Gaiapolis

Gaiapolis (Japanese: ガイアポリス 黄金鷹の剣, Hepburn: Gaiaporisu: Ōgon Taka no Tsurugi) is an overhead fantasy action RPG by Konami released for the arcades in 1993.

Plot

Prince Gerard Himerce seeks vengeance against the Zar Harc Empire for the destruction of his homeland, the Kingdom of Avalon. Joined by the half-human fairy Elaine, last survivor of the Shee clan, and the dragon warrior Galahad, the exiled duke from the land of the dragons, the Prince goes on a journey to the flying citadel of Gaiapolis to prevent King Darkness, the leader of the Zar Harc Empire, from reviving an ancient demon. Along the way, they are guided by a mysterious spirit known as the Warrior of Flame, who tells them that in order to reach Gaiapolis they must seek the three keys to the city that have been scattered around the world.

Gameplay

Gaiapolis can be played by up to two players simultaneously. The objective of the game is to fight against every enemy in order to progress until defeating the boss at the end of each stage before time runs out. The player can choose to play as the Prince, the Fairy or the Dragon. The Prince and the Dragon are both swordsmen, while the Fairy is a martial artist who wields twin tonfas. Along the way the player can pick up items such as food to replenish health, weapon and equipment upgrades, eggs that carry guardian beasts inside, jewels with magic powers and treasures that give out more points. The game employs an experience point system in which the player's maximum health increases as he or she defeats enemies and increases levels. There are a total of 17 stages in the game, although some of the stages can be skipped depending on the course of action taken by the player.