Jewel Master

Jewel Master

European cover art
Developer(s) Sega
Publisher(s) Sega
Distributor(s) Sega
Composer(s) Motoaki Takenouchi
Platform(s) Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis
Release date(s)
  • JP August 30, 1991
  • NA August 29, 1991
  • EU 1991
Genre(s) Action-adventure game
Mode(s) Single-player
Media/distribution 16-megabit cartridge

Jewel Master is a 1991 video game for the Sega Genesis game console.[1] It took place in the country of Mythgard, where the protagonist, The Jewel Master must traverse the harsh lands ranging from scorching deserts to rugged mountains and through long forgotten ruins to collect the 12 elemental rings and save Mythgard from the clutches of the Demon King, Jardine the Mad.

Contents

Story

Once upon a moment in time, there was kingdom known to all as Mythgard. Mythgard prospered in peace until the first coming of the Demon King, Jardine the Mad. Leading his Dark Legion, Jardine was but a step away from obliterating the kingdom... It was then that the Twelve Masters of the Elements rose up to put an end to the Demon King's evil designs. A fierce battle ensued until there remained but four masters opposing Jardine. Pooling their powers into a Holy Blade, the Four Masters prepared for the Final Battle...[2]

Gameplay

The game is a side-scrolling action-adventure. It introduces the ability to constantly customize your attacks and movement styles through various equippable rings. Using the "A" and "B" buttons as his left and right hands, you can then equip two rings to the corresponding hand. The "C" button is used for jumping. The nature of each attack varies greatly, and as a result, different attacks are suitable for different situations. A player familiar with the game can usually figure out which attack and combination of rings will be effective. For example, one enemy is weak to water and immune to fire, but other than this, enemies are not susceptible to specific elements.[2]

Levels

Bosses

Music

Motoaki Takenouchi composed the music for Jewel Master.[1] Some of the track names (as seen in the sound test), such as "The Gate of Delirium", "To Be Over" and "Close to the Edge", seem to pay homage to the British rock band "Yes", as those were the names of songs performed by the band. In addition, "Talk to the Wind" very well could be a reference to the song by King Crimson, "Vital Signs" could be a reference to Canadian rock band Rush, and Firebird could be a reference to Igor Stravinsky's Firebird Suite.

References

  1. ^ a b http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/849/849407p1.html
  2. ^ a b c d Jewel Master, inlay notes