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{{Short description|1999 video game}}
{{For|the 1987 adventure science fiction film|Timestalkers}}
{{For|the 1987 adventure science fiction film|Timestalkers}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Time Stalkers
| title = Time Stalkers
| image = Time Stalkers Coverart.png
| image = Time Stalkers Coverart.png
| caption= North American Dreamcast cover art
| caption = North American Dreamcast cover art
| developer = [[Climax Entertainment]]
| developer = [[Climax Entertainment]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| designer =
| designer =
| released = {{vgrelease|JP|September 15, 1999|NA|March 28, 2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Time Stalkers'' |url=http://www.sega.com:80/pc/catalog/SegaProduct.jhtml?PRODID=208&x=36&y=17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020627091235/http://www.sega.com:80/pc/catalog/SegaProduct.jhtml?PRODID=208&x=36&y=17 |archive-date=June 27, 2002 |access-date=July 7, 2024 |website=[[Sega]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Time Stalkers'' (aka ''Climax Landers'') |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/games/13937.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010608080739/http://dreamcast.ign.com/games/13937.html |archive-date=June 8, 2001 |access-date=July 7, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>|EU|November 10, 2000}}
|released={{vgrelease|JP|September 15, 1999|NA|September 30, 1999|EU|November 10, 2000}}
| genre = [[Roguelike]] [[Role-playing video game|RPG]]
| genre = [[Roguelike]], [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| platforms = [[Dreamcast]]
| platforms = [[Dreamcast]]
}}
}}


'''''Time Stalkers''''', also known as {{nihongo|'''''Climax Landers'''''|クライマックス ランダーズ}}<ref name="dates">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/dreamcast/data/196935.html | title = Game data | publisher = GameFAQs | date = | accessdate = 2008-02-20}}</ref> in Japan, is a [[Dreamcast]] [[role-playing video game]] featuring appearances of worlds (and playable characters) from several of [[Climax Entertainment]]'s earlier games in [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] fashion. The player initially takes the role of Sword, a character caught in a world made of many worlds. As he goes along, similar heroes show up for the player to control. The player may do things such as enter dungeons, take special assignments, and upgrade/buy/sell items.
'''''Time Stalkers''''', also known as {{nihongo foot|'''''Climax Landers'''''|クライマックス ランダーズ|Kuraimakkusu Randāzu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} in Japan, is a [[role-playing video game]] for the [[Dreamcast]] featuring appearances of worlds (and playable characters) from several of [[Climax Entertainment]]'s earlier games in [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] fashion. The player initially takes the role of Sword, a character caught in a world made of many worlds. As he goes along, similar heroes show up for the player to control. The player may do things such as enter dungeons, take special assignments, and upgrade/buy/sell items.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Time Stalkers'' is a role-playing video game with party members consisting of ''Climax'' characters as well as in-game enemies that can be collected and trained. The battle system combines RTS and turned based out of phase situational combat. The enemies appear on screen and transition to individual arrangements for RTS style combat. The game takes between 30–60 hours to complete and features multiple endings.
Time Stalkers is a typical [[Roguelike]]. The game also borrows elements from [[Dragon Quest V]] because players can capture enemies and build a party of monsters. Players can carry up to 8 monsters, but are only allowed to have two with them during battles.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
{{no plot|date=August 2018}}
{{empty-section}}


⚫
==Reception==
== Other major characters ==
{{Video game reviews
; Master: A being of seemingly limitless power, able to rip the fabrics of time, space, and dimension. Occasionally Master shows up to instruct Sword and his companions on their next course of action, which Sword finds endlessly irritating.
| GR = 52%<ref name=GR>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/196935-time-stalkers/index.html |title=Time Stalkers for Dreamcast |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209015545/https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/196935-time-stalkers/index.html |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19617&tab=review |title=Time Stalkers - Review |last=Ottoson |first=Joe |website=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115043226/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19617&tab=review |archive-date=November 15, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CNG = 4/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Timestalkers/ |title=Time Stalkers |last=D'Aprile |first=Jason |date=May 26, 2000 |website=Gamecenter |publisher=[[CNET]] |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816091010/http://www.gamecenter.com/Consoles/Dreamcast/Timestalkers/ |archive-date=August 16, 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM = 3.67/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/b/bf/EGM_US_131.pdf |title=Time Stalkers |last1=Sewart |first1=Greg |last2=Boyer |first2=Crispin |last3=Smith |first3=Shawn |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=131 |date=June 2000 |page=163 |access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref>{{efn|Three critics of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' gave the game each a score of 3.5/10, 3/10, and 4.5/10.}}
| Fam = 27/40<ref name=Fam>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=4721&redirect=no |title=クライマックス ランダーズ |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref>
| GI = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4988 |title=Time Stalkers |last1=McNamara |first1=Andy |last2=Fitzloff |first2=Jay |last3=Reiner |first3=Andrew |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |issue=85 |date=May 2000 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205075000/http://gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4988 |archive-date=December 5, 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameFan = 68%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1699%26t=r |title=REVIEW for Time Stalkers |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=April 7, 2000 |website=[[GameFan]] |publisher=Shinno Media |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000620175358/http://www.gamefan.com/repre.asp?g=1699%26t=r |archive-date=June 20, 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev = C<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32305-time-stalkers-review |title=Time Stalkers Review |author=G-Wok |date=April 2000 |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218110848/http://www.game-revolution.com/games/dreamcast/rpg/time_stalkers.htm |archive-date=February 18, 2004 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 5.2/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/time-stalkers-review/1900-2540213/ |title=Time Stalkers Review [JP Import; date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"] |last=Bartholow |first=Peter |date=November 16, 1999 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209062001/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/rpg/timestalkers/review.html |archive-date=December 9, 2004 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy = 4.5/10<ref name=GSpy>{{cite web |url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/timestalkers/ |title=Time Stalkers [Import] |author=BenT |date=February 12, 2000 |website=[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125095506/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/timestalkers/ |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 6.5/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/06/time-stalkers-aka-climax-landers |title=Time Stalkers (aka Climax Landers) |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=April 5, 2000 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=September 8, 2013}}</ref>
| NGen = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=NGen>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen66Jun2000/page/n97/mode/2up |title=Time Stalkers |last=Lundrigan |first=Jeff |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |issue=66 |date=June 2000 |page=96 |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref>
| RPG = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/stalker/ts/reviews/tsstrev1.html |title=Time Stalkers - Review |last=Whitehead |first=Anna Marie |date=June 16, 2000 |website=RPGamer |publisher=CraveOnline |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref>
| RPGFan = 63/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/time-stalkers/ |title=Time Stalkers |last=Chu |first=Ken |date=August 24, 2000 |website=RPGFan |publisher=Emerald Shield Media LLC |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref>
}}


''Time Stalkers'' received mixed reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[GameRankings]].<ref name=GR/> Pete Bartholow of ''[[GameSpot]]'' gave the Japanese import a mixed review, criticizing its "traditional" story, randomized dungeon layouts, ugly graphics, and most particularly the resetting of experience points at the beginning of each dungeon. He concluded by advising gamers to instead get the "vastly superior" ''[[Evolution: The World of Sacred Device]]'' (the Dreamcast's only other RPG at that time).<ref name=GSpot/> Anoop Gantayat of ''[[IGN]]'' praised the unique overworld and the monster capture mechanic. However, like ''GameSpot'', he took issue with the resetting of experience points and also complained of the game's concise dialogue and short length.<ref name=IGN/> ''[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]]'' gave it a negative review, over a month and a half before its U.S. release date.<ref name=GSpy/> Jeff Lundrigan of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|NextGen]]'' said of the game, "It ain't bad, but the Dreamcast RPG audience needs more than this generic fix."<ref name=NGen/> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a score of 27 out of 40.<ref name=Fam/> ''[[GamePro]]'' summed up the review of the game by saying, "RPG aficionados looking for that great adventure for the Dreamcast will have to wait—''Time Stalkers'' isn't it. While it'll probably satisfy dungeon crawlers, it will barely get a real adventurer's attention."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/0/0b/GamePro_US_140.pdf |title=Time Stalkers |author=E. Coli |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |issue=140 |date=May 2000 |page=124 |access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref>{{efn|''[[GamePro]]'' gave the game two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and control, and two 3/5 scores for sound and fun factor.}}
; Friday: A small flying creature that is a friend of Nigel's. She is discovered after Nigel is unlocked and he asks Sword to free her from a dungeon.


{{clear}}
; Mr. Noiman: A funny rabbit who lives up on the hill. Mr. Noiman can buy and sell legendary items, which are special items throughout the story with high power such as weapons and armor.

; Dr. Anna: She is capable of reviving your fallen monster allies in battle. She is located at the cathedral below Fire Mountain.

⚫
==Reception==
''Time Stalkers'' was met with mixed to negative reviews. Pete Bartholow of [[GameSpot]] gave the game a negative review, criticizing its "traditional" story, randomized dungeon layouts, ugly graphics, and most particularly the resetting of experience points at the beginning of each dungeon. He concluded by advising gamers to instead get the "vastly superior" ''[[Evolution: The World of Sacred Device]]'' (the Dreamcast's only other RPG at that time), and gave ''Time Stalkers'' an overall score of 5.2.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/time-stalkers/reviews/time-stalkers-review-2540213/ |title=Time Stalkers Review |last= Bartholow |first= Peter |date= November 16, 1999 |website= |publisher= [[GameSpot]] |accessdate=8 September 2013}}</ref> [[IGN]] gave the game a 6.5, and praised the unique overworld and the monster capture mechanic. However, like GameSpot, they took issue with the resetting of experience points, and also complained of the game's concise dialogue and short length.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/06/time-stalkers-aka-climax-landers |title=Time Stalkers (aka Climax Landers) |date= April 5, 2000 |website= |publisher= [[IGN]] |accessdate=8 September 2013}}</ref>


==Notes==
== Other appearances ==
{{notelist}}
The following characters of other ''Climax'' games also appear:
* Friday, from ''[[Landstalker]]''.
* Cox, from ''[[Lady Stalker]]''. Cox joins your monsters group after finishing the game with Lady.
* Hiro and Milo, the other two playable characters from ''[[Shining in the Darkness]]'', appear in Pyra's ending. In the English version their names are mistranslated as Dave and Dennis.
* Jogurt, the Yogurt, from ''[[Shining Force]]'', when you equip the Yogurt Ring on any character.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/time-stalkers|name=''Time Stalkers''}}
* {{moby game|id=/dreamcast/time-stalkers}}
*[http://www.atarcade.com/cms/time-stalkers.html Time Stalkers Manual]


{{Landstalker series}}
{{Landstalker series}}


[[Category:1999 video games]]
[[Category:1999 video games]]
[[Category:Crossover video games]]
[[Category:Climax Entertainment games]]
⚫
[[Category:Crossover role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast-only games]]
[[Category:Dreamcast-only games]]
⚫
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]

Latest revision as of 15:30, 8 July 2024

For the 1987 adventure science fiction film, see Timestalkers.
Time Stalkers
North American Dreamcast cover art
Developer(s)Climax Entertainment
Publisher(s)Sega
Platform(s)Dreamcast
Release
  • JP: September 15, 1999
  • NA: March 28, 2000[1][2]
  • EU: November 10, 2000
Genre(s)Roguelike, role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Time Stalkers, also known as Climax Landers[a] in Japan, is a role-playing video game for the Dreamcast featuring appearances of worlds (and playable characters) from several of Climax Entertainment's earlier games in crossover fashion. The player initially takes the role of Sword, a character caught in a world made of many worlds. As he goes along, similar heroes show up for the player to control. The player may do things such as enter dungeons, take special assignments, and upgrade/buy/sell items.

Gameplay

[edit]

Time Stalkers is a role-playing video game with party members consisting of Climax characters as well as in-game enemies that can be collected and trained. The battle system combines RTS and turned based out of phase situational combat. The enemies appear on screen and transition to individual arrangements for RTS style combat. The game takes between 30–60 hours to complete and features multiple endings.

Plot

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

Time Stalkers received mixed reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[3] Pete Bartholow of GameSpot gave the Japanese import a mixed review, criticizing its "traditional" story, randomized dungeon layouts, ugly graphics, and most particularly the resetting of experience points at the beginning of each dungeon. He concluded by advising gamers to instead get the "vastly superior" Evolution: The World of Sacred Device (the Dreamcast's only other RPG at that time).[11] Anoop Gantayat of IGN praised the unique overworld and the monster capture mechanic. However, like GameSpot, he took issue with the resetting of experience points and also complained of the game's concise dialogue and short length.[13] PlanetDreamcast gave it a negative review, over a month and a half before its U.S. release date.[12] Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen said of the game, "It ain't bad, but the Dreamcast RPG audience needs more than this generic fix."[14] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 27 out of 40.[7] GamePro summed up the review of the game by saying, "RPG aficionados looking for that great adventure for the Dreamcast will have to wait—Time Stalkers isn't it. While it'll probably satisfy dungeon crawlers, it will barely get a real adventurer's attention."[17][c]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Japanese: クライマックス ランダーズ, Hepburn: Kuraimakkusu Randāzu
  2. ^ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 3.5/10, 3/10, and 4.5/10.
  3. ^ GamePro gave the game two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and control, and two 3/5 scores for sound and fun factor.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Time Stalkers". Sega. Archived from the original on June 27, 2002. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  2. ^ "Time Stalkers (aka Climax Landers)". IGN. Archived from the original on June 8, 2001. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Time Stalkers for Dreamcast". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 9, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  4. ^ Ottoson, Joe. "Time Stalkers - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  5. ^ D'Aprile, Jason (May 26, 2000). "Time Stalkers". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  6. ^ Sewart, Greg; Boyer, Crispin; Smith, Shawn (June 2000). "Time Stalkers" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 131. Ziff Davis. p. 163. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  7. ^ a b "クライマックス ランダーズ". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  8. ^ McNamara, Andy; Fitzloff, Jay; Reiner, Andrew (May 2000). "Time Stalkers". Game Informer. No. 85. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on December 5, 2000. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  9. ^ Buchanan, Levi (April 7, 2000). "REVIEW for Time Stalkers". GameFan. Shinno Media. Archived from the original on June 20, 2000. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  10. ^ G-Wok (April 2000). "Time Stalkers Review". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 18, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  11. ^ a b Bartholow, Peter (November 16, 1999). "Time Stalkers Review [JP Import; date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]". GameSpot. Red Ventures. Archived from the original on December 9, 2004. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  12. ^ a b BenT (February 12, 2000). "Time Stalkers [Import]". PlanetDreamcast. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 25, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Gantayat, Anoop (April 5, 2000). "Time Stalkers (aka Climax Landers)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  14. ^ a b Lundrigan, Jeff (June 2000). "Time Stalkers". NextGen. No. 66. Imagine Media. p. 96. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  15. ^ Whitehead, Anna Marie (June 16, 2000). "Time Stalkers - Review". RPGamer. CraveOnline. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  16. ^ Chu, Ken (August 24, 2000). "Time Stalkers". RPGFan. Emerald Shield Media LLC. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  17. ^ E. Coli (May 2000). "Time Stalkers" (PDF). GamePro. No. 140. IDG. p. 124. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
[edit]
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