Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster

Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster is set after a short period of peace following the wars of the portals. The new king of Imperia, allied with the Sacred Kingdom, has declared war on non-humans with the help of Trece XIII, one of the Last Wizards of Arborea, and his generals. A prophecy foretells a chosen one who will unite men and beasts, and the player takes on the role of the last of the Beastmasters.

The game uses a single continuous map in the Metroidvania style. Progress depends on Beastmaster abilities, which draw on the souls of animals and creatures to transform the player and open new paths or routes. Along the way the player collects beads for a ritual necklace, including fangs, amulets and plant roots, each of which alters attacks, vitality or mana. Combat also includes sword techniques learned from the character’s former sensei, magic potions and summonable curses, and the sword is described as a means of gaining the power of a god.

Separate Arena encounters switch to a closer camera with energy bars, in the manner of classic fighting games, and can be used to improve skills and obtain unique items. Non-player characters found throughout the world add to the story and can open up new missions and narrative arcs structured like an anime series, leading to several different endings.