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{{Header Nav|game=The 7th Saga|num=2}}
{{Header Nav|game=The 7th Saga}}
{{Infobox
{{Game
|completion=4
|image=Elnard box.jpg
|title=The 7th Saga
|title=The 7th Saga
|image=The 7th Saga box.jpg
|japanese=Elnard
|japanese=Elnard
|developer=[[Produce]]
|developer=[[Produce]]
|publisher=[[Game Plan]], [[Enix]]
|publisher={{colist|Game Plan|Enix}}
|released={{jp|1993|April 23}}{{us|1993|August}}
|year=1993
|systems={{syslist|snes}}
|genre=[[RPG]]
|genre=[[RPG]]
|systems=[[SNES]]
|modes=[[Single player]]
|ratings=
|followed by=[[Brain Lord]]
|series=Mystic Ark
}}
}}
'''Elnard''' was developed and originally released in Japan, and later localized as '''The 7th Saga'''. It is a turn-based [[Role-Playing Game]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] in the vein of the ''{{c|Dragon Quest}}'' series. Although developed and released in Japan, the original title of Elnard is in ''romaji'' (Roman alphabet) on both the title screen and the box. The Japanese transilteration エルナード was added on the box as a reading aid for the Japanese players.


'''The 7th Saga''' is a [[RPG]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], known as {{nihongo|'''''Elnard'''''|エルナード}} in Japan. The player chooses one of seven playable characters, all of whom separately embark on a quest to locate seven magical runes. As the player progresses through the game from one town to the next, they will encounter the other six characters on multiple occasions. The player may partner with one of the other playable characters to fight as a team, and they may also fight against other playable characters for the runes.
The player chooses one of seven playable characters, all of whom separately embark on a quest to locate seven magical runes. As the player progresses through the game from one town to the next, they will encounter the other six characters on multiple occasions. The player may partner with one of the other playable characters to fight as a team, and they may also fight against other playable characters for the runes.


''7th Saga'' is a traditional gameplay-based RPG in the vein of the original ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' game, rather than a story-based RPG such as the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' games made for the SNES. The emphasis is on dungeon exploration and combat, rather than story or character development. There are almost no scripted sequences or cutscenes, and most of the story is conveyed through simple "sign post" conversations with townspeople. The American version of the game has been criticized for poor translation, but this does not play a noticeable role on gameplay.  
The gameplay emphasizes dungeon exploration and combat due to the difficulty of the game. However, there is an abundance of worldbuilding: for example, elements of realistic international economy play an important role in the development of the story. Also, the game shows a rare example of time travel that can occur without the need for time paradoxes. Still, there are almost no scripted sequences or cutscenes, and most of the story is conveyed through simple "sign post" conversations with townspeople. The American version of the game has been criticized for poor translation, but this does not play a noticeable role on gameplay.


Notable unique innovations include the use of a crystal ball "radar" that allows players to see enemies approaching their character in dungeons and in the overworld. This means that combat is not totally random, as players may theoretically avoid enemies (although enemies move extremely quickly and randomly, making combat difficult to avoid). The game also uses Mode 7 graphic effects to create the transition between exploration screen and battle screen.
Notable unique innovations include the use of a crystal ball "radar" that allows players to see enemies approaching their character in dungeons and in the overworld. This means that combat is not totally random, as players may theoretically avoid enemies (although enemies move extremely quickly and randomly, making combat difficult to avoid). The game also uses Mode 7 graphic effects to create the transition between exploration screen and battle screen.


The game is particularly known for its unforgiving difficulty, considering that you might spend a great deal of time leveling up to advance in the game.
The game is particularly known for its unforgiving difficulty, largely due to the American release reducing the amount of attribute points the player character gains upon leveling up. These gains are not reduced for the player character's rivals, whose levels are based on the player character's, leading to practically unwinnable fights.
 
==Box artwork==
<gallery>
File:The 7th Saga box.jpg|U.S. box art.
</gallery>
 
<references/>


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{{ToC}}
{{Mystic Ark}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:7th Saga, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:7th Saga, The}}
[[Category:SNES]]
[[Category:Enix]]
[[Category:Game Plan]]
[[Category:Produce]]
[[Category:Produce]]
[[Category:1993]]
[[Category:April 23]]
[[Category:RPG]]
[[Category:RPG]]
[[Category:Single player]]
[[Category:Single player]]

Latest revision as of 23:49, 14 December 2021

Box artwork for The 7th Saga.
Box artwork for The 7th Saga.
The 7th Saga
Developer(s)Produce
Publisher(s)Game Plan, Enix
Year released1993
System(s)SNES
Followed byBrain Lord
SeriesMystic Ark
Japanese titleElnard
Genre(s)RPG
ModesSingle player
LinksThe 7th Saga ChannelSearchSearch

Elnard was developed and originally released in Japan, and later localized as The 7th Saga. It is a turn-based Role-Playing Game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in the vein of the Dragon Quest series. Although developed and released in Japan, the original title of Elnard is in romaji (Roman alphabet) on both the title screen and the box. The Japanese transilteration エルナード was added on the box as a reading aid for the Japanese players.

The player chooses one of seven playable characters, all of whom separately embark on a quest to locate seven magical runes. As the player progresses through the game from one town to the next, they will encounter the other six characters on multiple occasions. The player may partner with one of the other playable characters to fight as a team, and they may also fight against other playable characters for the runes.

The gameplay emphasizes dungeon exploration and combat due to the difficulty of the game. However, there is an abundance of worldbuilding: for example, elements of realistic international economy play an important role in the development of the story. Also, the game shows a rare example of time travel that can occur without the need for time paradoxes. Still, there are almost no scripted sequences or cutscenes, and most of the story is conveyed through simple "sign post" conversations with townspeople. The American version of the game has been criticized for poor translation, but this does not play a noticeable role on gameplay.

Notable unique innovations include the use of a crystal ball "radar" that allows players to see enemies approaching their character in dungeons and in the overworld. This means that combat is not totally random, as players may theoretically avoid enemies (although enemies move extremely quickly and randomly, making combat difficult to avoid). The game also uses Mode 7 graphic effects to create the transition between exploration screen and battle screen.

The game is particularly known for its unforgiving difficulty, largely due to the American release reducing the amount of attribute points the player character gains upon leveling up. These gains are not reduced for the player character's rivals, whose levels are based on the player character's, leading to practically unwinnable fights.

Box artwork[edit]


Table of Contents

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