Record of Lodoss War

Record of Lodoss War, coded by Thinking Rabbit, is an SNES prequel to the eponymous series of fantasy novels. Split into four scenarios and featuring gimmicked protagonists, this work - in short, is little more than an average (slow, linear and narrative-driven) JRPG, although a challenging one with a few tricks in its repertoire. Compared to similar 'encounter-based strategy' systems at the time (i.e. segmented isometric tactics held on tiny maps), two mechanics detach their brand from the rest: Enemy troop leaders (who immediately end battle upon defeat, a concept borrowed from their mission-based siblings) and ring-outs a la Virtua Fighter (and one can probably see how they could win fights quickly). That said, combat's angled view tends to fatigue the player when applied to its maze-y, battle-heavy dungeons, while the only chapter of interest - in which a phantom takes control of whomever kills its host body (absorbing their spells and EXP in the process), largely relies on story events to swap units and therefore feels like a missed opportunity. Lodoss-tou Senki fans might find something to appreciate, at least.