Soleil (France)
What is Soleil (France)?
Soleil is the French edition of Crusader of Centy, a top-down action-adventure game released for the Sega Genesis in 1994. Developed by Nextech and published by Sega for European territories, it is one of the few console Zelda clones from the 16-bit era. The game earned a reputation for treating its enemies with unusual sympathy, framing them not as mindless evil but as creatures with their own reasons for fighting.
The player controls a young boy who sets out on a quest, wielding a sword and eventually befriending a variety of animals. Each animal grants a unique ability, such as digging, flying, or breaking barriers, which becomes essential for solving puzzles and navigating the world. The core loop involves exploring an overworld, delving into dungeons, battling foes, and aiding characters, all while the animals swap in and out as helpers.
What makes Soleil worth revisiting today is its gentle tone and the animal companion system, which set it apart from darker action games of the era. It is a solid, well‑constructed adventure that stands alongside the likes of Beyond Oasis and Landstalker, though it remains niche due to its limited European release. For collectors and emulation fans, it is a charming piece of the Genesis library that holds up surprisingly well.
How to Play Soleil (France) Online
Getting Started
Soleil is a French‑localized version of Crusader of Centy, so all in‑game text appears in French. New players begin in a small town where they receive a sword and basic instructions. Talk to every villager - some give hints about where to go or how to recruit the first animal companion.
The core gameplay loop is classic Zelda‑style: travel between an overworld map and screen‑by‑screen areas, fight enemies with the sword (B button), and interact with objects or people using the confirm button. As you progress, you meet animals like a dog, a bird, and a mole; each follows you and can be activated with the Y button to use its special ability. These abilities unlock new paths and solve puzzles.
Your health is shown as hearts, and you find heart pieces to extend it. Save points are located in towns. The battle system rewards timing - enemies sometimes block, so wait for an opening. If the French menus feel unfamiliar, experiment with the buttons; the pause screen saves your progress and shows your current animal and equipment.
Soleil (France) 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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