Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III

Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III

Overview & History

Released by Taito in 1991, Warrior Blade: Rastan Saga Episode III marks the triumphant, albeit underappreciated, conclusion to the legendary sword-and-sorcery arcade trilogy. Unlike its side-scrolling predecessors, this finale pushes hardware boundaries by utilizing Taito's triple-monitor setup to create an expansive, panoramic field of view that immerses players in a dark, mythological world. The storyline abandons simple questing for a desperate battle against a pantheon of corrupted gods threatening the kingdom of Rastan. Players once again assume the role of the titular grizzled barbarian—now joined optionally by a female warrior named Shea and a rogue named Releus in cooperative play—as they hack through hordes of mythological beasts, grotesque demons, and treacherous traps across richly detailed, multi-layered stages that span sprawling castles, fiery underworlds, and ancient ruins.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

At its core, Warrior Blade evolves the hack-and-slash formula by incorporating multi-plane movement, platforming puzzles, and RPG-lite progression systems. Utilizing the wide three-screen arcade cabinet, the game dynamically shifts perspectives, sometimes zooming out for epic cinematic boss encounters or allowing players to traverse vertically across crumbling ruins. Rastan and his companions wield distinct weaponry—ranging from heavy broadswords and agile daggers to magical staves—each dictating unique attack ranges and recovery frames. Combat mechanics rely heavily on timing: players must master standard combos, overhead crushing strikes, and devastating jumping downward thrusts while managing a stamina gauge. Along the journey, adventurers collect magical potions, throwable axes, and defensive shields dropped by vanquished foes or hidden within destructible urns. Boss battles are multi-staged endurance tests against colossal mythological titans like the Hydra and Minotaur, requiring precise evasion of screen-filling projectile attacks and environmental hazards to emerge victorious.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause