Crusader of Centy

Crusader of Centy is an action-adventure game developed by Nextech for the Sega Genesis. The story centers on Corona, a boy who has just turned 14 years of age and must inherit his late father's sword to fight the monsters that threaten the human race's existence. Gameplay uses an overhead perspective and focuses on exploring, battling enemies with a sword, and solving puzzles. As the story progresses, numerous animals join the hero and aid him. They are used in gameplay like weapons or tools, which often grant passage to previously inaccessible areas.
Gameplay.
Early in the game, Corona finds himself losing his ability to speak to fellow humans, and instead gaining the ability to speak to animals. Some of them will join him, lending Corona their abilities while they are "equipped". Each animal has its own special technique. The very first animal the player gets is Corona's pet dog, Mac (US version), or Johnny (UK version). He can hold enemies down for Corona to attack. Later, the player gets a penguin, named Chilly (US version), or Penguy (UK version), which will power up Corona's sword with an ice-attack. Corona can equip two abilities at a time. A total of 16 animals can be obtained.
Plot.
In Soleil Town, a law requires that all 14-year-old boys go to train and prepare for battle. The game's hero, Corona, has just turned fourteen at the beginning of the game. As such, Corona receives the sword and shield of his father, who died in battle and had a great reputation for his bravery in defending the city.
The story is divided into two parts. Corona must first take time to discover his world and unlock the various levels that make it up. He can then access them at his leisure. During this half of the game, Corona will not have the ability to speak to humans, but only to animals and plants. Only after beating Dragon ("Maldra the Dragon" in the US version) will the second half of the game begin: Corona has recovered the ability to talk to humans and he will travel through time to build a better world and understand why the monsters are at war with humanity.
Development and release.
"Crusader of Centy" was developed by Nextech.
Reception.
The four reviewers of "Electronic Gaming Monthly" contended that the game is a worthy "Zelda" clone, with Ed Semrad and Sushi-X going so far as to say it is equally good as the "Zelda" series. They identified the story and Zelda-like play mechanics as the game's strongest points, and gave the game a 7.75 out of 10. Scary Larry of "GamePro" viewed the game as the Genesis's answer to "", and remarked that "While "Zelda" had tons of hidden surprises, weapons, and fearsome bosses (making it one of the best action/RPGs ever), "Crusader of Centy" has a too-familiar story line, minor enemies, and a serious shortage of puzzles." He nonetheless concluded that though "Crusader of Centy" would bore the average RPG gamer, it successfully appeals to its young target audience. "Next Generation" rated it three stars out of five, and stated that ""Centy" is a mirror image of the immensely popular "Zelda", and is a load of fun that Genesis owners have yet to experience." "Jeuxvideo.com" rated the game with a 17 out of 20 score.