Record of Lodoss War, coded by Thinking Rabbit, is an SNES prequel to the eponymous series of fantasy novels. Split into four scenarios and featuring gimmicked protagonists, this work - in short, is little more than an average (slow, linear and narrative-driven) JRPG, although a challenging one with a few tricks in its repertoire. Compared to similar 'encounter-based strategy' systems at the time (i.e. segmented isometric tactics held on tiny maps), two mechanics detach their brand from the rest: Enemy troop leaders (who immediately end battle upon defeat, a concept borrowed from their mission-based siblings) and ring-outs a la Virtua Fighter (and one can probably see how they could win fights quickly). That said, combat's angled view tends to fatigue the player when applied to its maze-y, battle-heavy dungeons, while the only chapter of interest - in which a phantom takes control of whomever kills its host body (absorbing their spells and EXP in the process), largely relies on story events to swap units and therefore feels like a missed opportunity. Lodoss-tou Senki fans might find something to appreciate, at least.

Game Review - originally written by Spinner 8

Yep, the loverly Record of Lodoss War series. Everyone who watches this always gets pissed off, it seems. They're like, “this is totally just some AD&D ripoff!” Well, yeah! That's what makes it neat. Or maybe you guys just don't get it.

This seems to be a prequel to the OVAs, which means that people who've never heard of Lodoss before should be able to get into this pretty easily. Apparently it chronicles the journeyings of Karla, which proves to be greatly interesting for the fans and etc. As RPGs go it's pretty standard (of course), with a tactical combat engine similar to Rhapsody or Tenchi Muyo.