Surprising mix of action-RPG and wrestling with a non-linear time structure. Five different endings based on choices. Experimental and imperfect, but the narrative ambition is rare for the era. An endearing oddity.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player12+
Description
Action RPG blending isometric 3D exploration and wrestling-style hand-to-hand combat. Published by Climax, released in Europe in 1996. Five parallel stories depending on the player's progress during the introduction, over ten playable characters including transformations, enemy character capture system, and atmospheric music. A spiritual successor to Landstalker on Saturn.
Climax's isometric action-adventure, spiritual heir to Landstalker, built around a parallel-worlds system that replays the story from several angles. The European PAL edition, released for an already thinning Saturn audience, is hard to assemble complete and remains a solid target for collectors in the region. Its singular narrative structure and Climax lineage sustain a reputation as a quiet gem rather than a mere curiosity.
Is Dark Savior still worth playing in 2026?
An action RPG from Climax, Dark Savior blends isometric 3D exploration, puzzles and grappling melee combat, in an adventure where a bounty hunter tracks an escaped monster across a system of parallel timelines that alter the story's unfolding. The multiple path concept, the singular mood and the spiritual link with Landstalker give a real personality, despite a sometimes awkward camera and jumps. For a fan of offbeat retro action RPGs, someone curious about Climax productions or a collector, the title keeps a remarkable originality and atmosphere.
