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Released exclusively in Japan in 1996, Bahamut Lagoon is a late-era SNES RPG that dared to dream beyond traditional genre boundaries. Developed by Squaresoft during its golden age, the title masterfully blends turn-based strategy with classic RPG combat — a hybrid that feels years ahead of its time. Sadly, it never officially left Japanese shores, depriving Western audiences of one of the console’s most innovative experiences. However, thanks to the internet, I was able to play a fan-translated version in Portuguese, bringing this hidden gem to life after years of waiting.
A World in Chains
Welcome to Orelus — a skybound realm where nations float like drifting continents and each is guarded by a mighty dragon. It's a concept ripped from the pages of high fantasy, but beneath the picturesque clouds, the world is suffocating under imperial rule. The Granbelos Empire, born of a tyrant's ambition, has conquered the Lagoons and plunged them into despair.
Amid the ashes rises the Resistance, a ragtag band led by the quiet yet resolute knight Byuu. Their goal: to free Orelus from Granbelos’ grip. But as the journey unfolds, so do the empire’s darker intentions — a plan to enslave the dragons and awaken the mythical Bahamut, a beast of such destructive power that whoever controls it could rule the heavens.
Tactical Combat With Depth
In Bahamut Lagoon, strategy is not just a backdrop — it’s the beating heart of gameplay. Missions pit your small rebel force against overwhelming enemy numbers, often outmanned two or three to one. Victory demands foresight and clever use of terrain, formations, and hybrid mechanics.
Each battlefield plays out on a grid where you maneuver your units, launch spells, and engage enemies directly. You can torch forests to create damage zones, freeze water to forge new paths, or collapse bridges to cut off enemy advances. It’s strategic chess with magical fireworks.
Once units clash, combat shifts into traditional turn-based RPG battles. These skirmishes are more dangerous but yield greater rewards. You’ll constantly weigh risk versus reward, deciding when to play it safe and when to go all in.
Dragons Off the Leash
But Bahamut Lagoon doesn’t stop at mixing genres. The game’s dragon system sets it further apart. Dragons fight alongside you, but not under your direct control. You can issue broad commands — attack, support, stay close — but the creatures act on instinct. Their unpredictable behavior adds a layer of chaos and charm to every encounter.
Dragons also grow in surprising ways. Rather than leveling up traditionally, they evolve based on what you feed them. Toss a potion or a sword their way, and you might boost their stats — or mutate their appearance. Favorable foods raise obedience and affinity; others bring raw power at the cost of loyalty. It’s part pet simulator, part mad science — and endlessly fascinating.
Visual and Sonic Excellence
Late SNES-era games often pushed the hardware to its limit, and Bahamut Lagoon is no exception. The pixel art is lush and expressive, with detailed animations and dramatic spell effects. Battles come to life with character sprites that rival the best in the system’s library.
Backing it all is a soaring soundtrack by Noriko Matsueda (Front Mission, Final Fantasy X-2), blending militaristic marches with ethereal fantasy themes. Tracks like “Fight 1” and “Kahna Army” perfectly capture the game’s tone — a world at war, but still full of wonder.
Though fan translations have since made Bahamut Lagoon more accessible, its official absence in the West remains one of the SNES era’s greatest missed opportunities. Instead of spending seven years with the industry chasing after Triple-A titles, this masterpiece deserves a remaster that brings it to a wider audience. For those willing to dive in, however, there’s a unique and emotionally rich experience waiting — a blend of dragons, strategy, and story that still holds up nearly three decades later.
Two Tips
Unlock the Ex Game
Complete the game, then press reset on the final screen. A new option called "Ex Game" will appear, allowing you to start a new game with all your items.
Sound Test
Hold down L and R, then press Reset to bring up the sound test screen.
