Introduction
Released in 1991, Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash arcade game by Taito. As the third and final entry in the Rastan series, it combined the series’ signature fantasy themes with new large-scale visuals and cooperative gameplay. It aimed to bring cinematic spectacle to arcade brawlers with its unique multi-monitor presentation.
Development and History
- Developer: Taito
- Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: 1991
- Hardware: Taito F3 System
Following the popularity of Rastan and Nastar (Rastan Saga II), Taito developed Warrior Blade to push the hardware further with bigger sprites and multi-monitor support. Cabinets were often configured with two or three screens to create a panoramic display, enhancing the feeling of battling through vast fantasy landscapes. The game introduced selectable heroes beyond Rastan himself, appealing to a broader audience.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players can choose one of three characters:
- Rastan: The returning barbarian hero
- Duke: A powerful axe-wielding fighter
- Filea: A nimble female warrior with a sword
Key gameplay features:
- Side-scrolling action with melee combos and jumping attacks
- Multi-screen wide display in deluxe cabinets
- Cooperative multiplayer for up to two players
- Magic items and power-ups collected during stages
- Boss battles against giant monsters and armored knights
Players progress through dark castles, forests, and caverns, defeating hordes of enemies inspired by European and Asian mythology.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Notable for its multi-monitor panoramic display, uncommon in arcade brawlers
- Considered one of the most technically ambitious Taito arcade releases of the era
- Less widely ported and thus more obscure than the original Rastan
- Cult following among fans of fantasy hack-and-slash games
Fun Facts
- The deluxe triple-screen cabinet could stretch over six feet wide
- The soundtrack features orchestral-style fantasy themes
- Despite the subtitle "Rastan Saga Episode III," Rastan is not always the default protagonist
- Rare to find complete cabinets today, making it a collector’s piece
Conclusion
Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III closed out the Rastan trilogy with bold visuals and expanded character choice. It was a showcase of Taito's willingness to experiment with arcade technology to create a grander sense of scale. While not as famous as the original, it stands as a fascinating experiment in arcade presentation and remains a hidden gem for fantasy action fans.