An unfinished medieval SNES game
Basilisk is a free adventure game created for the Super Nintendo (SNES) console. In this SNES ROM, you get to play as a knight from the Middle Ages sent to solve the famine across the land. This game features 2D 16-bit graphics on a 3D space, similar to the classic Doom game, but set in a medieval world.
The main problem with Basilisk is that it is an unfinished game, which adds to the mystery. Its abrupt ending makes the game similar to the SNES prototype for Rayman, which predates Rayman Origins by decades.
A complete old-school experience
As a ROM file for SNES, Basilisk cannot be played by itself. It requires an emulator like Snes9x or Emu-OS to run. No need to worry, though, since both the game file and the emulators for this console come in small file sizes. It doesn’t need any coding or setting up too. Just run the emulator and load up the game file and you’re good to go.
The game provides you with a backstory about the game. However, you don’t get spoon fed with where to go or what to do next. You’re left to explore the abandoned village around you, which highlights its dated graphics that evokes nostalgia. Its set-pieces, including trees and walls, look like 2D cutouts of 3D objects. This captures the feel of actual video games at the time.
However, the RPG premise of the game suddenly turns into something closer to a walking simulator as you find other characters. You can interact with them and they respond in ways you couldn’t explain. Then the dreaded ending comes, abruptly cutting your game. The game does show promise in terms of concept and lore, but its execution is far from complete.
Just scratching the surface
Haunting is the best way to describe Basilisk in one word. Its dated graphics, spooky and abandoned setting, and the fact that it cuts the app without any warning are all the makings of a would-be cult classic. It leaves you hanging in more ways than one. However, it is important to note that this has a promising story concept, one that was teased in its short playthrough.
