View Full Version : Magician Lord
I've been playing games since the 70's, and have 35+ systems and 1,000's of games. I got the Neo-Geo in November, 1990, as an 18th birthday present (yes, I was spoiled, deal with it it's not my fault). The third game I got was Magician Lord. I noticed after a bit of searching there doesn't seem to be any fan appreciation sites. Well, after downloading it on the Wii Virtual Console I can't understand why. This is a TRUE masterpiece. The graphics are stunning by 1990 standards. The soundtrack is equally incredible. It's also very challenging, while not impossible. This is a true perfect 10 game, and doesn't get anywhere near the credit it deserves. I personally believe it is superior to Ghouls N' Ghosts too. Let us use this thread as a Magician Lord appreciation thread. Share your thoughts on this one-hit-wonder, and talk about why a sequal was never made.
max 330 mega
11-22-2007, 10:17 PM
this game is one of those titles that just screams nostalgia. everything about it just takes you back to the beginning of the nineties. SNK as a company were just beginning to grow into the fine tuned company they eventually became in the mid to late nineties. I agree that this game truely is a classic. Within the neo geo community this game does have a huge fan base, but outside of the neo circle it doesnt have near as much recognition as a game such as ghouls N ghosts does because so few people were actually priveleged enough to play or own a neo geo. When the neo geo cd was first being developed it was rumored that there would be a magician lord 2 developed exclusively for it, but sadly it never saw the light of day. It along with games such as nam-1975 and blues journey were in my opinion the best early titles for the neo.
swlovinist
11-22-2007, 10:21 PM
I've been playing games since the 70's, and have 35+ systems and 1,000's of games. I got the Neo-Geo in November, 1990, as an 18th birthday present (yes, I was spoiled, deal with it it's not my fault). The third game I got was Magician Lord. I noticed after a bit of searching there doesn't seem to be any fan appreciation sites. Well, after downloading it on the Wii Virtual Console I can't understand why. This is a TRUE masterpiece. The graphics are stunning by 1990 standards. The soundtrack is equally incredible. It's also very challenging, while not impossible. This is a true perfect 10 game, and doesn't get anywhere near the credit it deserves. I personally believe it is superior to Ghouls N' Ghosts too. Let us use this thread as a Magician Lord appreciation thread. Share your thoughts on this one-hit-wonder, and talk about why a sequal was never made.
You want my opinions? I will give it to you. Two and a half years ago I beat this game with my friends. About 7 hours of hard work, this game is friggin cheap. This game brings up some harsh memories, and frankly I dont think it is that great. Overall, I think that it is an average platformer that stands out a little for being on a platform that was not known for platforms. I appreciate this game for being around to show the Neo Geo was capable of doing a platform title.
Some other thoughts on this games(my opinions)
1. The sound is good on the first couple of levels. Later on the music becomes average
2. The end is EVIL. You have to beat all the bosses of the game on one credit. I used a rapid fire on my Hori stick to help me get through.
3. I will never never play this game ever again.
RadiantSvgun
11-22-2007, 10:57 PM
I just couldn't get into it. I've played it when I was a kid, and I played it the other day. Just doesn't do it to me.
ccovell
11-22-2007, 10:57 PM
This game is a typical early-ish ADK production -- lushly-shaded graphics, cheesy instrumentation, but sometimes brilliant compositions, and gameplay that's not-quite-there, but good enough.
Yes, Magician Lord is a must-have, but the enemies are really cheap and annoying (something it shares exactly with Ghouls, I guess), and the different personas aren't utilized and exploited nearly enough to give the game any more depth than the typical arcade-style plough-through.
It definitely was an eye-opener back in 1990, though.
retroman
11-22-2007, 11:50 PM
its just a average game...even for its time. The graphics may have been great for the time, but the gameplay is only average...I have it for my NeoGeo AES, and never play it.
otaku
11-23-2007, 01:06 AM
I'd say its fairly average (and damn hard) graphically its quite nice and especially for its age. Definetly something you should own for the neo considering its cheap price (even on wii vc its not to bad) I enjoyed it for a day or so and gave up
Kevincal
11-23-2007, 03:03 AM
This game is just too hard for me to appreciate it. I don't have the patience for it...
Sothy
11-23-2007, 04:09 AM
I appologize for my uncouth response.
Yes this is rare I know.
But I stand by the fact that this person irks me greatly.
Blah blah I have blah blah systems and a billion games I got a Diamond neo geo butt plug for christmas at the age of 18.
I cant stand you. go away you attention seeking whore. And yeah whatever you are some bigshot gaming person I dont care.
Well I only said I had 35+ systems to showcase that I knew what I was talking about, and that I'm not a novice, and Magician Lord is underrated from a pro's viewpoint. I see that I'm in the minority so far. That's fine. Once in a while (but rarely), I disagree with the majority and love a game that most don't. And I'm no bigshot - not anymore anyway. But back in the early 90's, I held a gaming record, was in EGM and Electronic Games, and wrote the gaming newsletter Zap! 1990 is when I traded with another newsletter editor, DP's own Joe Santulli.
smokehouse
11-23-2007, 09:54 AM
This game is just too hard for me to appreciate it. I don't have the patience for it...
Quoted for truth...that damn game is just too hard for me. I really tried to get into it when I had it on the AES and just couldn't. I have the game problem with G&G...challenging, hard, stupid hard, call ti what you like but I just have not patience for it.
Graham Mitchell
11-23-2007, 12:02 PM
I tired seriously tackling it for the first time recently on the Wii VC. I can get to level 3 and that's it. Man, that is a mean, mean game. That said, I've been largely unimpressed with most Neo Geo games over the years as I'm not that into fighting games, and I felt that most SNES games looked better than a lot of those unremarkable fighters like Art of Fighting, World Heroes, etc. But I will say this--most any game on the Neo that's not a fighting game can be breathtaking, and Magician Lord falls in that category. I appreciate the difficulty--it's something that will challenge me for years, most likely. I think it's harder than Ghouls 'N' Ghosts. I've been able to beat G'N'G all the way through twice in a row on command, but Magician Lord just baffles me with it's difficulty.
Garry Silljo
11-23-2007, 01:17 PM
I really don't think it's that hard. I used to own it on AES before I sold my collection to Smokehouse. It was tough at first of course, but with some practice It became reasonable challenging and a fulfilling game. It's one of the few that make me miss my Neo. If I was into virtual console I'd snag it up quick.
sidnotcrazy
11-23-2007, 01:29 PM
Magician Lord for me was a title that came as a total surprise. I bought my AES from a frined about 2-3 years ago. I quickly found out that the newer titles were for the most part way out of my price range. So I started collecting some earlier releasses, and Magician Lord was one of them.
I was blown away with the nice visuals (for the time period). The game is unique, and really entertaining. The only game I can only compare Magician Lord to is Altered Beast. Now this may sound strange, but both titles seem to have that either you like it or not design.
Nescollector
11-23-2007, 02:45 PM
Magician Lord was the pack-in game with the system I bought. I was a little disapointed at the time, I thought the game should of had more backround animation. I guess I was basing that on the fact that every Snes/Genesis games had alot of animation in there games. (sounds kinda lame to say that now) but yeah, looking at the game today, the graphics where pretty amazing. Thought the game was on the too hard side, never did beat it.
diskoboy
11-23-2007, 04:37 PM
I've said it before, and I'll say it again....
I love the Neo-Geo's launch lineup. Magician Lord, The Super Spy (an overlooked game that could be considered truly groundbreaking - it was the first FPS I remember playing.. about a year or two before Wolfenstein 3-D or Doom was released), and Nam '75 being my favorites.
When it came out on the Wii a few weeks ago, I bought it with no hesitation. And on the Wii VC update thread, I recommended ML over Castlevania 2.
After seeing the ending and all the levels again, I'm going to have to resind my perfect rating, and give it a 9 by 1990 standards. On the last two stages, they reuse the music from the first two levels. That's just lazy programming, indicating the game was rushed. And while the background artwork is stunning for its time, it could use more multiple scrolling at times. Finally, I love the way the main bad guy (Gal Agize or something like that) taunts you at the end of every level. That is so awesome. But, but, but...you never fight him! What gives with that!
rbudrick
11-25-2007, 05:34 PM
When the home Neo just came out, I rented the system and Magician Lord. I liked the game, but it was SO FUCKING HARD. I was pissed to find out later that the arcade version allowed you to pick up where you dies when you continue. So, after having spent about $20 n the arcade on the game a couple years later, and making it to the last level, the piece of shit reset on me. So no, I'm not super-fond of the game. It pissed me off and ripped me off.
Aside from my being bitter from the experiences I had with it, the game is pretty and sounds good, but it's too damn hard to make it truly fun.
-Rob
I remember playing this game when I was about 7 or 8 and I thought the door needed a key. Needless to say I never found the said key and quickly died, I always wanted to know the games name tho, so yay.
jajaja
11-25-2007, 06:51 PM
I recently bought the AES version of Magician Lord. Its pretty cheap on Ebay now, its only like $30 for a brand new and compleye copy.
The game itself is a pretty cool platformer. The gfx is great, some of the music is really cool and i also like the power-up system. On the other hand, i didnt really like the controllers that much. Sometimes it can be pretty hard to make a jump, especially when you have to jump on small and/or moving platforms. Its not impossible tho, but it can be frustrating sometimes.
I've played it a few times and i've made it to the last level, but i never made it to the boss. The game is pretty hard in my opinion. But for about $30 for an AES game its a great value. I would recommend the game to any AES owners, mostly because its cheap (compared to other AES games) and its not a bad game, which makes a great combination :)
I also love one quote in the game. When you meet up the evil guy after every boss he once says: "That power is powerless". If its a power in the first place, how can it be powerless? Hehe ;)
I also love one quote in the game. When you meet up the evil guy after every boss he once says: "That power is powerless". If its a power in the first place, how can it be powerless? Hehe ;)
Gal Agize is awesome. "I'm destined just to die", or "face your trial by God." How about when he calls Elta "nice guy" lol. Did you know you never once fight him?
BTW, anyone have a complete collection of quotes from him?
jajaja
11-25-2007, 07:47 PM
Gal Agize is awesome. "I'm destined just to die", or "face your trial by God." How about when he calls Elta "nice guy" lol. Did you know you never once fight him?
Really? Not even as another form like a monster or something? Wierd that hes in the game at all then. Maybe a sequel was planned? :)
Tron 2.0
11-25-2007, 10:46 PM
Magaician Lord you either love it or hate it.
As for me i enjoy it in the arcades back in 89 or 90 i think.
It was my frist neo title that i ever played.I guess i was wowed by,it's graphics and the diffierent alter-egos that you could get in it.
Still i never got to mad at the game since ya continue where you last died.
Unlike on the aes version if you continue you start from the begining of the level.
Still i throw magician lord in the same category as ghost'n'goblines is.
By..that i mean even when i get beat by the game.I keep coming back becuase...i'll be damned if i can't beat it the next time around.
I never beat it the legit way though i've cheated useing the (unibios) maybe one day i'll try doing it the hard way.
Still it's a shame that snkp emulated the aes version not the mvs one,given it would have make it easier for people who are new to the game.
Btw any body ever see this ml 1cc vid ?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6768465131482471
Made years ago still one of best 1cc runs i've seen on magaician lord.
Really? Not even as another form like a monster or something? Wierd that hes in the game at all then. Maybe a sequel was planned? :)
Nope. I think he was just in control of evil monsters, and couldn't fight gimself. A sequel was planned, I remember readng about it. Ahh, what could have been...:(
kedawa
11-26-2007, 02:18 AM
Magician Lord has nice graphics and sound, and it's as difficult as I'd ever want a game to be, but I just never found the actual gameplay all that compelling. I played it at the arcade several times, but I don't think I ever got past the second level. It was a hard game, and I just couldn't bring myself to put more than a quarter or two into this game when I had games at home that were more fun, like Mystic Defender.
Tron 2.0
11-26-2007, 05:59 AM
A sequel was planned, I remember readng about it. Ahh, what could have been...:(
There were rumors for many years on magician lord getting a sequel.There even were people,that clam to have protos of it...of coruse it turned out to be a lie.
Even at one point it was supose to 'get a ngcp port as well but it never happen either.Still i would,pay to get a sequel if that was possible at all.
Btw my favorite quote from magician lord was this.
"That power is powerless in our presence!"
Graham Mitchell
11-26-2007, 09:06 PM
s.
"That power is powerless in our presence!"
I'm a fan of "Now you will pay for your crimes against god!"
I'm a fan of "Now you will pay for your crimes against god!"
He never said that. He said "What imprudence you human being. Face your trial by God."
Quick guys...Is this the only game in the history of video games where you see the leader at the end of every level? If not, it surely is the only one where the boss doesn't fight.
Graham Mitchell
11-27-2007, 10:01 AM
He never said that. He said "What imprudence you human being. Face your trial by God."
Even better!
Even better!
I like "You persistant guy! But your life ends right now!" I want a collection of his quotes, anyone up to it?
parallaxscroll
11-27-2007, 03:19 PM
Magician Lord had utterly AMAZING background graphics, even by arcade standards of 1990. I will never forget the very beginning of the first level with those spires and clouds. WHOA! while the gameplay was incredibly difficult (made Ghouls n Ghosts seem EASY) and while it was somewhat cheap, and while the animation wasn't great, the visuals were just beyond awesome. what a visually great game to include with a console too....the NEO-GEO Gold system for $650. artistic masterpiece.
Kevincal
11-27-2007, 06:49 PM
The music in the first level kicks serious ass too... I just wish the game was a bit easier, or atleast the earlier levels were a bit easier on you!
Graham Mitchell
11-28-2007, 12:00 AM
I like "You persistant guy! But your life ends right now!" I want a collection of his quotes, anyone up to it?
I'm game, but I can't pass level 3. You need to have the unenthusiastic voice samples accompanying the list.
You know, I think those quotes are so great they rival Strider. "It must be Strider Hiryu! He must never leave Eurasia alive!" "All sons of old Gods..DIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!!"
rbudrick
11-28-2007, 11:49 AM
Quick guys...Is this the only game in the history of video games where you see the leader at the end of every level? If not, it surely is the only one where the boss doesn't fight.
Altered Beast, dude.
-Rob
Altered Beast, dude.
-Rob
You are absolutely correct, I forgot about that. More games should feature the boss on every level.
dojosky
11-28-2007, 12:53 PM
Yea I loved that game !!! its still one of my favorites It was one of the first title I got with my Neo Geo AES back in 1994 along with Baseball Stars Professional ... I still enjoy playing the Magician Lord game !!! I finished it on the AES (TOUGH) !!! but I made it ! and the Neo CD version too (the cd version is a bit easier cuz its like the mvs version where you start off after you die) etc ... its been a while since I have played this game ! but I have the AES and MVS versions myself I sold the CD version a long time ago STUPID STUPID me ! LOL but am still looking for the USA English VERSION of Magician Lord for the Neo Geo CD system.
ccovell
12-06-2007, 10:00 AM
Here are the great quotes taken directly from the game ROM:
"What imprudence, you human being! Face your trial by God!"
"I'm destined just to die."
"That power is powerless in our presence."
"You, persistent guy. But your life ends right now."
"Feel fortunate to have survived until now."
"Your are very dangerous. Be dead down here."
"Come on, nice guy! But your life is mine very soon."
"My God is invincible. My God is limitless, and my life is always beside God."
"Yes, I made a mistake, but the fight is yet to finish. My spirit never dies."
But of course more hilarious than that is the huge difference in emotiveness between the English voice actor and the Japanese one. With the Japanese voices, you can hear anger and passion. With the English voices, you can tell he's just phoning it in.
From a tin can on a string.
CosmicMonkey
12-06-2007, 10:18 AM
The NGPC version of Magician Lord was apparently officially in development and announced by ADK.