Telenet’s Valis III represents a high-water mark for cinematic action on the Mega Drive, successfully porting the ambitious PC Engine CD original to a cartridge format without losing its soul. While the lush CD-DA soundtrack and full-motion anime cutscenes are scaled back to accommodate the 16-bit hardware, the visual presentation remains striking, utilizing the console’s color palette to deliver moody, atmospheric backdrops. The narrative follows Yuko Ahso in her quest as the Valis warrior, providing a sense of gravitas rarely seen in early 90s platformers, bolstered by a driving synth-rock score that pushes the Yamaha YM2612 chip to its limits.
Gameplay-wise, this entry evolves the series by introducing a character-swapping mechanic that allows players to toggle between Yuko, her sister Valna, and the rebellious Cham. Each heroine brings a distinct tactical advantage: Yuko offers balanced swordplay, Valna utilizes long-range magic projectiles, and Cham provides a versatile whip attack capable of directional aiming. This variety transforms the standard platforming into a strategic experience, requiring players to identify which warrior’s unique slide or magic spell is best suited for the screen-filling bosses and intricate stage hazards that define the experience.
Despite its technical accomplishments, Valis III remains a cult classic rather than a mainstream pillar, largely due to its limited regional availability during the initial 16-bit wars. It serves as a fascinating snapshot of Telenet Japan’s creative peak before the industry transitioned toward 3D environments and different distribution models.
