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{{Unreferenced|date=August 2007}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2024}}
{{Short description|1990 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
|title = Fatal Labyrinth
|title = Fatal Labyrinth
|image = FatalLabyrinth.jpg
|image = FatalLabyrinth.jpg
|caption = European cover art
|caption = European cover art
|developer = [[Sonic Team|Sega AM8]]
|developer = [[Sega]]
|publisher = Sega
|publisher = Sega
|director = [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]
|producer = [[Yuji Naka]]
|designer = [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]
|designer = [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]
|artist = [[Naoto Ohshima]]<br>[[Rieko Kodama]]
|artist = [[Naoto Ohshima]]
⚫
|released = {{Video game release|JP|November 19, 1990|NA|April 1991|EU|1991}}
|writer = [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]
⚫
|genre = [[Roguelike]], [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
⚫
|released = {{Video game release|JP|November 19, 1990|NA|August 21, 1991|EU|1991}}
⚫
|genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Sega Genesis]]
|platforms = [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]]
}}
}}


'''''Fatal Labyrinth''''', titled {{nihongo|'''''Shi no Meikyuu: Labyrinth of Death'''''|死の迷宮}} in Japan, is a [[role-playing]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Sega]]. Originally available exclusively on the [[Sega Meganet]] multiplayer gaming service in 1990, it was later remade for the [[Sega Genesis]] in {{vgy|1991}}. The game appears in ''[[Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection]]'' for [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]]. The game was also released for [[Microsoft Windows]] on September 13, 2010. The game is similar to and shares assets with ''[[Dragon Crystal]]'', which was also released around that time.
'''''Fatal Labyrinth''''', titled {{nihongo|'''''Shi no Meikyuu: Labyrinth of Death'''''|死の迷宮}} in Japan, is a [[roguelike]] [[role-playing video game]] developed and published by [[Sega]]. Originally available exclusively on the [[Sega Meganet]] multiplayer gaming service in 1990, it was later released physically for the [[Sega Genesis]] in [[1991 in video gaming|1991]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Richard |date=2020-03-19 |title=ASCII art + permadeath: The history of roguelike games |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/ascii-art-permadeath-the-history-of-roguelike-games/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lord-Moncrief |first=Devon |date=2023-10-12 |title=Sega Genesis: 10 Most Overlooked Games |url=https://www.cbr.com/underrated-sega-genesis-games/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> The game appears in ''[[Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection]]'' for [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]], and was later included in ''[[Sega Genesis Classics]]'' for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Nintendo Switch]]. The game was also released for [[Microsoft Windows]] through [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on September 13, 2010, which is an emulation of the Genesis version.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bottorff |first=Jared |date=2017-09-08 |title=Fatal Labyrinth – Hardcore Gaming 101 |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/fatal-labyrinth/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> The game is similar to and shares assets with ''[[Dragon Crystal]]'', which was also released around that time.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[Image:Fatal Labyrinth.png|thumb|The hero of ''Fatal Labyrinth'' engaged in combat.]]
[[Image:Fatal Labyrinth.png|thumb|The hero of ''Fatal Labyrinth'' engaged in combat]]
The player controls a nondescript hero who has agreed to enter a forbidden [[labyrinth]], battle various monsters, and make way up to the 30th floor where an evil [[dragon]] guards a stolen Holy Goblet. The hero may walk about town talking with the villagers for advice prior to entering the labyrinth. Upon defeating the dragon and reclaiming the Goblet, the player flies back to the village to speak to villagers, who offer praises and congratulations for the hero's efforts.
The player controls an undistinguished hero who has agreed to enter a forbidden [[labyrinth]], battle various monsters, and make their way up to the 30th floor where an evil [[dragon]] guards a stolen Holy Goblet. The hero can walk around town and talk to villagers for advice before entering the labyrinth. Upon defeating the dragon and reclaiming the Goblet, the player flies back to the village to speak to the inhabitants, who offer praise and congratulations for the hero's efforts.


⚫
On each level of the labyrinth, weapons, armor, magic rings, and other items are found, which can be equipped or thrown. Melee weapons include axes, swords and polearms (although the length of the weapon determines its characteristics). Short weapons (axes, short swords) are more powerful, but less accurate while longer weapons ([[broadsword]]s, polearms) usually hit for less damage, but are more accurate. Bows and [[shuriken]]s are included for projectile combat. Body armor, helmets and shields can also be found. The effects of magic rings vary from powering-up the hero to using them as magical throwing projectiles.
Although ''Fatal Labyrinth'' does have a very basic [[experience points]] system, it is not exactly a typical turn-based or action RPG. It shares elements with [[roguelike]] games, with a much simpler storyline and gameplay. Just as in roguelike games, each level and its contents are randomly generated, similarly to [[Chunsoft]]'s [[Mystery Dungeon]] series.


⚫
''Fatal Labyrinth'' also has a wide variety of other items, including scrolls, canes and potions. A key part of the game revolves around identifying which of these items benefit the character and which ones have curses. Sometimes throwing these items can cause projectile damage. After defeating monsters, the hero levels-up and gains health points, increased attack power and receives a better title.
⚫
On each level of the labyrinth, weapons, armor, magic rings, and other items are found, which can be equipped or thrown. Melee weapons include axes, swords and polearms (although the length of the weapon determines its characteristics). Short weapons (axes, short swords) are more powerful but less accurate while longer weapons ([[broad sword]]s, polearms) usually hit for less damage but are more accurate. Bows and [[shuriken]]s are included for projectile combat. Body armor, helmets and shields can be found. The effects if magic rings vary from powering up the hero to using them as magical throwing projectiles.


⚫
Enemies only move and attack in response to the player's actions; i.e., when the player takes a step, the enemies take a step. Checkpoints exist on every fifth floor; upon dying, the player is returned to those floors if they were reached. If the hero wanders around a level for too long, the screen will flash and the monsters will respawn. Some floors have pits in which the character falls down one level and has to fight monsters on that level again. The hero may also step on an alarm and may become trapped by monsters. Sometimes the hero respawns in a room with no visible doors, and may need to search for a hidden exit.
⚫
''Fatal Labyrinth'' also has a wide variety of other items, including scrolls, canes and potions. A key part of the game revolves around identifying which of these items benefit the character and which ones have curses. Sometimes throwing these items can cause projectile damage. After defeating monsters, the hero levels up and gains health points, added attack power and receives a better title.


⚫
Food is a vital part of the game. When fed, the hero slowly regenerates health. If unfed for extended periods of time, the hero becomes hungry and loses health. Conversely, if too much food is eaten, the character dies of over-eating. Some items can help or hinder the digestion of the hero.
⚫
Enemies only move and attack in response to the player's actions; i.e., when the player takes a step, the enemies take a step. Checkpoints exist on every fifth floor; upon dying, the player is returned to those floors if they were reached. If the hero wanders around a level for too long, the screen will flash and the monsters will respawn. Some floors have pits in which the character falls down one level and has to fight monsters on that level again. The hero may also step on an alarm and may become trapped by monsters. Sometimes the hero respawns in a room with no visible doors, so he might need to search for a hidden door.


⚫
Like many role-playing games, [[currency|gold]] is present, though the only purpose it serves is to provide the player with a better funeral service upon death. The more gold collected in the game, the more detailed the hero's grave. More people will attend the hero's funeral based on their level when killed.
⚫
Food is a vital part of the game. When fed, the hero slowly regenerates health. If unfed for extended periods of time, the hero becomes hungry and loses health. Conversely, if too much food is eaten, the character dies of overeating. Some items can help or hinder the digestion of the hero.


== Reception ==
⚫
Like many role-playing games, [[currency|gold]] is present, though the only role it serves is to provide the player with a better funeral service upon death.
Ars Technica noted that ''Fatal Labyrinth'' was "the earliest Japanese-made [[roguelike]] of note" and said its gameplay was very similar to [[Rogue (video game)|Rogue]].<ref name=":0" /> [[Hardcore Gaming 101]] gave a positive review, stating that "the appeal of [''Fatal Labyrinth''] is found in that “just one more” feeling of attempting to top a previous best, to go down farther than before and eke out another floor or two."<ref name=":1" /> Destructoid stated that the game is very challenging, but was fun to beat, and noted that the checkpoint system sets it apart from other roguelikes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zimmerman |first=Conrad |date=2009-05-13 |title=RetRose Tinted: Fatal Labyrinth |url=https://www.destructoid.com/retrose-tinted-fatal-labyrinth/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/fatal-labyrinth}}
* {{moby game|id=/fatal-labyrinth}}
*[http://www.i-mockery.com/shorts/fatal-labyrinth/ ''Fatal Labyrinth'': The Most Cynical RPG!] at [[I-Mockery]]
* [http://www.i-mockery.com/shorts/fatal-labyrinth/ ''Fatal Labyrinth'': The Most Cynical RPG!] at I-Mockery
*[https://segadoes.com/2017/06/16/fatal-labyrinth/ ''Fatal Labyrinth'' review] at segadoes.com
* [https://segadoes.com/2017/06/16/fatal-labyrinth/ ''Fatal Labyrinth'' review] at segadoes.com
*[https://tcrf.net/Fatal_Labyrinth ''Fatal Labyrinth'' debug page] at tcrf.net
* [https://tcrf.net/Fatal_Labyrinth ''Fatal Labyrinth'' debug page] at tcrf.net


[[Category:1990 video games]]
[[Category:1990 video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Roguelike video games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Sega Meganet games]]
[[Category:Sega Meganet games]]
⚫
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Video games using procedural generation]]
[[Category:Video games using procedural generation]]
⚫
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

Revision as of 19:20, 7 September 2024

Fatal Labyrinth
European cover art
Developer(s)Sega
Publisher(s)Sega
Designer(s)Hirokazu Yasuhara
Artist(s)Naoto Ohshima
Platform(s)Genesis
Release
  • JP: November 19, 1990
  • NA: April 1991
  • EU: 1991
Genre(s)Roguelike, Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Fatal Labyrinth, titled Shi no Meikyuu: Labyrinth of Death (死の迷宮) in Japan, is a roguelike role-playing video game developed and published by Sega. Originally available exclusively on the Sega Meganet multiplayer gaming service in 1990, it was later released physically for the Sega Genesis in 1991.[1][2] The game appears in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and was later included in Sega Genesis Classics for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game was also released for Microsoft Windows through Steam on September 13, 2010, which is an emulation of the Genesis version.[3] The game is similar to and shares assets with Dragon Crystal, which was also released around that time.

Gameplay

The hero of Fatal Labyrinth engaged in combat

The player controls an undistinguished hero who has agreed to enter a forbidden labyrinth, battle various monsters, and make their way up to the 30th floor where an evil dragon guards a stolen Holy Goblet. The hero can walk around town and talk to villagers for advice before entering the labyrinth. Upon defeating the dragon and reclaiming the Goblet, the player flies back to the village to speak to the inhabitants, who offer praise and congratulations for the hero's efforts.

On each level of the labyrinth, weapons, armor, magic rings, and other items are found, which can be equipped or thrown. Melee weapons include axes, swords and polearms (although the length of the weapon determines its characteristics). Short weapons (axes, short swords) are more powerful, but less accurate while longer weapons (broadswords, polearms) usually hit for less damage, but are more accurate. Bows and shurikens are included for projectile combat. Body armor, helmets and shields can also be found. The effects of magic rings vary from powering-up the hero to using them as magical throwing projectiles.

Fatal Labyrinth also has a wide variety of other items, including scrolls, canes and potions. A key part of the game revolves around identifying which of these items benefit the character and which ones have curses. Sometimes throwing these items can cause projectile damage. After defeating monsters, the hero levels-up and gains health points, increased attack power and receives a better title.

Enemies only move and attack in response to the player's actions; i.e., when the player takes a step, the enemies take a step. Checkpoints exist on every fifth floor; upon dying, the player is returned to those floors if they were reached. If the hero wanders around a level for too long, the screen will flash and the monsters will respawn. Some floors have pits in which the character falls down one level and has to fight monsters on that level again. The hero may also step on an alarm and may become trapped by monsters. Sometimes the hero respawns in a room with no visible doors, and may need to search for a hidden exit.

Food is a vital part of the game. When fed, the hero slowly regenerates health. If unfed for extended periods of time, the hero becomes hungry and loses health. Conversely, if too much food is eaten, the character dies of over-eating. Some items can help or hinder the digestion of the hero.

Like many role-playing games, gold is present, though the only purpose it serves is to provide the player with a better funeral service upon death. The more gold collected in the game, the more detailed the hero's grave. More people will attend the hero's funeral based on their level when killed.

Reception

Ars Technica noted that Fatal Labyrinth was "the earliest Japanese-made roguelike of note" and said its gameplay was very similar to Rogue.[1] Hardcore Gaming 101 gave a positive review, stating that "the appeal of [Fatal Labyrinth] is found in that “just one more” feeling of attempting to top a previous best, to go down farther than before and eke out another floor or two."[3] Destructoid stated that the game is very challenging, but was fun to beat, and noted that the checkpoint system sets it apart from other roguelikes.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Moss, Richard (2020-03-19). "ASCII art + permadeath: The history of roguelike games". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  2. ^ Lord-Moncrief, Devon (2023-10-12). "Sega Genesis: 10 Most Overlooked Games". CBR. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  3. ^ a b Bottorff, Jared (2017-09-08). "Fatal Labyrinth – Hardcore Gaming 101". Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  4. ^ Zimmerman, Conrad (2009-05-13). "RetRose Tinted: Fatal Labyrinth". Destructoid. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
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