PC Engine Review: Exile
Publisher: Renovation
Genre: Adventure/RPG
Game Type: PCE CD ROM 2

What can be said about Exile that hasn’t been said before? I don’t believe there’s much left to say about this amazing platform game from Renovation. The game was originally released for the PC Engine CD-ROM2 in Japan, and then later ported to the US by the infamous Working Designs. Interestingly enough, it is one of the few games that Working Designs did not alter the dialogue in during localization. I believe that the reason for this is that Exile is simply too good to change. They realized that this is probably the best game that Renovation ever put out.

Exile is part RPG and part platform action game. It takes place in the Middle East, based on fables such as 1001 Arabian Nights, during a time of magic and mystery. You play Sadler, a man trying to end war in the world. The storyline is very well written, and the gameplay is excellent. In addition, the Middle Eastern CD music is beautiful, one of my favorite PC Engine soundtracks!

Gameplay is graceful but simple, using jumping and sword slashes. Sadler also has some magic available as he gains levels. As an added bonus, the game is filled with spoken dialogue anime cutscenes. In fact, they are some of the best-drawn scenes I’ve ever witnessed! The stylized art for the game is amazing, and everything about the game exhudes quality, something that isn’t the norm for a Renovation game.

I highly recommend Exile to any gamers that like Middle Eastern lore, platform games, and great plots and art. It’s a game that makes you appreciate gaming as a whole. It’s a stunning example of what classic gaming can be and well worth a place in any PC Engine/Turbografx gamer’s collection!

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