Ancient Roman: Power of Dark Side

April 23, 1998

Nihon System

Role-playing (RPG)

PS1

Single player

Third person, Bird view / Isometric

Fantasy

Summary

A PS1 RPG with 3-D models and pre-rendered backdrops, Ancient Roman was released in 1998 by Nihon System, but exploded into internet infamy in the late 2010s as word of the game began to spread through Japanese gaming circles. It is now widely considered to be one of the worst RPGs ever made by Japanese retro gamers.

Storyline

The game's story, such as it is, follows protagonist Kai, who has grown up under in a village that lives under the subjugation of monsters. After leading a rebellion against these oppressors with the help of fellow slaves Burke and Mishilia, Kai sets off on a journey to discover the mystery behind the rise of the monster menace - a journey that will also bring him into contact with some of the secrets of his own past.