Crystalis (NES) Playthrough

A playthrough of SNK's 1990 action-adventure game for the NES, Crystalis.
1997, October 1,
The END DAY
I can distinctly remember the first time I played Crystalis because of this line. I don't recall any other game, or at least not one in 1990, beginning with a predicted date for the apocalypse, only to then immediately follow it up with a vivid depiction of how it would happen. It wasn't the result of war, pollution, or rampant consumerism: the END DAY was an all-out nuclear holocaust.
In a fun coincidence, Terminator 2: Judgment Day scheduled a similarly fiery end to humanity around the same time, with Skynet pulling the trigger on August 29, 1997.
Somewhat less coincidentally, like countless other fantasy games from the NES era, Crystalis's story was clearly inspired by two classic Studio Ghibli films, 1984's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and 1986's Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
Crystalis was SNK's second in-house game developed specifically for a console, and though it wasn't a massive best-seller, it reviewed well and went on to become a cult classic that is still fondly remembered by NES fans all these years later.
It's an action-RPG that takes the basic structure of The Legend of Zelda and fleshes it out with a proper narrative, experience-based growth system, and a wide range of equipment and upgradable weapons, and it does it arguably better than any other NES game of its type.
There were so many things that made Crystalis memorable. The soundtrack, the vibrant graphics, the flashy cutscenes, and the story events are all standouts - who could forget changing genders to meet with the leader of a female-only town, riding on the back of a dolphin and taking to the open seas, or the death of Deo's best friend? (Not to mention how the Famicom version was named "God Slayer." That's quite a heavy title for an 8-bit ARPG, don't you think?)
Long time SNK fans will also recognize a few familiar faces here. Psycho Soldier's Athena and Kensuo are cast as "wisemen," and Ikari Warriors' Ralf and Clark both appear as NPCs.
Crystalis was, in my opinion, a seminal NES work that still deserves to be played today. Just do yourself a favor and stick with the original version. Nintendo's compromised Game Boy Color remake ( • Crystalis (Game Boy Co... ) doesn't do the game justice.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes that SNK had followed through with their plans for a sequel on the Neo Geo.
_____________
No cheats were used during the recording of this video.
NintendoComplete (www.nintendocom...) punches you in the face with in-depth reviews, screenshot archives, and music from classic 8-bit NES games!

[@NintendoComplete]

Crystalis was one of the most memorable action-adventures I ever played on the NES. Definitely my favorite of the SNK games for the system!

[@MurseSamson]

Same here!! It's not a Walmart brand Zelda! 👍 Great game!

[@TheBathrobeWizard]

Never could figure it out. So thank you for playing so I can watch

[@ElephantMariotheRHDNhater3293]

Even better! It's on NSO!

[@TeddyBelcher4kultrawide]

$29.99 retail steel

[@45jacky77]

Just started playing this last night on m switch. I would say irony but we all know information is sold around social media.

[@spoonshiro]

Crystalis is easily in my top 10 NES games ever. Fantastic title.

[@awbays]

Man how did I miss out on this one as a kid, this game was years ahead of it's time in every category.

[@Augoeides32]

I'm actually currently trying to remaster Crystalis. It's good to see people are still interested in it. Makes me feel like if I ever finish, people will actually play it.

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

I’ll definitely play it!

[@trebornitram2278]

Ooh I’d play it

[@Augoeides32]

@@jellef4704 I was basically redoing everything to be a bit better, and more or less accidentally making it a 16 bit game. I tried to limit myself to the original color pallet, but significantly expanded the shades of those colors, etc. I don't have a website yet, so I was just using the Crystalis Randomizer Discord to post my edits and updates. The plan, was to get at least all the basic games mechanics done, and one Dungeon, before I considered doing stuff like that. Unfortunately, while I got quite far into the project, I'm lacking knowledge on how to finish implementing a few mechanics (the sword charge and Inventory system particularly gave me stress); enemy AI was something I didn't quite understand too. I couldn't figure out how to code them all, so I stopped working on it a couple months ago. I'd love to pick it up again and finish it, if I could figure out the remaining coding stuff for it. I had a ton of fun working on it. I had a ton of quality of life changes planned, and was going to make it a bit more of a metroidvania styled game, although there was plans to leave an optional version of the full original game (with just the visual updates). Right now, most of my goes into programming for Fallout 4 as a mod author. I do miss using GameMaker though, as it gave me more freedom.

[@larryjake7783]

What do you mean by remaster and please answer me , do you mean make it 3D and same level of graphics as Legend of Zelda the latest one, please answer. I expect that quality and nothing less, you better not😊

[@Augoeides32]

@@larryjake7783 I could have sworn I replied to the guy above you. I must have hit Cancel instead of send :x I had to abandon the project a couple months ago, because I just couldn't figure out how to program certain things. I'm interested in finishing the project, but it's going to be a while before I get back to it, assuming I can even finish it. I was having a blast working on it though. I enjoyed redoing the sprites and writing the code, but I'm a novice programmer at best, so trying to design the monster AI and Inventory system is beyond my knowledge. As for graphics, I was sticking to the original color palette, but greatly expanding it via various shades of those colors. I also heavily emphasizing shadows, since that was a dominant thing in Crystalis' art style, although it was mostly limited to just using black over and over. I also took the liberty of cleaning up a lot of the sprites (you'd be surprised how poorly some of them were done, go look at the Tiger enemy from the beginning of the game very closely) and I added a few frames of animation on many of the sprites, to give them a smoother feel. Ultimately, my version of the game has more of a 16 bit feel, color-wise. I was also planning to add in more progression and optional items too, making it more of a Metroidvania (as in, hidden items to permanently increase Life and Mana, items that would allow you to see floating damage, etc.) I was also planning on there being a gender select: you would get to play as Simea (the name for the protagonist), but you could also be a girl, which I used Mesia's sprite (the other person in cryostasis, whom you meet at the end of the game). Instead of saving her, you would go save Simea instead. I also had some randomized elements planned for people who beat the game, like started with different swords or what not. If you want to see a lot of what I had done, look up the Crystalis Randomizer Discord; I posted almost everything I worked on during the project, many of which were animated sprites.

[@Deucehoru]

This game rocks. My all time favorite. The music is incredible.

[@Dorian_Scott]

One of my favorite NES games. Everything from the graphics & sound to the gameplay is beautifully crafted together to create one of the most underrated JRPGS ever made. I'm also a fan of the equipment actually showing up on your character. Very rarely will an RPG from this era have that detail in them.

[@bigduke5902]

Nobody ever has anything but glowing praise for this game. I think it's pretty adequately rated.

[@Dorian_Scott]

@@bigduke5902 Interesting. You're the first person I've ever encountered who thinks Crytalis is just okay.

[@bigduke5902]

@@Dorian_Scott I loved it as a kid when it was new, but even then I never felt it really did anything special. Scheherazade is a hell of a lot more interesting and nobody ever talks about that. I'd say something like that is a lot more underrated than something that was featured prominently in Nintendo Power and everyone loves. Faxanadu, The Guardian Legend, and StarTropics get the same treatment, it's weird.

[@Ouroboros112]

I played both crystalis and sherazade and i'd Say crystalis has the upper hand on gameplay and story. Sherazade is good but turn base Battles didnt give it any edge and was too slow. Graphics were blend too imo.

[@bigduke5902]

@@Ouroboros112 I agree. Crystalis isn't underrated.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

This game is so freaking cool. Dare it be...the greatest NES game?? ...Or at least one of the best. The Guardian Legend is hard to beat. It's got almost everything I love about 8-bit games, all in one, not to mention tells a relatively detailed and coherent narrative. What a masterpiece! I still remember when your channel introduced me to this game in an older version back in 2018 or so. Thanks, Alex.

[@d_valroth]

Good call. Both are absolute classics, and I can say that having only first played TGL 25 years after its release. It's seriously good, no nostalgia whatsoever.

[@greensun1334]

SNK is famous for making amazing game music, even this 8bit NES title has some really good tracks!

[@EgoFumPapa]

Thanks for the nostalgia. As a kid, I probably spent more hours playing Crystalis than any other game, and I played a lot. It was my absolute favorite. The story is very immersive, the controls are responsive, combat is fun, leveling up and items are well designed and thought out and the music is seriously amazing. One of the best NES games in my opinion.

[@Ultra-Gamer81]

I love this game and this channel. I have been watching this channel for a while and was a big inspiration and will continue to be for a long time

[@BenieTheDragon]

God... the nostalgia of this game. Freakin' enjoyed it a lot more than I assumed I would.

[@nathannightmare1604]

I'm so happy you finally covered this game!

[@TheIkranRider]

It's about time you did this underappreciated RPG, thank you! :D

[@danalong1237]

According to a TV commercial: “Crystalis, new from SNK… for play on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Are you up to the challenge?”

[@krystalfan]

one of the gratest late cycle nes titles i remember seeing this game and mario 3 having a tug o' war for the number 1 spot in nintendo power's power ranking list for like 3 years if i recall this also won several NESter awards (that magazine's traditional yearly award presentation during the 8 bit generation) including game of the year (it definitely earned it)

[@mrnobody2683]

Underrated gem indeed

[@EddieFaria]

Wow! That soundtrack!

[@VahanNisanian]

SNK's finest NES hour.

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

True 😊

[@capt.animosiac5093]

If there ever be a reboot of this, SNK Playmore and the former Neo-Geo should be on board without hesitation as some of their canon games are returning as of recently.

[@Sharpester-m4o]

If they did a reboot. They would probably have Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Galford from Samurai Shodown make cameo appearances.

[@KareemHillJr]

You'd never believe that this was made by the same company who made The King of Fighters.

[@yusakug]

I do kind of wish this game was on the SNES instead, as it had more buttons, and you could possibly switch weapons on the fly, instead of going to a menu all the time. Regardless, a fantastic game.

[@phlyphenix1601]

The game looks better than I remember

[@thecowboy2]

"You're great!" Another SNK / Metal Slug reference.

[@borderlinesunshine9630]

Apart from Legend of Zelda, one of the best Action Based RPGs for The NES.

[@arcadecup]

hidden gem

[@MatthiaGryffine]

Our family never understood how anything in the game worked and it frustrated us to no end. It's such a shame because this game looked great for the time.

[@mohammadrahman8263]

Soundtrack is really good

[@loszhor]

Best yard sale buy I ever made!

[@isumairu25]

Imagine they release a Remake of Crystalis for the upcoming Nintendo system.

[@Sharpester-m4o]

It would be insane. If they kept the cameos and had more SNK characters from their other games make cameos, then it would be pretty cool.

[@dominickjustave3558]

Great game, underrated

[@johnle6543]

Love playing this game back then. GBC version isn't the same since they made so many changes to the storyline and game.

[@labelledamedumanor4876]

So.... Link isn't the only guy with a beam shooting sword?

[@thecunninlynguist]

Ambitious game, especially for the time. I didn't really like the gbc remake, but the nes version is classic

[@Dorian_Scott]

The GBC remake is... a remake lol. I *_did_* like the goofy sound bites for each sword, but that's about all of the good I can muster from it. The fan translation for "God Slayer" is better than both versions, in my opinion though.

[@NintendoComplete]

I didn't think much of the remake either.

[@ricardohuff8774]

This game is great, there some stuff I've missed some stuff while playing this pray I beat this gem also blaster master.

[@tylermercado1445]

You basically need to reach certain levels to damage later enemies and bosses. For example, you need to reach level 2 to attack enemies in the sealed cave once you open it. And the first boss, the vampire, requires you to be at least level 3. Of course, some enemies and bosses can only be damaged by a specific sword. Like the semi final boss requires the sword of thunder to damage him, as well as being max level and having the power ring equipped.

[@NintendoComplete]

Yeah, the Ys games gate progression the same way.

[@biancaarmstrong5097]

I'm surprised that SNK made this fantastic game. The same gaming company that made other amazing games like Metal Slug, Samurai Showdown, and The King of Fighters For example.

[@iamtamashii4184]

This is my shit. I miss this game

[@jevonknights3507]

I have amazing memories of this game. Played it a while back but don't think it held up well over time. The purpose of certain items just didn't make sense, like that dumb eye glasses... geesz

[@2Skinny]

The music was...something

[@roxoconochtli6911]

Hi, what game would you recommend to me, Crystalis or Blaster Master? Both are great, but if i only can choose one...

[@NintendoComplete]

I'd pick Crystalis.

[@PogueSquadron]

Such a love hate relationship with this one. I looove the beginning of this game. But when I finally went to conquer it on Switch, I found the later sections pretty grating. Still, I just love games like this, old Ys games, etc. Love just talking to the characters and figuring out what to do next.

[@xxHUNGRY4THETRUTHxx]

Does Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind have something to do with this? Just take a look at the beastie @ 32:20.

[@bigduke5902]

No, but Castle in the Sky is recognized as the biggest inspiration for almost every single RPG trope of the 8- and 16-bit era so it's highly likely Nausicaa was borrowed from too.

[@d_valroth]

@@bigduke5902 I mean, the hero fights an enraged ohmu in the poisonous forest using a gasmask and the insect flute they got from the forest people. They really weren't being subtle at all.

[@NintendoComplete]

There's a ton of Ghibli in this, almost as much as was in Final Fantasy. The very first town sits on the edge of a windy valley that has a windmill, and the Draygonian Empire is basically Tolmekia with a new name. The entire intro is a mix of Nausicaä and Laputa, too, with the floating castle and the mutated stuff and all, and the final area plays out a lot like the ending of Laputa.

[@bigduke5902]

@@d_valroth Yeah, but I don't think they were trying to hide it or even ripped it off. Like I said, it's widely recognized in Japan how much influence Castle in the Sky had on their entertainment media. This was probably a nod to Nausicaa it fully expected to be recognized. As for the west, most of us had no idea these games even came from Japan let alone what a Ghibli was. I can tell you I definitely didn't catch any of those references at all in my childhood.

[@DoodleDad]

I loved this game as a kid. Thought it was going to be another junk cartridge but it was very good!

[@SomeOrangeCat]

Quite possibly the least SNK game that SNK ever made.

[@son_60han]

1:57:46 can someone explain what is he doing ? Some RNG or something ?

[@ciddurand8759]

Was Azteca always Draygon?

[@thecowboy2]

How do feel today?

[@mattrandall1808]

1:57:46 lol great dance moves

[@mnemonichotpocket]

Snk? More like S N yay, amirite?

[@Kjj316]

Anyone get a series of glitched cartridges of this game that didn’t allow you to progress beyond a certain point because you couldn’t hurt the enemies?

[@NintendoComplete]

I don't think that's a glitch. If you can't hurt an enemy, it's usually because your level isn't high enough or you're using the wrong weapon.

[@vilangel78]

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[@c4ncerino]

0:42 - Did we ever see any of those wild dragons in the actual game? 🤔

[@NintendoComplete]

The last boss you fight before going to the floating castle is a big ass dragon.

[@c4ncerino]

yeah, but like dragons out in the wild ya know? haha 😆

[@NintendoComplete]

​@c4ncerino Ah yeah. I dunno. The dragons are probably just in the intro because they look cool.

[@JacobTremblayAndTheMultiverse]

Paul Tremblay

[@HerdeCudiamat]

Good game

[@Staryxvddb]

Just jump over the guards

[@bigduke5902]

I don't know. Crystalis was a really great game in it's time, but I think it benefits alot from our taking Zelda for granted. The combat is pretty sloppy and the level designs are little more than large mazes with no real puzzle solving going on. As cool as some of the interactions in the villages are, at some point it becomes pretty clear you're never really going to be doing anything more exciting from a gameplay standpoint than what was seen in the first couple of hours. I personally find Scheherazade a lot more interesting.

[@-RAYZ-]

Should say edited ''playthrough''!