Game Details
| Size | 316 MB |
| Region | Japan |
| Genre | RPG |
| Format | 7z / BIN |
| Year | December 26, 1996 |
| Console | PSX |
Bastard!! Utsuronaru Kamigami no Utsuwa (BASTARD!! -虚ろなる神々の器-, roughly translating to Bastard!! Vessel of the Hollow Gods) is an intensely atmospheric tactical role-playing game released exclusively in Japan for the PlayStation 1. Developed and published by Seta Corporation, it acts as a digital continuation of Kazushi Hagiwara’s legendary, heavy-metal-infused dark fantasy manga and anime masterpiece, Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy.
Arriving in late 1996, the game completely bypassed standard turn-based RPG trends of its era. Instead, it built a complex hybrid system combining real-time positioning, deck-shuffling mechanics, and a gritty, fully 3D first-person perspective.
Story & Premise: The Rebirth of the Dark Wizard
The game’s narrative drops players directly into the chaotic, metal-inspired world of Meta-Ilicana. It bridges the gap between the classic anime arcs and the later, highly abstract arcs of the manga.
The Hollow Vessels: The plot introduces a brand-new threat outside of the Four Divine Kings. Ancient, empty monoliths known as the “Hollow Gods” have emerged across the continents, threatening to drain the life essence of the planet to resurrect a pre-human cataclysm.
Naturally, the world’s survival hinges on the least heroic savior imaginable: Dark Schneider, the arrogant, power-hungry, and incredibly lecherous arch-wizard who has been resurrected once again. Accompanied by Tia Noto Yoko, Arshes Nei, and Gara, Dark Schneider sets out to tear these artificial gods apart—mostly because they are interrupting his personal quest for global domination.
Back Cover Description
HEAVY METAL MAGIC SHATTERS THE 32-BIT BOUNDARIES! (Translated from the original Japanese retail packaging)
The ultimate dark wizard Dark Schneider is back, and he’s bringing an apocalypse of sorcery straight to your PlayStation! Experience an entirely original “Bastard!!” storyline featuring fully voiced visual novel cutscenes and an innovative 3D tactical battle system that tests your strategy and reflexes!
- Dynamic 3D First-Person Exploration: Navigate deep, dark labyrinthine dungeons from a highly immersive first-person viewpoint!
- Real-Time Grid Battle System: Command your allies across a fluid, pseudo-real-time field grid where positioning and spell ranges mean the difference between victory and ash!
- Devastating Spell Incantations: Unleash Dark Schneider’s iconic, metal-band-inspired magic spells, rendered with flashy 32-bit polygonal special effects!
Key Gameplay Features
- The First-Person Dungeon Grind: When exploring the world, the game operates like classic dungeon crawlers such as Wizardry or King’s Field. Players navigate a grid-based, first-person 3D environment, hunting for treasure chests, avoiding hidden floor traps, and interacting with NPCs via beautifully drawn 2D character portraits.
- Pseudo-Real-Time Grid Combat: The moment an encounter triggers, the camera pulls back into a tactical combat screen. Battles are handled on a small grid matrix. While it is technically turn-based, character actions are dictated by an active cooldown gauge. Moving your characters to flank enemies or stepping backwards to protect your fragile spellcasters is vital.
- The Card-Based Command Deck: Rather than standard “Attack/Magic” text menus, your actions are randomized via an inner card deck layout. Each turn, characters draw specialized command cards representing unique physical techniques, defensive shields, or devastating spells. Managing your active hand and discarding low-value cards keeps combat incredibly dynamic.
- Epic Spell Cinematics: True to Hagiwara’s artwork, executing high-tier magic like Black Sabbath or Exodus pauses the battle to showcase a highly dramatic, unskippable 3D cinematic animation. The screen erupts in a storm of multi-colored polygons, capturing the cataclysmic scale of Dark Schneider’s power.
Short Review: A Cult-Classic Heavy Metal Visual Treat
The Good
- Flawless Adaptation of Tone: Seta nailed the over-the-top, slightly unhinged tone of the manga perfectly. Dark Schneider is just as wonderfully arrogant as he should be, the voice acting is superb, and the heavy metal MIDI soundtrack keeps your adrenaline pumping throughout long dungeon crawls.
- Highly Unique Combat Mechanics: Combining grid positioning with a card-drawing menu was incredibly experimental for 1996. It forces you to think creatively on your feet since you can’t always rely on spamming the exact same optimal attack every turn.
The Bad
- Extreme Language and System Barrier: Because the card deck mechanics, spell attributes, and menu commands rely on complex Japanese kanji and specialized lore terms, playing blindly without a translation guide or fluid reading skills is almost impossible.
- Clunky First-Person Turning: The 3D engine suffers from early-era PS1 stiffness. Navigating the flat, repetitive dungeon walls from a first-person perspective without dual-analog support can cause slight visual disorientation during long play sessions.
Screenshots
