SolSeraph blends classic platforming action with simplified strategy and “God” simulator elements. As the Seraph, a benevolent guardian of humanity, you must aid villages of believers in defending against the forces of malevolent deities.
SolSeraph serves as SEGA’s spiritual successor to ActRaiser and ActRaiser 2 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, titles that achieved classic status. Veterans of those games will find familiar mechanics here. SolSeraph effectively combines two distinct gameplay styles: one focusing on eliminating enemies across a 2D plane, utilizing a shield, sword, and bow, along with well-timed jumps. While SolSeraph boasts enhanced graphics compared to ActRaiser 2, released 26 years prior, its execution lacks some polish. Despite the appealing visual presentation, the game experiences frame rate drops and occasional sluggishness in character responsiveness. However, the latter becomes less noticeable with acclimation. Furthermore, judging the depth of incoming enemies in the 2D plane can sometimes be challenging. Certain aspects evoke a feeling similar to Psygnosis’s classic, Shadow of The Beast.
The second gameplay component involves real-time strategy, presented in a simplified format reminiscent of early Westwood strategy games (e.g., Dune II: The Battle for Arakkis, Command & Conquer) or “God-sims” like Populous. Constructing small villages, managing food supplies, establishing resource routes to forests for timber, and setting up defenses against enemy waves provides a charming and enjoyable experience. Players can also directly influence the environment through divine intervention, deploying the Seraph’s avatar (upon accumulating sufficient energy) or summoning lightning strikes against adversaries. This strategy element constitutes a significant portion of the overall gameplay, depending on the player’s proficiency. The game transitions to the platforming sections when capturing a fort or confronting a boss.
SolSeraph may not represent a pinnacle of polished execution or intricate game mechanics, but its budget-friendly price point reflects this. Considering its cost, SolSeraph offers a worthwhile and extended entertainment experience. For players with nostalgic memories of ActRaiser or those seeking an engaging diversion while awaiting larger fall releases, SolSeraph presents a viable option.
