Introduction
Released in 1992 by Taito, Arabian Magic is a side-scrolling beat 'em up arcade game that immerses players in a fantastical Middle Eastern world filled with evil sorcerers, magical relics, and towering djinns. The game draws heavily on Arabian folklore, mixing swordplay and magic with lush pixel art and co-op action.
Development and History
- Developer: Taito
- Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: 1992
- Hardware: Taito F2 System
Arabian Magic was developed at a time when beat ’em ups were dominating arcades globally. Inspired by the popularity of games like Golden Axe and The King of Dragons, Taito infused their entry with a strong mythical theme. The game features four distinct characters, each with their own strengths, magical attacks, and personalities. It was designed for up to two simultaneous players.
The game was never officially ported to home consoles, although it has been included in various arcade emulator collections.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players choose one of four heroes on a quest to retrieve the Jewel of Seven Colors and defeat the dark sorcerer who cursed the kingdom.
Playable characters include:
- Prince Rassid – Balanced fighter with solid stats
- Princess Lisa – Fast and agile with ranged magical attacks
- Sinbad – Powerful and slow, specializes in heavy melee damage
- Afshaal – Monk-like character with magical strength
Gameplay elements:
- Side-scrolling beat 'em up with melee combos and jumping attacks
- Magic system: Each character has a limited-use magic attack with screen-clearing effects
- Defeated bosses become summonable allies via magic vases
- Treasure chests drop coins, food, and magic scrolls
- Bosses include giant statues, demonic beasts, and dark knights
- Two-player co-op with shared credits and magic usage
Stages: The game spans multiple exotic locations such as desert temples, flying ships, lush gardens, and palace interiors.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Although not as commercially successful as Capcom or Sega's marquee beat 'em ups, Arabian Magic developed a cult following due to its distinct theme and beautiful sprite work.
- Remembered for its polished pixel art and animation
- Notable for its blend of beat 'em up combat with summon mechanics
- Frequently featured in arcade compilation packs and emulation builds
- Compared stylistically to The King of Dragons
Fun Facts
- The game's intro features scrolling text reminiscent of storybook tales from One Thousand and One Nights
- Princess Lisa was one of the few female beat 'em up protagonists in early 1990s arcades
- Each defeated boss becomes a genie-like summon with unique abilities
- The Taito F2 hardware enabled smooth parallax scrolling and vibrant color palettes
Conclusion
Arabian Magic is a visually rich and mechanically creative entry in the beat 'em up genre. While it never reached mainstream fame, its mythical setting, magical companions, and high-quality presentation have earned it a lasting place among arcade enthusiasts.