Beyond Oasis, or The Story of Thor depending on where you grew up, is one of those iconic Mega Drive titles that sticks with you long after you’ve put down the controller.
Developed by Ancient and released in 1993, it was a visually stunning — if slightly flawed — action RPG that still holds a special place in my memory. The game was well received at the time and even spawned a sequel for the Sega Saturn.
Story
You play as Prince Ali, a royal who isn’t content with palace life and has taken up archaeology as a hobby. In the animated opening, Ali discovers a golden amulet that grants him the power to summon four elemental spirits. These companions are key to taking on the evil wearer of the silver amulet, though first Ali must track them down and awaken them before the real battle can begin.
The premise might be a little clichéd, but the presentation elevates it. The animated introduction, vibrant colour palette, and pseudo-3D visuals give the game a lively, cartoonish style. Some areas feel a bit bland, but overall it’s a beautiful world to explore.
Gameplay
The game blends traditional RPG elements with hack-and-slash action. You manage HP and MP, juggle an inventory, and enemies drop health upgrades reminiscent of levelling up. Ali’s combat skills are already varied, but summoning the elemental spirits adds even more options — healing, fire attacks, and more.
Combat often becomes frantic as you dash around, outnumbered by groups of enemies. It can get repetitive, but the mix of puzzles and exploration keeps you engaged. Puzzles are straightforward: summon the correct spirit to bypass an obstacle and collect keys. While simple, they’re satisfying and complement the action.
That said, the world can feel a little small compared to other action RPGs, and some areas lack the same visual flair as others. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable experience.
Presentation
The graphics are bright and colourful, giving a sense of depth and a sort of 3D feel. The soundtrack is outstanding, particularly the opening theme, which perfectly captures the excitement of setting off on a grand adventure. It’s one of those scores that has stuck with me for decades.
Final Thoughts
While Beyond Oasis may have its flaws — repetitive combat, small world, simple puzzles — it’s still a classic worth playing. The game’s comparison to Zelda is more compliment than criticism: it’s a beautifully executed action RPG with charm, style, and memorable moments.
Saying it’s “like Zelda” is like saying a car is “like a Ferrari.” Sometimes, being compared to the best is exactly where you want to be.