“Virtual Hydlide is a Perfect 3-D Reproduction of the Original.”

“Combination of Real Images and Computer Graphics to Create Realistic Worlds.”
Fantastical, virtual art by @morkitten.

History has a funny way of reflecting on innovators. If you look back on popular canon, it’s never the folk “who tried and failed” who get their due: It’s the dudes who step in afterward, who can capitalize on the groundwork laid. You don’t hear too much about Antonio Meucci’s ‘talking telegraph,’ but Alexander Graham Bell’s derivative telephone has gone on to be credited as a game-changer for communication. Galileo effectively stole his idea for the telescope from Johann Lippershey’s ‘kijker,’ whose misfortune was not being able to secure a patent for his original optical instrument. And there but for the grace of God goes Hydlide; which couldn’t precisely nail its attempt at a still-theoretical “action RPG” on the first go, and has suffered obscurity in the shadow of The Legend of Zelda in the 35 years since.

… Well, that’s only a somewhat accurate framing around Hydlide‘s legacy, actually. For one, there’s the fact that Hydlide was actually quite successful right out the gate in Japan — selling a million copies across its personal computer formats, before managing a subsequent second million with an enhanced Family Computer remake. Then there’s the fact that it had an enduring enough of a legacy to warrant two sequel installments; before reimagining their franchise-starter not just once, but twice more on more modern platforms for good measure. The fact of the matter is, the Hydlide series would be cited as an influence for many of the Japanese ARPGs to follow in its footsteps — that it helped establish the very foundation of the flourishing subgenre. So, really, that whole bit about Hydlide being forgotten or overlooked by history? Turns out that only really applies outside of its native Japan, where few of us Westerners turn out to have much in the way of real insight into its storied legacy. Blame James, I suppose.

With all that in mind, there’s the matter of one of those aforementioned “reimaginings” that perhaps warrants a second look. Looking toward the future of graphics and level-generation technology – and perhaps seeking to once again present their franchise as the flagbearer for the action RPG genre – T&E Soft set forth to summon Virtual Hydlide for the Sega Saturn. And again, we’ve all been told to believe its derision should be unanimous — that it is a virtual adventure without merit, worthy only of mockery in the modern canon. Which leaves me to determine: Is Virtual Hydlide’s expedition into a digitized Fairyland truly detestable? Or is it perhaps a hero’s journey after all, worthy of our collective reconsideration? And thus begins my own odyssey; to explore Hydlide’s historical context, join the brave knight Jim on his randomly-generated quest, and to return with newfound enlightenment.

“Enough said, here we go.”