======================================================= =====================Valhollian======================== =======================V 1.3=========================== Genre: RPG Source language: Japanese Platform: Sega Saturn Patch language: English Author: paul_met/aishsha/Pennywise E-mail: paul294met@gmail.com http://meduza-team.ucoz.net aishsha.blogspot.com http://yojimbo.eludevisibility.org/ ====================================================== Background ====================================================== This is a complete English patch for Valhollian translating the game from Japanese into English. The game itself is a pure representative of the tactical role-playing genre, with all its ups and downs. This is one of the very few titles released by Datt Japan. ===================================================== Patching Instructions ===================================================== 1. Copy all the patch files into a folder containing the original multi-track game image in the "Bin/Cue" format! 2. Launch the "START.BAT" file. 3. To make things safer, the original data track is saved in the same folder (with the "old" extension). You may further delete after successful patching. 4. All the patch files are automatically deleted at the end of the patching process! --------------------------------------------------- The original image should be equivalent to the one found here: Redump.org/disc/68329 ====================================================== Manual ====================================================== We have also fully translated and edited the game's manual which you can find in the CBR format. Please, use the http://www.cdisplay.me/ software to view it properly. ====================================================== Emulators to use ====================================================== This is another emulator-nightmare title which might turn down to various sound or graphical issues found even on SSF or yabause. MedNafen was considered the most stable one in emulating this game properly, but real hardware is always the best choice (the game has been fully tested and passed on the real Sega Saturn). ====================================================== paul_met's comments ====================================================== The "Valhollian" might look like an average tactical game from the first glance - typical for its times. But when you start digging deeper - this is one of those die-hard nuts to crack. The battles are hard above average while keeping you under constant pressure. It's quite unique combo system also makes things a bit funnier when two allies can hit the same foe as a duo team. It's worth mentioning that the 3D animation found in the game is also of high quality (while exceeding 3D models found even in such titles as the acclaimed "Shining Force III"). Music also has nothing to complain about while plot is another "gem" part of the game. All in all, the game's techs are rather well-done (since the title was released on the dusk of the Sega Saturn era - back in 1998). The new features introduced by the patch also provide the 4MB external RAM support (activated automatically with the RAM cart inserted) to speed up the loading for optional 3D screens found in battles (the loading time is cut by about a half). ====================================================== aishsha's comments ====================================================== Well, another obscure game on my memory which started like "let's do something real quick for a change" and turned out into a full-fledged project eventually. The only thing I can say about the Valhollian is that it absolutely NOT what it might seem. The seemingly average plot turns into a really neat and consistent story those 90s times, and probably only the lack of financing stood in the way of making it even better. The music gets captivating with every new step and cartoonish visuals fit the game quite well. One last thing - despite its childish look, the game is hard. And I mean ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL. So, SAVE the game. Then, save it again. And save it another time, just to be sure, as every next turn might be your last one, and reloads will be your constant assistants in this tactical hell. So, yes, you will have to think in this one. Sometimes, 2-3 turns ahead. There will be occasions when there's much safer to lure your foes and rushing on them. But I'm spoiling too much - see it for yourselves. So, yes, enjoy the game and BUY the bloody original since the developers certainly deserved that even if they're inactive :) ====================================================== Pennywise's comments ====================================================== Valhollian is a super obscure Saturn game that I'd never heard of before aishsha told me about it. Naturally, I wasn't expecting much, but the game surprised me in the end. I especially grew to like the beautiful 2D graphics of the various maps and while the scope of the game was limited, there was some depth to it. The difficultly on the other hand was so shockingly hard, I suspect a lot of people will just give up on it, but the game does get easier as you progress. All in all, we've provided another quality translation for the oft-neglected Sega Saturn. ====================================================== cccmar's comments ====================================================== Valhollian is a pretty late Saturn game, and I thought it was pretty good. Apparently, it's not very well-known in Japan either (not many articles etc. on it). The characters on the battle map looks sorta like SFC characters, for the most part. The number of songs in music is small, and you can hardly expect anything too bombastic. The battle map/battle music tracks were the best in my opinion. This game has a huge number of foes. The enemy's attack power is quite significant all things considered. You can't win just with a single character. So what is an effective strategy to win? Use decoys to lure enemies and disperse their forces. Create a wall with characters with high defense power/HP to protect the characters in the back. Make sure to stop the enemy's counterattack during your turn. Do not use just one character at any time. Also, remember about the combined attacks, they're the most powerful by a long shot, and will make the game considerably easier (the first few maps will still be quite difficult). Overall, it's a fairly simple game, with a story that has a few surprises in store and some fun moments, but if you're not into SRPGs, this one is pretty standard fare and likely won't convince you to get into the genre. I enjoyed it though, in the end, and I hope you will too. ====================================================== Disclaimers ====================================================== All the materials in the game are purely copyrights of Sega and DATT JAPAN INC. The game developers did their best and put a lot of hard work into this project, so BUY THE ORIGINAL GAME IF YOU LIKE IT!!! ====================================================== Credits ====================================================== paul_met - initiator, coordinator, hacker and designer aishsha - translation, testing, manual works Pennywise - testing, editing, coordinating TheMajinZenki - misc spot translations MatatabiMitsu - misc spot translations cccmar - major testing Xanathis - testing Rim Saruyama - an absolutely gorgeous video walkthrough for this game with personal comments. Do check out or even subscribe to the guy's channel if you like retro gaming or just cool little stories about Japan: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_woHeX-K3qs8B4pJJyTTg All those who contributed into this process. ====================================================== Fixes ====================================================== Ver. 1.2 contains a fix for a specific Levelup glitch. ====================================================== Ver. 1.3 contains corrections of a number of minor grammar errors and misspellings, a fix for Gerard's levelup code and the requested MP memory card routine. To disable auto-detection of the 4 MB expansion card, you need hold down the "L+R" button during the animated "Sega Saturn" logo. ====================================================== Compiled by aishsha. May 2021.