Atlantis: The Lost Tales

Description

Atlantis: The Lost Tales, a game released in 1997 for the SEGA Saturn console, is one of those gems that isn't talked about much anymore, but shouldn't be forgotten. Created by French studio Cryo Interactive, this game attempted to offer players a deep and fascinating story set in the mythical world of Atlantis that still holds a certain charm after all these years.

Atlantis: The Lost Tales is primarily an adventure game focused on detailed environments and puzzles that force players to think and explore. The story puts you in the shoes of a new recruit to the formidable Atlantean navy, Seth, who must unravel the mystery of Queen Rhea's disappearance. The spaced out clues and puzzles are excellent and provide a real challenge to those who enjoy classic adventure games.

Graphically, the game uses the then popular pre-rendered environments, which adds a three-dimensional realism to the atmosphere. Although the technical limits of modelling and texturing may seem dated today, it was a visual treat in its day. The colors and environmental design are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they perfectly support the sense of mystery and antiquity of Atlantis. Interesting locations such as the temple of the gods, the queen's bedchamber and the underwater tunnels are detailed and play a significant role in building the overall atmosphere.

The soundtrack and voice acting are in keeping with the standards of the time, but a certain toporiness in the dubbing may strike nostalgic rather than critical ears today. The music, however, perfectly underlines the melancholic and mysterious atmosphere of the island.

The user interface also deserves praise. Although the SEGA Saturn is not known for its convenience for adventure games due to its controller, Cryo Interactive have done a good job in simplifying navigation and character control. However, the controls can be frustrating in a few places, especially when interacting with smaller objects or specific points of interest with precision.

What makes Atlantis: The Lost Tales more interesting is its narrative depth and connection to mythology. Players will encounter numerous characters, explore different factions, and become entangled in political intrigue that adds to the game's complexity. This richness of history and cultural depth, combined with the various endings, ensures that the game can be played through multiple times and still discover something new.

Atlantis: The Lost Tales is thus a fascinating title that is a strange mix of adventure game full of logic puzzles and narrative immersion into one of the greatest mythical worlds. While the technical aspects may not be as impressive today, there's no denying the game's importance in adventure game history. Despite its limitations, this is a game worth checking out, especially for those who want to enjoy a nostalgic glimpse into the late 90s gaming industry.