by a mysterious voice to change the fate of human extinction arriving in 7 days.
Clair
A sage from the hidden village of Rouda who serves as a dependable partner for Falko, possessing strong magical power.
Girbald
A mage and strong warrior under Robam Castle who acts together with Falko by order of the King due to his strong sense of justice.
Karen
Falko's girlfriend who provides emotional support to him throughout the game, characterized by her long hair and frilly dress.
Rukyu
The main villain sealed away 1000 years ago who has revived to destroy mankind within 7 days.
Vergil
One of the Devil King's underlings, distinguished by his tall stature, slicked-back hair, and purple mantle, wielding a large scythe.
Divius
One of the Devil King's underlings who conveys information about the human world to his master.
Arva
One of the Devil King's underlings, described as a beautiful witch with a cold-blooded image.
How to Play
How to Start and Resume the Game
When you first insert the cartridge and turn on the Super Famicom, the title screen appears. Press Start to select a Save Area using the D-pad and choosing a candle. Ensure "New" is selected in the upper left window to start a new game.
To resume previous progress, go to the Save Area screen and select the candle containing your saved data. Confirm "Resume" to continue, or select "Delete" to remove unnecessary data.
Saving the Game
You can save your game data at a Save Point by talking to the Save Character, or automatically when clearing each scenario. The Save Point is indicated by where the Save Character is standing.
When you reach the end of Day 1 or clear a scenario, a prompt will ask if you want to save. Select "Yes" to proceed or "No" to decline. Please turn off the power immediately after saving if you wish to quit the game.
Configuring Settings
On the Save Area screen, select "Settings" to access the configuration menu. Here you can adjust three options:
•
Message Speed: Choose between Fast or Slow.
•
Movement Direction: Select one of two control types.
•
Magic Effect: Toggle between ON or OFF.
About Movement Direction
Because this game uses a quarter-view, character movement in the field is diagonal relative to the screen. You must learn to map the actual movement direction to the D-pad buttons on the controller.
Two control methods are available in the settings to help you operate without mistakes.
The Zapping Scenario
The game features a 'Zapping Scenario' where you play from both the perspective of the Hero (Human) and the Demon King. The scenario is divided into 7 days, played in order of Demon King, then Hero, for each day.
The Demon King and Hero interact while influencing each other's actions, unfolding various mysteries and drama. The timeline spans from the Resurrection Festival (Days 1-6) to an unknown Day 7.
Soul Power
Soul Power is a vital parameter displayed as a gauge at the top of the screen. If this power runs out, it results in a Game Over, so you must monitor it closely.
Demon King Side Mechanics
On the Demon King's side, Soul Power decreases by moving on the field or using magic. It increases by defeating people and monsters.
Hero Side Mechanics
The Hero's Soul Power decreases by moving on the field. It increases by defeating monsters.
Fatio and Soul Shells
Fatio acts as money for the Hero side and can be found in treasure chests or received during events. You can convert Soul Power into Fatio at the 'Sealing Hall' via a Sealer, or Fatio into items at the 'Alchemist Hall'.
Conversely, you can convert items into Fatio, or Fatio back into Soul Power. Items include weapons, armor, and grimoires.
Soul Shell System
This system involves humans spoken to by the Demon King becoming 'soul shells'. When the Hero investigates these shells, they can obtain Fatio or items called 'Light of Hope'.
Some shells have turned into zombies and will attack the Hero. The number of Light of Hope collected changes the ending.
Combat Overview
Combat is turn-based, with enemy and ally sides acting alternately. Both sides explore the same map structure of fields, towns, and dungeons. Encounters with enemies trigger these battles.
Demons' Side Combat
In Demons' Side combat, only Lucius can be controlled directly. Allied monsters act automatically. The Demon Lord does not perform melee attacks or independent movement.
Demon King Combat Commands
Use Soul: Displays available magic and Soul Power costs. Use the D-pad to select magic. After confirmation, choose the target (Ally/Enemy) and effective range using the D-pad and L/R buttons.
Wait and see: The Demon Lord takes no action while party characters fight automatically. Press any button to join the battle midway and gain command usage for the next turn.
Not engage: A command to avoid combat, though this is not always possible.
Reading the Demon King Combat Screen
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① Soul Power Gauge
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② Combat Command
•
③ Party Character
Hero-side Battle
In Hero-side battles, you can issue command operations to all allies, except for mercenaries. Battles remain turn-based with alternating actions.
Hero Battle Commands
Attack: Select a target to perform an attack with the equipped weapon. The character moves toward the target within their movable range. If the target is beyond range, the character moves as close as possible.
Use Magic: Displays available magic and held spellbooks. Since spellbooks are consumed, use them carefully. Select the target and area of effect; higher spell levels increase the area of effect.
Do Nothing: Takes no action during that turn.
Everyone Flee: Attempts to avoid battle, but this is not always possible.
Reading the Hero Combat Screen
•
1 Soul Power Gauge
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2 Battle Commands
•
3 Party Characters (Names of commandable characters will blink)
Magic Level Up
Heroes level up magic using items called 'Magic Orb'. One spell levels up each time one is obtained.
Demons level up magic through the magic of joined monsters.
On both sides, leveling up magic expands its effective range.
Controls
D-Pad Left
Select previous character/page/item
D-Pad Right
Select next character/page/item
D-Pad
Move character in formation grid
Y Button
Open Condition/Status screen
A Button
Confirm selection
Y Button (in Condition screen)
Call up window screen
A Button (in Condition screen)
Display magic level
X Button (in Condition screen)
Rearrange items
A Button (in Magic Books/Items)
Choose commands (Equip, Explain, Throw away)
Tips & Maps
Making Items at the Refining Stone Hall
Convert Phylacia into items like weapons and armor by talking to the Refiner, which causes a treasure chest to appear behind the Hero containing the created item.
Return to Phylacia
Exchange unwanted items back into Phylacia, though some items cannot be returned as indicated by an X mark.
Exchanging Soul Power and Phylacia
At the Opening Hall, use the Opener to convert Phylacia into Soul Power or Seal Soul Power into Phylacia by selecting quantities.
Open into Soul Power
The command to exchange Phylacia for Soul Power, confirmed by selecting the amount with the D-Pad and pressing A.
Seal into Phylacia
The command to exchange Soul Power for Phylacia, confirmed by selecting the amount of Soul Power to seal with the D-Pad and pressing A.
About Magic Level Up
Magic levels expand their area of effect and can be raised using Magic Orbs on hero characters, though the result is random.
Effective Use of Magic
Since spellbook and Soul Power consumption is not affected by level, it is more beneficial to have high-level characters use magic to affect a wider area.
How to Utilize the Dark Gate
Use the Dark Gate to strengthen Lukio's magic or make monsters minions, as even weak monsters may possess unexpected magic.
About Mercenaries
Mercenaries can join you in towns and dungeons, using their own spellbooks and significantly changing combat dynamics.
Pay attention to sound too…!
Listen to the game's sound to explore hidden seals, confirm cleared sections, and aid in navigation.
The Book of Dark Gate…!?
A rumored item that allows the Dark Gate magic to be used by non-Demon King characters, though its existence and location are uncertain.
About Traps and Mechanisms in Dungeons
Dungeons contain various hazards and mechanisms that require careful observation and interaction to navigate safely.
Switches
Standing on switches can open doors or reveal stairs, and they may be hidden under normal-looking floor tiles.
Seals
Similar to switches but require magic to break, so be careful not to waste Soul Power on them indiscriminately.
Collapsing Floors
Floors in Kharom's Tower may collapse into holes, so you must map their locations and move efficiently to avoid falling.
Floors that react to Dispel
Traps that make staircases disappear unless Dispel is cast, which reveals safe floors while active.
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