Illusion of Gaia
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😊 7.7/10
(Super Nintendo - US, RPG)
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Developed_By:
Quintet
Published_By:
Nintendo
Released On:
27 Nov 1993
Will lives in a small town with his grandparents after his father disappeared long time ago. He has unusual abilities that allow him to push and pull things without touching them. One day, he finds a girl named Kara in his house who turns out to be the princess of a kingdom.
Illusion of Gaia is an action RPG set in a fantasy version of Earth based on historical exploration periods (16th century). The player controls Will, who can fight as himself or transform into two alter egos: Freedan and Shadow. Each character has different attributes and uses their own weapon in battle. The player receives jewels to improve their attributes, similar to experience points, but there is no monetary system or equipment in the game.
Part #:
SNS-JG (USA)
Nintendo Media PN:
SNS-JG-USA (United States)
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Number of Players Supported:
1 Player
Miscellaneous Attributes:
Battery Backed RAM
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*Illusion of Gaia* is an action-adventure role-playing game where players control Will, a young boy who survived a disastrous expedition to the Tower of Babel and gained telekinetic powers. To find his missing father and save the planet from a destructive, mutating comet that returns every 800 years, players must travel the globe, explore ancient ruins, and battle monstrous creatures. Along the journey, players will grow their characters and harness the power of mystical allies like the knight Freedan and the spirit Gaia to ultimately return to the tower and stop the impending apocalypse.
Story
The Comet of Ages
In a civilization so ancient that nothing of it remains today, the first great flowering of human knowledge produced remarkable breakthroughs in biology and genetics. These nameless ancients used their knowledge to create new forms of plants and animals to make life better on earth. Inevitably, some people twisted the science and molded violent beasts of war with hideous intelligence.
The monsters terrorized the people and the civilization began to crumble. In the end, two forces fought over the earth, the Knights of Light and Darkness. The ultimate weapon used in that war was a comet that blazed with radiation and a strange light.
The coming of the comet destroyed that race and mutated many people and animals into evil forms, which then hid in the deepest recesses of the world. In the ages that followed, from the time of the Egyptians and Babylonians to the Incas, the comet continued to return every 800 years.
With the return of this Chaos Comet came times of darkness, destruction, and disease. Fragmented legends of the comet's effects and clues about its origin were passed down to the civilizations that followed. As those nations rose then fell and time turned their works to dust, only a few treasures remained hidden in the most ancient ruins of the world.
The Lost Expedition
Our story begins in the age of exploration, a time of great discoveries when brave explorers drew back the dark shrouds of fable and shed light on the ancient wonders. In that time, a party of adventurers from the seaside town of South Cape set off to unlock one of the greatest of mysteries—the legendary Tower of Babel.
Olman, the leader, led his fellow townsmen and even his son, Will, into the tower. But then something happened and the expedition was lost without a trace, except for one.
Unfortunately, young Will couldn't remember what had happened, how he had been saved, or even how he had managed to return home after his ordeal. Even stranger was the fact that Will now possessed the power to move objects through thought alone.
The Journey Begins
The Illusion of Gaia follows Will and his companions as they seek the answers to the lost expedition. As they begin their journey, they don't suspect that it will eventually lead them around the globe or that the fate of the planet lies in their inexperienced hands.
They'll have to learn and grow and mold their characters into the stuff of heroes as they face the monsters created by the comet in past ages. Not all of the friends complete the journey, and some may turn aside to discover new destinies.
Along the way, help may arrive from unexpected quarters:
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Gaia, the spirit of the earth
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Freedan, a powerful knight
•
The mysterious Shadow
But Will must go the entire distance, fighting every battle and returning to the Tower of Babel. There, he must attempt to end the plague of the comet and find out what happened to his father. And where Will goes, you go as well.
Enemies & Characters
WILL
Will enjoys spending time with his friends, but he also likes to explore with his father. He has yet to understand the importance of his unique abilities.
KARA
Kara, Princess of Edward Kingdom, has led a sheltered life. She is stubborn, and insists upon doing whatever she wants.
LILLY
Lilly is from Itory Village. She has special knowledge and can turn into a dandelion.
LANCE
Lance's father was also lost in the Tower of Babel. Now Lance is determined to find him.
SETH
Shy and skinny, Seth is not very active, but he is very intelligent. He hangs out in the secret cave, playing games all day with his friends.
ERIK
Erik is a few years younger than the others, but he wants to help. He is the son of the richest man in town.
FREEDAN
Transform into Freedan when faced with many enemies. Freedan's long sword allows him to reach things you can't as Will.
Dark Friar
Shoot from the sword with this move. Push and hold the A Button until Freedan flashes.
Aura Barrier
Create a protective barrier by holding the A Button until Freedan is flashing, then push L and R repeatedly.
Earth Quaker
Press the A Button when jumping down. When Freedan lands, an earthquake will briefly freeze all enemies.
SHADOW
In the Pyramid, Gaia will at last present you with the power of transforming into Shadow. Once you are Shadow, push the A Button to fire a crescent-shaped beam at your enemies.
Liquify
With the Aura Sphere, given to you by Gaia, Shadow can change into a liquid. In this state, he is not harmed by enemy attacks.
How to Play
Title Screen Options
When the Title Screen appears, you will see the opening story explaining the game. Push Start to bypass this. You will then be able to choose from four options:
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1 Start Journey
•
2 Erase Trip Diary
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3 Copy Trip Diary
•
4 Change Snd/Buttons
Start Journey
Once you select this option, you'll be asked Which Diary? If playing for the first time, a Diary begins at the start. Each recorded journey starts where it was last saved.
To return to an earlier game, move the cursor to the Diary and push A.
Erase Trip Diary
Select this option when you want to erase a trip Diary. You cannot retrieve an erased Diary. Choose the Diary and push the A Button to erase it.
Copy Trip Diary
You can copy your Diary to an empty slot. You cannot copy over a saved Diary, so you must erase one if you have no empty spaces.
Change Snd/Buttons
Use this to change the button functions or to switch from mono to stereo. Make your selection and push A. To exit, select End Changes and push A, or push B.
Building Up
As you defeat enemies, Power Jewels will appear. Collecting them will boost your strength and abilities. Check the Radar Screen often to make sure you get all the monsters.
•
HP (Hit Points): Heart Power Jewels increase your Life Meter. Recover low HP with Herbs or go to the Dark Space.
•
DP (Extra Renews): Collect 100 Dark Gems to get one additional Renew. They usually appear after you defeat monsters.
•
STR (Strength): Power Jewels shaped like swords will increase your attack power as you collect them.
•
DEF (Defense): Shield-shaped Power Jewels improve your defense ability so that you suffer less damage from attacks.
Dark Power
As Will, Freedan, or Shadow, you will earn Dark Powers, which are wondrous skills. Gaia gives you these Dark Powers when you are in the Dark Space.
Will
You are better at moving or jumping over obstacles than you are at fighting monsters. When facing many barriers in a ruin or dungeon, use your Dark Powers.
•
Psycho Dash: Press and hold the A Button until you begin flashing. Release it, and you can smash obstacles.
•
Psycho Slide: To slide through a narrow opening or to attack foes, press the A Button while running.
•
Spin Dash: Hold the A Button. When flashing, push L and R repeatedly. Climb steep hills with this move.
Controls
Control Pad
Move in any of eight directions
Select Button
Go into the Item Window and again to exit
Start Button
Begin the game, pause during play, or see the Radar Screen in dungeons or ruins
A Button
Attack an enemy, talk, or keep talking
B Button
Use a selected item from the Item Window
L/R Button
Use the flute for defense or to move objects
A Button, then Control Pad toward the monster
Jump Attack
Control Pad (twice in the same direction and hold)
Run
Items & Weapons
RED JEWEL
Will can collect up to 50 Red Jewels found in various locations and return them to Gem the Jeweler for items and Power-Ups. Collecting all 50 allows access to a secret area.
ROAST
An item found in Edward's Castle that can only be used once, which Will won't eat until later in the game.
HERBS
A limited item found in story and fighting areas that replenishes some of Will's lost HP.
PUZZLE PIECES
Items like a Diamond-Shaped Block that must be matched with a corresponding hole to open new passages and solve puzzles.
WIND MELODY
A melody learned on the Larai Cliffs in the Incan Ruins that can cause something good to happen when blown on Will's flute in the right place.
KEYS
Items required to open locked doors throughout the game.
DARK GEMS
Gems that appear when an enemy is defeated. Collecting them earns Renews, which allow Will to start over in the same area if he loses a life.
MYSTIC STATUES
Six statues that Will must find and win throughout the game, sometimes requiring him to defeat a guardian character.
Tips & Maps
TALK OFTEN
Begin conversations with everyone. You may not be allowed to leave town if you have not spoken with enough people.
DESTROY ALL ENEMIES
Do not leave any enemies behind. You cannot progress further in ruins or dungeons until all monsters are defeated.
SWITCH CHARACTERS
Be sure to use Will's abilities wisely, as well as Freedan's and Shadow's. Certain situations demand special talents.
NEVER GIVE UP!
You will often need to be very patient. At times, you must wait for the puzzle to be solved or for equipment to start working.
Companions of the Cave
Will often meets with his school friends in a seaside cave in the south part of town. Erik, Seth and Lance demand a demonstration of Will's mental powers.
Grandma and Grandpa
Since his return from the doomed expedition, Will has lived with his grandparents, Lola and Bill. Listen to their wise words, but don't eat too much of Lola's chow.
GEM THE JEWELER
On the rooftop below the school, Gem the Jeweler waits to collect Red Jewels and dispense gifts from his inventory. Gem appears in other places, too.
Jewel Trading
As you collect and return more Red Jewels to Gem, he offers you items and powers. If you manage to collect all 50 Jewels, you'll learn Gem's well kept secret and enter a hidden area of the game.
Breakfast for a King
Be sure to talk to everyone and poke your head behind everything as if someone is hiding there. You'll learn some useful and some mysterious facts.
Captive Kara
Something is rotten in Edward's Castle: The queen has hired a professional hunter and tracker and Kara has been forbidden to leave. She needs your help to escape.
Lock Him Up!
Will doesn't have a chance. The King locks him in prison no matter what you say. Talk to every wall and object, then wait for messages.
Palace Rumors
The castle is abuzz with rumors of a dark hunter who has been hired for unknown, but supposedly evil purposes. Make sure you talk to everyone.
Locked Up
The only way to get out of prison is to wait. He'll drift off to sleep and dream of a message from his father.
Saved by Hamlet
When Hamlet shows up at the prison door, Will notices that a letter and key are tied to the porker's tail. Select the Key from inventory and open the door.
Gem Collecting
Make sure you collect all the Dark Gems that appear after enemies are defeated. Collect 100 of them for an extra life.
Statue Heads
In the early part of the dungeon, Will finds his path blocked by two heavy stone heads. Use your telekinetic power to move one block and open up a pathway between the stones.
Switch Hitting
In Edward's Prison, you can find an Herb in a Treasure Chest by hitting the first Floor Switch with your flute. Switches open and close pathways and doors of many types.
The Stuck Switch
The second Floor Switch is rusted shut. Jump on it from above to find the Red Jewel, then talk to the spirit in the corner.
Transform Into Freedan
Freedan, a knight from long ago, offers his service to Will in the Dark Space. In many action areas ahead, you will have the choice to play as Will or Freedan.
The Flower Room
Defeat the bats to reach the hall with the flower. Select Lola's melody and play it.
Too Short
The Switch beyond the stone wall can't be hit by Will's short flute. Proceed to the pier, destroy the serpents, and enter the new Dark Space where you can gain a new power.
Kara's Escape
Sneak past Old Snorehead with Kara to escape her room, and raid the roast in the basement.
Return to South Cape
After the castle, you return to Will's messy house which was turned over by the Black Jackal, and Lilly of the Itory appears.
Running Dash
Learn a new skill in Itory Village to soar across wide chasms by running down a slope.
Incan Statue A
Jump the chasm, talk to the flower spirit for instructions, and use Psycho Dash in the cave below to open the back wall.
Voice of Shadows
The Shadows of the Moon Tribe tell the story of the Chaos Comet and how its light mutated their people.
Incan Statue B
Defeat the warped creatures in the cave beneath the Moon Tribe's plateau within 20 seconds to get the second statue.
Diamond Block
Win the Diamond Block from a Treasure Chest, then set it in the Diamond Hole near the spike pit to open a new route.
The Psycho Dash
Use Will's Psycho Dash power to destroy statues and pass on to the Treasure Chest.
The Secret Leap
Look for a gap in the ring of stones on the cliffside to jump down to another terrace and enter the cave.
Freedan's Reach
Transform into Freedan in the Dark Space to use his longer attack reach to destroy the statue in the square of blocks.
Four Gold Plates
Twirl Will's flute to move three gold statues onto the plates while Will stands on the fourth to open a door.
Wind Melody
Stand on top of a giant statue as Freedan to learn the Melody of the Wind.
Switched On
Hit the switch to bring the four statue enemies to life so you can defeat them and move on.
Will Returns
Transform back into Will to blow the flute and open a new door in the gold floored room.
The Flashing Tile
Blow the Melody of the Wind at the top of the stairs and stand on the flashing floor tile until a door opens.
Set the Statues
Place Incan Statues A and B in the cliff slots, proceed to the three pillars, and let the wind blow you to the guardian's lair.
CASTOTH
Defeat the guardian's claw-like hands from the safe back ledge while dodging head beams, then jump down the hole.
The Queen & the Statue
Find the Incan Queen below deck, retrieve the Mystic Statue from the hold, and speak to the entire crew topside.
The Crow's Nest
Go to the Crow's Nest atop the mast to watch the ship emerge into light and set sail.
The Dream
Crawl onto the platform to sleep and receive portents of the comet from your mom.
Journey by Raft
After being shipwrecked, follow the story and eat fish while cast adrift on the open sea for weeks.
The Hiding Laborer
Go up the backside of the hotel from the dead end alley to find and turn in the hiding runaway laborer.
Break In
Break in the door of the house in the northeast corner of town to rescue your friend so you can go to the mines.
A Locked Elevator
The key to open the elevator to the lower levels of the mine lies much deeper in the mine.
Save the Laborers
Hack through the chains of the laborers in the mine to free them, and they will thank you with news and useful items like keys.
Four Switches
Hit the four switches on the cross-shaped platform to open the door in the middle, leading to the lower level's secrets.
Double Dark Spaces
Use the Psycho Dash at the back wall of the first Dark Space to discover a second room containing Freedan and the Dark Friar Power-Up.
The Fence
Use Freedan and his shot power to defeat the enemy on the upper ledge, removing the fence so you can obtain the Elevator Key.
Keys to the Mine
Search for keys on the floor and from laborers to open doors, and take the elevator to the cemetery to find a key and the Memory Melody.
NEIL'S HOUSE
Visit Will's cousin Neil, an inventor who lives near the Nazca Desert, to check out his incredible machines before he joins the party.
Ahead of his Time
Neil has invented incredible tools like an airplane and telescope, some of which are used later in the adventure.
NAZCA PLAIN
Explore every corner of the desert and talk to everyone to find the Moon Tribe, allowing you to move on to the Sky Garden.
THE SKY GARDEN
A floating garden above the Nazca Plain where you must find four Crystal Balls to create a bridge to the guardian.
Topsy Turvy
Step off a facing edge in the Sky Garden to flip around to the backside and explore a whole new area.
First Crystal Ball
Start at the upper right area and proceed clockwise, visiting both sides of the garden to obtain the first Crystal Ball.
A Secret Door
Hit the guardian statue to bring it to life, fight off its flying sword, and it will move aside to reveal a door to a Dark Space.
Second Crystal Ball
Charge down the ramp to leap to the right side, and use Freedan on the backside to strike foes across the blocks.
More Switch Hitting
Use Freedan to hit the switch on the backside from a distance to avoid getting trapped, then return to the front side to reach the Dark Space.
Statue on the Switch
Spin your flute to move the statue in the blocked-off area onto the floor switch to open a new passage.
Crystal Ball Three
Use switches on both sides to remove blocks, and utilize Will's Psycho Dash and telekinetic powers to reach the chest.
The Final Crystal Ball
Navigate a series of rush jumps and a maze-like layout, choosing the lower jump to reach the final Crystal Ball.
VIPER
Defeat the giant eagle god Viper at his aerie above the Sky Garden by dodging his feathers and attacking with Freedan's sword.
SEASIDE PALACE
Travel to the Seaside Palace, where you must find the Purification Stone to purify the well and help your faded companions.
Kara Fading
Find Kara appearing faded and transparent in one of the rooms, prompting the need to find the Purification Stone and put it in the well.
The Purification Stone
Send Lilly into small openings in the coffins to report on their contents and locate the Purification Stone.
More Faded Friends
Discover more of your companions suffering from strange fading effects in the lower reaches of the Palace, and take the Stone to the lowest basement.
The Fountain
Throw the Purification Stone into the fountain water to purify it, allowing you to learn much more information.
Enemy Alert
Monsters in Mu and Angkor Wat are tougher than those in the Sky Garden, so players must do their best and hunt down Dark Spaces.
Red Jewel #23
Look in a specific chest in Mu to find Red Jewel #23.
Propulsion Rings
Flashing rings can be moved by hitting them or using telekinesis, and bouncing off them helps Will run up hills.
Room of Hope
This chamber has nothing to do initially, but players must return with the Statue of Hope; there are two statues and two rooms.
Statues of Hope
Find these statues by following the gaze of two stone heads set at 90 degrees and pressing the A Button where their lines of sight meet.
Using the Statues
Return to the Rooms of Hope, ascend the altar, and use the Statue of Hope to lower the water level by one.
Bouncing Up
Bounce off the flashing ring at the bottom of an incline and quickly push Up twice on the Control Pad to activate a run up the slope.
Speed Spikes
Hit the switch to temporarily lower the spikes popping out of holes, then quickly run up and down to clear them.
The Psycho Slider
A slide move awarded by Gaia in the Dark Space that allows Will to slide through low openings and attack enemies.
Statue of Hope #2
Find the second statue where the gazes of two stone heads meet on a narrow ledge below one head and to the right of the other.
Beware of Vampires!!
Save your Herbs for the brutal fight against the vampire pair at the end of Mu.
Rama Statue #1
Found in the area west of the Dark Space where you received the Psycho Slider, serving as a key to reach the end of Mu.
Rama Statue #2
Located in a cul-de-sac north of the Dark Space, this second statue is required alongside the first to proceed to the final area.
Placing the Rama Statues
Place both statues on the altars in the lowest level of Mu, southeast of the Dark Space, to transport to the Mu Burial Ground.
Vampires
Fight the fast, coordinated vampire pair Jack and Silvana as Freedan, avoiding their high-damage combination attack.
Cut which one?
Defuse the time bomb by cutting either the red or blue wire, as both will successfully do the job.
Undersea Tunnel
A safe hike under the Great Ocean in a tunnel made by the Muians where you must eat mushrooms to survive and can talk to Seth in fishy form.
Ishtar's Door
A native guards the door to the deep passage where the painter Ishtar works, warning you of dangers beyond.
Tunnel of Winds
Navigate this tunnel by using the Psycho Slider and following a native's advice that flames bend toward the exit.
Kara is Nicely Framed
Solve four puzzles involving jar colors, changing chest contents, and wind to earn Magic Dust and restore Kara to three dimensions.
Red Jewel #24
Check out the fountain in the dance hall of Angel Village for a Jewel.
Red Jewel #25
Look in a chest located in the basement of Angel Village.
Red Jewel #26
A Jewel is hidden in the room next to Ishtar's studio.
Red Jewel #27
In the third puzzle room of Angel Village, the chest contains a Jewel.
Kruks Aren't for Sale
To cross the desert, Will must win Kruks by playing Russian Glass on a separate raft in Watermia.
Lance's Reunion
Will finds Lance and his mad father in a hut next to where the group is staying; talk to both of them before leaving.
Lance & Lilly
Lance and Lilly vanish after the party, and it is Will's job to get these two back together.
Lance Leaves A Letter
Read Lance's letter in your inventory to progress and unlock the Great Wall of China on your travel map.
Red Jewel #28
This Jewel can be found in a jar on the left side of Watermia.
Red Jewel #29
Look in the jars inside the gambling house in Watermia to find a Jewel.
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Will tracks Lance to the Great Wall, where he learns the Psycho Spin and battles the Sand Fanger for the fourth Mystic Statue.
Spin and Jump
With the Psycho Spin, Will can hurl himself up ramps, make long leaps, and attack enemies.
EURO
The center of the laborer trade where Will must find a connection to the Rolek company using the Teapot from Mt. Kress.
The Statue in the Shrine
Will finds a statue in the Shrine that moves aside to reveal a hidden room containing chained laborers.
MOUNT KRESS
Will searches the mushroom forest of Mt. Kress to win the Aura Barrier for Freedan and navigate a confusing maze.
Mending the Vine
Magic Mushroom Drops are used to cause broken vines to grow together, requiring Will to find three drops on his way to the Teapot.
Vine Jumping
Players can run down the curving ends of vines to leap over to new areas and safely land far away.
ANGKOR WAT
Deep in the jungle near the Natives' Village lie the mysterious ruins of Angkor Wat, featuring tough fights against bizarre inhabitants.
DAO
In the desert town of Dao, Will receives a useful gift from his grandparents, can play a snake game, and prepares for the Pyramid.
Olman's Journal
Will receives his father's journal containing a partial translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.
THE PYRAMID
Most of the Pyramid lies underground, requiring Will to transform into Shadow, solve a six-piece puzzle, and face the Black Jackal and Mummy.
Liquid Shadow
Selecting the Aura Ball allows Shadow to turn into a puddle of liquid to seep through cracks and reach hidden areas.
Six Hieroglyphic Tiles
Each of the six doors leads to a tile that must be placed in the slots in the top chamber in the order from Olman's Journal.
Meet the Mummy Queen
As Freedan, attack the Mummy from the upper ledge, jump down when ghosts expand, and use Dark Friar shots.
TOWER OF BABEL
Will returns to the enigmatic Tower of Babel where his father's expedition was lost to face the final battles.
Air Neil
Neil arrives in his airplane to transport Will from the Pyramid to the Tower of Babel as the Chaos Comet approaches.
One More Time
You must face all the guardians one more time using Shadow, without the ability to save or heal between many of the fights.
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