Gemfire
| Gemfire | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Koei |
| Platform(s) | NES, Super NES, Sega Genesis |
| Release | June 24, 1992 |
| Genre(s) | Turn-based strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multi-player |
Gemfire is a fictional medieval war game for the NES, Super NES, and Mega Drive/Genesis systems developed by Koei. The object in the game is to unify a fictional island by force. Players use soldiers and knights, as well as fantasy units such as magicians or gargoyles in order to capture the castle needed to control that particular territory.
Story
The game takes place in the fictitious Isle of Ishmeria. Once upon a time, six wizards, each wielding a unique brand of magic, used their powers to protect the island and maintain peace. This was disrupted when they were collectively challenged by a Fire Dragon, summoned forth by a wizard intent on plunging the country into darkness.
The sea-dwelling dragon of peace known as the Pastha charged the six wizards with the task of fighting back. They succeeded, sealing the Fire Dragon away into a ruby at the top of a crown, and themselves became the six jewels around the crown's base. The crown, called Gemfire, was a symbol of utmost power and authority.
When Gemfire fell into the hands of the now current King of Ishmeria, Eselred, he sought to abuse the object's power, using it to embark on a tyrannical reign, instilling fear within his oppressed subjects. Ishmeria fell into despair as his power flourished. Finally, his young daughter, Princess Robyn, could bear to watch her father's grievous misdeeds no longer--she seized Gemfire and pried the six wizard gems loose, causing them to shoot upward into the sky and circle briefly overhead before scattering themselves to different parts of Ishmeria. When a furious Eselred learned of Robyn's actions, he had her locked her away in a tower; but it was futile as the deed had already been done, and Robyn had taken the crucial first step toward freeing her people.
Meanwhile, the six wizards each take up residence with a prominent family of Ishmeria. The two most powerful of these clans are the Blanches, led by Prince Erin and supported by Zendor, Emerald Wizard and Wielder of Lightning; and the Lyles, led by Prince Ander and backed by Pluvius, Sapphire Wizard and Caster of Meteors. Four other clans (Flax, Coryll, Chrysalis and Molbrew) also have wizards of Gemfire at their disposal in the beginning. With the breaking of the spell on Gemfire, each of these clans sets out to unseat Eselred, claim the throne as their own and restore order and peace to Ishmeria.
Gameplay
At the start of the game, you are asked to select a scenario. You have the option of choosing from Erin & Ander, Flax's Shame, Terian's War, and Gemfire. You are then asked to choose a family, as well as an advisor. Your choices are Eldrow the Wise, Zorax the Mighty, Jade the Enlightened, or Jasper the Riddler. Each scenario has the families accupying a certain number of territories. There are 30 territories, in all, to be conquered. While on the map screen, you can invest gold, make alliances, and even attack enemy territories.
Battles
Battles in Gemfire have a very intense feel despite the turn-based style. This is accomplished through the musical score. You can have up to five units on the field at one time; a group of archers, knights, horsemen, and your fifth unit -- either a wizard or a hired unit.