A One Thousand and One Nights action-RPG on NES. Dungeon exploration, companion recruitment, time-based puzzles. Rich and original concept for the console. Overlooked but truly recommendable.
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Category
RPG1 player7+
Description
Action RPG in which warrior Shahryar travels through One Thousand and One Nights to defeat the demon Goragora. Published by Culture Brain, released in the USA in 1989. Exploration of fantastical Middle Eastern towns, real-time combat, companions to recruit and One Thousand and One Nights themes. An original Arabian tales-inspired action RPG on NES.
Magic of Scheherazade, The review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾0,14 MB📅01/10/1989
Published by Culture Brain
Magic of Scheherazade, The (NES) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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An underrated gem
Blending action-RPG, party-based combat, and puzzles in an Arabian Nights setting, this Culture Brain title overflowed with ideas, some of them rough around the edges. Its uneven execution and shaky translation earned it a mixed reception. But its narrative ambition and Eastern atmosphere make it an endearing curiosity for fans of unusual RPGs.
Is Magic of Scheherazade, The still worth playing in 2026?
The Magic of Scheherazade is a Culture Brain action-RPG that transposes the world of the Arabian Nights, in which the hero Shahryar travels across eras to defeat the demon Goragora. The blend of real-time action and turn-based combat, the time travel and the colorful oriental mood bring real originality for the time. The at-times confusing structure and a dated handling temper the enthusiasm. For fans of atypical NES action RPGs and fairy-tale worlds, it is an ambitious and inventive gem worth rediscovering.
