The Sword of Hope

The Sword of Hope, released in Japan as Selection: Erabareshi Mono (セレクション 選ばれし者), is a first-person RPG for the Game Boy. It was developed by Kemco and first published by Kemco in Japan at the very end of 1989. It was later published in North America by Seika Corporation and in Europe by Kemco, both in 1991.

Unlike other RPGs, the game features a screen layout similar to adventure games. Progress in the game is based on command selection. Move along the field made up of a 3D map by aligning the arrows in the direction you want to go. It uses a unique worldview, magic and damage system during battle. Each boss has its own weakness which may be exploited by the player to defeat them.

In 1992, it received a sequel, The Sword of Hope II. In 1998, these two games were rereleased in Japan as a single Game Boy cartridge, Selection I & II. The Sword of Hope has also been released for the 3DS Virtual Console, albeit in Japan only. A sequel titled Selection (セレクション) was released for mobile phones on 2008.

Gameplay

 * You advance through the game using commands such as look, open, and knock on an adventure game-like screen.
 * If you try to move in the direction of the arrow with a black circle (●) on the map, you will be in a battle with small enemies. Only Theo fights. Multiple enemies may appear.
 * During battle, enemies may attack other enemies in addition to Theo. However, comrades fight only when they are of different races. Also, during a battle with a small enemy, other small enemies may intrude.
 * In addition to spells that attack a single enemy or attack all enemies, there are spells that randomly hit someone, enemy or ally, or that involve all enemies or allies.
 * When Theo's HP reaches 0, you will restart from the old man's place. There is no penalty other than being relocated.
 * Game progress can be recorded with a password.

Story
The player assumes the role of Prince Theo whose father, King Hennessy has become corrupt and maniacal with power. He has enslaved the kingdom and exiled the great wisemen who once maintained the balance and prosperity of the kingdom. Theo's mother, Queen Remy, was killed by Hennessy but Theo was rescued from the castle without harm with the help of an old sage. Now that Theo has reached his teenage years and become a skilled warrior it is time for Theo to face his destiny and return to the castle where he was raised and defeat his father.