Sol Divide (Arcade, 1997) - Playthrough, 2 Players
1Sol Divide is a unique, fantasy-themed arcade game developed by Psikyo and originally released in 1997. It combines elements of side-scrolling shooters with beat 'em up and RPG-style mechanics, setting it apart from many arcade titles of its era. Known for its blend of magic, melee, and aerial combat, Sol Divide provides players with a challenging experience and an unusual style for a shooter.
Game Mechanics and Gameplay
In Sol Divide, players choose from one of three distinct characters:
Kashon, a well-rounded warrior with strong melee abilities.
Tyr, a character with high magical abilities.
Vorg, a strong but slower character.
Each character has its unique strengths, weaknesses, and special moves, adding variety to gameplay and replayability. The game combines side-scrolling shooting mechanics with close-combat melee attacks, so players can switch between magic spells and physical attacks depending on the situation.
The gameplay is also heavily influenced by an RPG-like magic system. Players collect magic spells as they progress, which are used to attack enemies or provide buffs. These spells range from fireballs and lightning strikes to healing spells and shields, allowing for tactical choices in combat. The blend of shooter elements with this RPG-inspired magic system creates a distinctive mix.
Story and Setting
The storyline is set in a fantasy world where an evil sorcerer, Jeal, is threatening to plunge the world into darkness. Players embark on a journey to stop Jeal and his dark forces, encountering various mythical creatures and powerful bosses along the way. The storyline is fairly straightforward, fitting the game's fast-paced, arcade-focused design, but the dark fantasy setting and enemy designs add a strong atmosphere to the game.
Graphics and Sound
Sol Divide is known for its atmospheric visuals. The graphics feature dark fantasy-inspired artwork, with gothic designs and moody backdrops. The enemy and character designs are influenced by medieval fantasy, with dragons, demons, and undead knights among the foes. The soundtrack complements the dark theme, enhancing the suspenseful feel of the game.
Reception and Legacy
The game received mixed reviews at release. Fans of Psikyo’s previous shooter games appreciated its creativity and experimentation, but the hybrid mechanics were a bit challenging for players expecting a traditional shooter. Despite this, Sol Divide has gained a cult following due to its unique blend of gameplay styles and its departure from typical arcade shooter mechanics. It was later ported to various consoles, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and eventually modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, keeping the game accessible to newer generations.
Overall, Sol Divide stands out as an ambitious experiment in the genre, merging fantasy RPG elements with fast-paced arcade action. While not widely known, it remains an interesting example of genre-blending in arcade game history.