Fatal Labyrinth

Fatal Labyrinth, titled Shi no Meikyuu: Labyrinth of Death (死の迷宮) in Japan, is a role-playing video game developed and published by Sega. Originally available exclusively on the Sega Meganet multiplayer gaming service in 1990, it was later remade for the Sega Genesis in 1991. The game appears in Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and was later included in Sega Genesis Classics for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game was also released for Microsoft Windows on September 13, 2010. The game is similar to and shares assets with Dragon Crystal, which was also released around that time.

Gameplay – Fatal Labyrinth

The player controls a nondescript hero who has agreed to enter a forbidden labyrinth, battle various monsters, and make way up to the 30th floor where an evil dragon guards a stolen Holy Goblet. The hero may walk about town talking with the villagers for advice prior to entering the labyrinth. Upon defeating the dragon and reclaiming the Goblet, the player flies back to the village to speak to villagers, who offer praises and congratulations for the hero’s efforts.

Although Fatal Labyrinth does have a very basic experience points system, it is not exactly a typical turn-based or action RPG. It shares elements with roguelike games, with a much simpler storyline and gameplay. Just as in roguelike games, each level and its contents are randomly generated, similarly to Chunsoft‘s Mystery Dungeon series.

On each level of the labyrinth, weapons, armor, magic rings, and other items are found, which can be equipped or thrown. Melee weapons include axes, swords and polearms (although the length of the weapon determines its characteristics). Short weapons (axes, short swords) are more powerful but less accurate while longer weapons (broad swords, polearms) usually hit for less damage but are more accurate. Bows and shurikens are included for projectile combat. Body armor, helmets and shields can be found. The effects in magic rings vary from powering up the hero to using them as magical throwing projectiles.

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