The Magic of Scheherazade Retrospective

Since it's a slow news day, I thought I'd point out Destructoid's new retrospective article covering Culture Brain's The Magic of Scheherazade RPG for the original Nintendo Entertainment System.
In the start of the game, you will be able to choose between three classes: fighter, saint and magician. While the influence these choices have on the game is not titanic, it will definitely affect the way you play as well as dealing with the bosses that lay in wait for you at the end of each level. I was a fan of the fighter class because I prefer physical strength over magic in most games, but I played the game through using magician class as well as still had fun. It is of note that you can only gain one of the NPCs in level three by choosing saint class, though!

In each of the game's five worlds, the hero will need to speak people in towns to gather information and then venture out into the land to fight his way to the boss. To do so, he is armed with two weapons: a sword for close range attacks and a magic rod for long distance. You will also have magic spells and items available to help fight against the enemies you face.

Fights are random and turn-based, and while you'll be taking them on yourself at first, later up to two NPCs can join you in battle. Finding some of the NPCs will require you to change your class during the game, which you can do at anytime by going to a Mosque and paying a fee. As a kid of course I never noticed this, but as an adult I look back at this class shuffling and think it doesn't make much sense. You can't just flip a switch and know how to cast hardcore magic spells whenever you want! Ah, suspension of disbelief: what would I have done without you back then?
I remember playing this one many years ago, but I honestly don't recall enjoying it very much. There were far better PC (and NES) role-playing games vying for my free time.