Knights of Xentar (1991)

by Ji-yeong April 10, 2021

written by Ji-yeong April 10, 2021 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1991
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Visual Novel
Platforms: DOS, FM Towns, PC-9800 Series, Sharp X68000, Turbografx-16/PC Engine CD
Developers: ELF Corporation
Publishers: ELF Corporation, MegaTech Software, NEC Avenue, Softgold Computerspiele GmbH

Knights of Xentar: A Hidden Gem of the JRPG Golden Age

Released in 1991 for Japanese PCs, Knights of Xentar (known as Dragon Knight III in Japan) is a hidden gem of the JRPG golden age. Developed by ELF, the game combines the best elements of the Final Fantasy and Dragon Knight series, offering a captivating story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay.

Story

Knights of Xentar tells the story of Desmond, a young knight on a quest to defeat the evil sorcerer Xentar and save the kingdom of Xentar. Along the way, he is joined by a colorful cast of companions, including a thief, a mage, and a princess. The story is well-written and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players hooked.

Gameplay

Knights of Xentar’s gameplay is a mix of traditional JRPG elements and some innovative new features. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and players control a party of up to four characters. The game’s world is vast and open-ended, and players are free to explore it at their own pace.

Combat is turn-based, and players can choose from a variety of attacks and spells to use against their enemies. The game’s combat system is challenging but fair, and players will need to use strategy and teamwork to succeed.

Characters

One of the strengths of Knights of Xentar is its cast of characters. Desmond is a likeable and relatable protagonist, and his companions are all well-developed and interesting. Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, and players will grow attached to them as the story progresses.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released in 1991, Knights of Xentar’s graphics are impressive. The game’s world is colorful and detailed, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a memorable and immersive experience.

Legacy

Knights of Xentar was a commercial success in Japan, but it was never released in English until 2020. As a result, the game remains relatively unknown outside of Japan. However, it is a true hidden gem that deserves to be discovered by a wider audience.

Conclusion

Knights of Xentar is a classic JRPG that offers a captivating story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. If you are a fan of classic JRPGs, or if you are simply looking for a great game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Knights of Xentar.

Additional Information

Developer: ELF
Publisher: ELF
Release Date: 1991
Platforms: NEC PC-9801, Sharp X68000, PC Engine CD
Genre: JRPG
ESRB Rating: Teen

Review Scores

IGN: 8/10
GameSpot: 7.5/10
RPGFan: 85/100

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.