Arcana
↗ 19%
🙂 7.2/10
(Super Nintendo - US, RPG)
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$95.52
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Developed_By:
HAL Labs
Published_By:
HAL Labs
Released On:
27 Mar 1992
Arcana is a first-person RPG that follows the story of Rooks, a young boy who sets out to save the world from the evil Galneon. With the power of cards, Rooks begins his epic adventure, seeking to defeat the forces of darkness.
The gameplay revolves around exploration and dungeon crawling. In the village hub, Rooks can visit various locations such as shops and a fortune teller, where he can purchase items and equipment. On the world map, which does not allow free movement, Rooks must choose his next destination, setting the stage for battles to come.
Battles are turn-based, with Rooks selecting from a list of actions for each character, including attack or magic. As characters gain experience, their stats advance, leading to improved abilities and combat prowess.
UPC-A:
040458855043 (United States)
eBay Product ID:
4322 (United States)
Part #:
SNS-RF-USA (USA)
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Number of Players Supported:
1 Player
Miscellaneous Attributes:
Battery Backed RAM
Prices as of 30 Jul 2026
Typical $94.99–$95.00 (last 90 days)
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Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
*The Legend of the Card Masters* is a fantasy role-playing game where players control Rooks, a young apprentice striving to master the dying art of card magic. Set in the war-torn land of Elemen, the story follows Rooks and his companions as they embark on a quest to defeat the evil usurper Galneon and the resurrected Empress Rimsala. Players must navigate treacherous, labyrinthine dungeons, battle fierce monsters, and collect elemental spells and ancient treasures to restore peace to the kingdom.
Story
The Legend of the Card Masters
The land of Elemen has long been a gathering place for people from all over the known world. Rich in legend, long in tradition, there are many who see it as a land of unlimited opportunity. Some, in order to gain fame and fortune, have visited this land to fulfill their dreams.
According to the ancient legends, after the Reign of Evil instituted by the Empress Rimsala was toppled by the combined magic of the ancient order of the Card Masters, a long era of peace began in the kingdom. But there is a dark side of human nature that is ever-present in even the most ideal of lands. The six kingdoms on the island of Elemen were less than Utopian.
Disputes broke out constantly among these six kingdoms, but they were always minor and inconvenient, rather than dangerous. But in time these seemingly minor disputes spilled over and became as a storm over the land. Eventually the conflict spread out over the whole island, with each of the kingdoms fighting independently for control of the island. This continued on for many years. The cities were turned to ruins, and despair covered the land.
Taking advantage of the times of unrest, Galneon, one of the court magicians, launched a coup against King Wagnall. The King was killed in the conflict, and the evil Galneon ascended to the throne. In the conflict the King's two daughters disappeared. Their whereabouts is still unknown.
The Players
No man can go it alone, and a good warrior wants like-minded partners to share the load and the glory. Rooks will have to meet his companions along the road in the midst of adversity - you get to meet them here at your leisure.
Rooks, the Card Master
The ancient art of the Cards has been slowly dying out for over two hundred years. In the distant past, when the Evil Empire of the Empress Rimsala was at its peak, the discipline of the Cards was handed down from father to son through the generations. Through the teachings of the great Card Masters of old, a valiant group of resistors constantly harassed the regime, and made possible the overthrow of the Evil Empress after a struggle that took the lives of many a brave sorcerer.
Now the childhood memories that Rooks has of his father's use of the Cards is the only thing keeping the struggle alive. Each day Rooks brings out the Cards, shuffles through them, stares into the faces printed on the front, and tries to remember what he's seen his father do with that Card in the past. Each day he tries to cast a few spells using what he remembers - or thinks he remembers.
Sometimes something happens - usually he sits and waits, then tries again. Through trial and error, and instructions from his old friend Reinoll, Rooks struggles to master the art of the Cards before it's too late.
Balnia Temple
Our brave crew strikes out from Galia to the Balnia Temple searching for the first of the Treasures - the Crystal Sword. Enemies wait around every corner. Bizarre creatures assault the party at every step. The labyrinth stretches on forever, all the walls look alike. Weren't we here before? Doesn't that corner look familiar? What was that movement? A good place to use the map.
Find exit doors and remember where they are. They are the only way to get back to the village to restock and recuperate. A visit to the hotel will refresh your tired comrades when they are exhausted.
Treasure chests remain hidden until you are very close to them - only those brave enough to explore into the depths will come across Treasure Chests. Open them carefully and use their contents wisely.
Draven Pass
Between the village of Doraf and the Forest of Doubt lies the labyrinth of Draven Pass and the Crimson Valley. Overrun with fierce beasts and deadly foes, the twisted passageways through the Pass will confuse even the most intrepid of fighters - watch your step!
As Rooks and Salah try to find their way through the twisting, turning alleyways in the Pass they come upon a strange sight - a stranger, fighting alone against a score of enemies. They offer their help in the battle.
After defeating the enemies, Rooks finds that they have someone in common - Darwin was the first caretaker of Princess Teefa after the overthrow. But now it seems she has gone over to the other side. Perhaps we'll meet up with her soon.
Reinoll the Elder
Along the way Rooks stops in for a rest and some information at the home of Reinoll the Elder - wizard, sage, alchemist Renaissance man. Surrounded by his library of rare and unusual books, Reinoll tells Rooks of the Treasures and spirits needed to defeat Rimsala. Then he confirms Rooks' worst fears - the only one who can accomplish the task is a true Card Master. The die is cast.
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The four kinds of spells - Wind, Fire, Water and Earth. Each with their own unique powers and qualities. All four are needed for the bearer to accomplish his assigned task.
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The Three Treasures - the Spirit Sword, Enchanted Jewel, and Crystal Sword. Formed in fire, strengthened in adversity, passed down through the generations.
The Ice Mine
After picking up information from Reinoll the Elder, our party takes off for the volcanic Crystal Point Mountains and the Ice Cave hidden on its slopes. The mouth is well hidden, but our party knows the way, and are soon exploring inside.
The Ice Mine - miles of frigid corridors populated by creatures whose blood runs as cold as the ice stalactites in the dark recesses of the mountain. The goal in this torturous quest - to find the Lava Room and its contents - the Enchant
Enemies & Characters
Teefa
Princess Teefa, the daughter of the King, originally aligned herself with Darwin but has now seemingly switched sides to join her father's arch-enemy.
Salah
The daughter of the slain King Wagnall, Salah is a clever and brave member of the Royal Family who carries a secret needed to enter Stavery Tower.
Ariel
The son of a legendary warrior from the Three Knights of Lexford, Ariel has unexpectedly gone over to the other side, plotting against Rooks and his companions.
Axs
The only living member of the legendary Knights of Lexford, Axs is a loyal, fearless, and resourceful warrior entrusted with Salah's safekeeping.
Reinoll
A master of magic who withdrew to a hollowed-out tree in the woods, Reinoll provides kind concern and sage advice to the hero.
Darwin
A self-reliant and confident warrior who excels at fighting hordes of monsters and appears unexpectedly to save the day.
The Sorcerer
A hermit and Weaver of Spells living in the hills, he guards the Crystal Sword in preparation for the uprising against Galneon.
Spirit Cards
These cards, including Sylph, Marid, Efrite, and Dao, each possess an attribute effective in attacks against enemies of certain other attributes.
Controls
Control Pad
Used to move your character. Push upper arm to enter buildings
Select Button
Start Button
Used to start the game
A Button
Used to enter commands and menu choices
B Button
Used to cancel commands and menu choices
A, B, X, or Y Button
can be used to scroll through screen messages.
How to Play
Using the Attributes
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Wind
•
Earth
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Fire
•
Water
Attributes of Cards, enemies, allies, and spells are very important. Certain spells are only effective against enemies of certain attributes. The attributes of members of your party can mean the effectiveness of spells cast by enemies can be increased, diminished, or thwarted completely.
Study and remember the chart above. The chart shows which attributes affect other attributes.
A spell with a Fire attribute is effective against an enemy with a Wind attribute, and against an Earth attribute, but not against a Water attribute. If your enemy casts a spell with a Water attribute, you can counteract it by making sure that all the members of your party have an Earth attribute. Learning to use the differences in attributes to your advantage is a sure way to succeed.
The Inn of Galia
The Inn in Galia is the first roadside stop you'll encounter, but there is an inn in each of the towns you come across during your journey. A room at the Inn is just what the weary traveler needs to replenish his energy and clear his head.
When you need a break, tell the young lady behind the counter and she will rent you a room. The next morning she will wake you up and send you on your way with a word of encouragement.
Saving Your Game
Save your game whenever you are at an Inn. If you can get to an Inn before you attempt a dangerous move, you might be able to avert a disaster or reverse a defeat.
Follow these steps to save your game:
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1. Select Save from the A Room / Save menu while you are in one of the Inns.
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2. Pick a File. Up to three games can be saved on the same Game Pak. Be sure not to write over someone else's game!
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3. Be sure that your game is saved. If the save has been successful you will get a message saying, "File successfully saved". If, for any reason, your file is not saved, you will get a message telling you so. Please try saving your game again, or use another file number.
The Outfitter's Shop
The Outfitter has weapons and items to buy, sell, and trade. Scroll through the list of Items or Weapons to see what is available. As you select an entry, a description of that entry will appear in the display at the bottom of the screen.
The letters at the bottom of the screen stand for the names of the characters (Rooks, Darwin, Axs, Salah, Teefa). If a character can use that item, the initial will be white. If the initial is ghosted, that character cannot use that item.
The Outfitter will also buy back items, and you can trade weapons in your inventory for items you want. After selecting what you want, the Outfitter will ask you how you want to pay.
If you select Trade, you will have to choose an item you want to sell back to him. Of course, the Outfitter is in business to make a profit, and will not offer you as much for an item as you paid for it. If you don't like the amount you've been offered, you can select Refuse and keep the item.
The Spirit Healer
The tent in the square in Galia holds someone who will help you on your journey. The Spirit Healer has a habit of appearing out of nowhere, setting up her tent, then disappearing under cover of night. You'll see her in different places on your travels.
She can sell you cards of all attributes to help you defeat your enemies, or heal the spirits travelling with you.
Buy
Selecting Buy will bring up the Card Purchase screen. Select the card you want using the Control Pad and enter your selections with the A Button.
Heal
The Spirit Healer can restore any of your spirits that have been destroyed. When she asks about healing spirits, answer her questions and she will bring any spirits you have lost back to health.
Items & Weapons
Sleeping Bag
HP and MP restored to original condition.
Tent
HP and MP restored to original condition. Also reverses Paralysis and Petrify spells.
Strength Honey
Increases muscle power and physical strength.
Intelligence Honey
Increases intelligence and aptitude.
Endurance Honey
Increases endurance and perseverance.
Agility Honey
Increases agility and dexterity.
Restore Honey
Maximum HP is increased.
MP Honey
Maximum MP is increased.
Herbs
Restores some of your HP.
Medicine
Restores larger portion of your HP.
Silver Flask
Restores some of your MP.
Gold Flask
Restores larger portion of your MP.
Maiden's Tears
Reverses Petrify spells (Only 1 Party member).
Moon Oil
Reverses Paralysis spells (Only 1 Party member).
Tips & Maps
Lightning 1
All attacked by lightning
Lightning 2
All attacked by lightning
Lightning 3
All attacked by lightning
Smash 1
Throw stones at enemy
Smash 2
Throw stones at enemy
Smash 3
Throw stones at enemy
Water 1
Enemies are drowned
Water 2
Enemies are drowned
Water 3
Enemies are drowned
Flame 1
Enemies attacked by fire
Flame 2
Enemies attacked by fire
Flame 3
Enemies attacked by fire
Attribute 1
Effective against E & W
Attribute 2
Effective against E & F
Attribute 3
Effective against W & F
Attribute 4
Effective against E & w
Attribute 5
Effective against w & W
Attribute 6
Effective against F & w
Attribute 7
Effective against E, W & F
Attribute 8
Effective against E, W & w
Attribute 9
Effective against E, F & w
Attribute 10
Effective against W, w & F
Attribute 11
Effective against All
Call Wind Spirit
Summons Wind Spirit
Call Earth Spirit
Summons Earth Spirit
Call Water Spirit
Summons Water Spirit
Call Fire Spirit
Summons Fire Spirit
HP Restore All
Restores HP for All
HP Restore
Restores HP for one
Heal 1
Restores HP
Heal 2
Restores HP
Heal 3
Completely Restores HP
Heal All 1
Restores some HP for all
Heal All 2
Restores some HP for all
Chaos Wind
Sweeps enemies away
Entomb
Buries enemies
Destroy
Destroys enemies
Paralyze All
Paralyzes all enemies
Petrify All
Turns enemies to stone
Sleep All
Puts enemies to sleep
Confused All
Prevents logical thinking
Paralyze
Paralyzes one enemy
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