Syd of Valis (Mega Drive/Genesis) Playthrough
4Playthrough of Syd of Valis, Renovation's 1992 action game for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.
Released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, Syd of Valis is a localized version of the Japanese game Valis SD, itself a reinterpretation of Valis II from the PC Engine CD. The game retains the core storyline of the original: a Japanese schoolgirl named Yuuko, renamed Syd in this release, takes up the sword of Valis to battle evil forces and protect the world. Unlike the more serious tone of earlier entries, this version adopts a “super deformed” art style, with exaggerated proportions and a more cartoon-like presentation.
At its core, Syd of Valis is a side-scrolling action-platformer. Players guide Syd through a series of levels, battling enemies with melee and ranged attacks, platforming across hazards, and facing large bosses at the end of stages. New to this version is the ability to change between different sets of armor and weapons, providing some variety in playstyle, as well as the ability to aim attacks upward. On paper, these additions suggest an expanded take on Valis II, but the execution often undermines the concept.
The most immediate issue comes from the game’s presentation of scale. Syd’s sprite is quite large, taking up a significant portion of the screen, which reduces the visible playfield. This problem is compounded by scrolling that only shifts once the character is close to the screen’s edge, giving little time to react to incoming enemies or hazards. The result is a cramped experience that feels less precise than it should.
Control responsiveness is another sticking point. Movement is fast but lacks weight, and jumping in particular feels floaty, with an unnatural amount of hang time that makes precision platforming difficult. Attacks are inconsistent in terms of hit detection, leading to situations where enemies may or may not register damage despite clear contact. This inconsistency makes the moment-to-moment gameplay unpredictable and frustrating.
Visually, the game adopts a super-deformed style intended to be charming, but the execution is mixed. Syd’s design is exaggerated in ways that may not appeal to all players, and while some enemy designs and bosses show creativity, backgrounds and environmental details are often simplistic, resembling lower-tier 8-bit graphics rather than the more capable Genesis hardware. Occasional sprite flickering further detracts from the presentation. The soundtrack and effects are serviceable, but they lack the memorable style associated with the earlier Valis titles.
Despite its flaws, Syd of Valis remains a notable curiosity within the franchise. It attempted to repackage Valis II for a new audience with gameplay tweaks and a distinct visual identity. However, the result is an uneven experience that struggles to balance playability with presentation. For fans of the Valis series, it provides an interesting alternative perspective on familiar material. For most players, though, it falls short of the more polished and stylish games that inspired it.