Rastan Saga II (Japan)
Rastan Saga II (Japan): Genesis Platformer
Rastan Saga II, known in Europe as Nastar and in North America as Nastar Warrior, is a hack and slash platformer originally released in arcades by Taito in 1988. The SEGA Genesis port arrived in Japan in 1989, offering home players a chance to experience this barbarian adventure. It's the direct sequel to the original Rastan, continuing the saga of its Conan-like hero.
You guide Rastan through side-scrolling levels, slicing up a variety of monsters and dodging traps. The story explains how he earned his name and saved the land of Rastania from a group of evil creatures called the Wicked Group. Gameplay revolves around gritty combat and precise platforming, with power-ups and treasure to collect along the way. The Genesis version keeps the arcade's core intact, though it adjusts some enemy placements and continues for a home audience.
For retro fans, this port is a solid way to play an influential early hack and slash. The graphics are detailed for 1989, and the soundtrack has a heavy metal edge that fits the sword-and-sorcery theme. While it's not as well-known as the first Rastan, it's a worthy sequel that offers a fair challenge. If you enjoy games like Golden Axe or Barbarian, this one is worth your time.
How to Play Rastan Saga II (Japan) Online
For a Japanese import, the title screen and menus appear in Japanese text. You can start a game by pressing Enter (Start) after the attract mode. Gameplay flows from left to right: you fight enemies, collect gold and power-ups like new weapons, and survive traps such as pits and spikes. Dying costs a life, and continues are limited, so careful play is rewarded. The core loop is clear: slash everything, grab keys to progress, and defeat bosses at the end of each stage. If you get lost, note that item chests and secret rooms can be found by attacking certain walls, a common trick in the genre.
Rastan Saga II (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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