Terranigma

Terranigma is an action role-playing game developed by Quintet and published by Enix for the Super Famicom in Japan and Europe in 1995 and 1996 respectively. It was never released in North America. The game is the final installment in Quintet's loose "Soul Blazer" trilogy, following Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia.

The story follows Ark, a young boy from the isolated village of Radcot in a world where continents have crumbled into dust and only islands remain. He is tasked by the elder of his village to gather the five magical Lightstone fragments scattered across the globe. These fragments are key to restoring the world. Ark's journey involves traveling to various locations, battling monsters, and solving puzzles.

A central theme of Terranigma is the act of creation and resurrection. As Ark progresses, he visits different eras of the planet's history, from the prehistoric age to the modern era, rebuilding civilizations and bringing life back to barren landscapes. This is achieved through a unique gameplay mechanic where players must defeat monsters in specific locations to restore them to their former glory.

The gameplay is characterized by its real-time combat system, similar to its predecessors, where players directly control Ark in battles against enemies. Exploration is also a significant component, with players navigating diverse environments and interacting with non-player characters to advance the plot. The game is praised for its engaging story, atmospheric music, and innovative gameplay mechanics that explore themes of environmentalism and the cyclical nature of life and destruction.