Top down RPG with sidescrolling action sequences
This game combines top down map based exploration with encounters (random and non random) that are based in a left to right sidescrolling view. This makes the game fairly interesting for both real time players as well as for turn based RPG lovers. The turn based portions are classic in their control: you can defend attack, use an item, use magic, withdraw or just allow the encounter to go on automatically. I suggest this last option be used only if you are facing lesser enemies, otherwise you stand losing the encounters most often than not. The story is a classic one, the forces of evil and the forces of good are having a brawl and you are caught in the middle of it all, so, in order to get a grip on the situation you have to make sure you know how to get it all done right. At any rate, Spirit of Excalibur is never too ingenious in its storytelling and I don't suggest you give it a go just cause of the story. Yes, it has its own take on the Arthurian legend, but then again, it's not like it tries to unearth something special, just uses the trope as many other games have done. Well, it can be this game or Vengeance of Excalibur both of which propose a story based on the famed sword. In fact they're similar in gameplay as well, this one being the later title, released in 92.
