Time Gal
Encyclopedia
is an arcade
video game developed and published by Taito
, and was released in Japan in 1985. It is an adventure game
which uses full motion video (FMV) to display the on-screen action. The player must correctly choose the on-screen character's actions to progress the story.
The game is set in a fictional future where time travel
is possible. The protagonist, Reika Kirishima, travels to different time periods in search of a criminal, Luda, from her time. After successfully tracking down Luda, Reika prevents his plans to alter the past.
It was inspired by the success of the 1983 title Dragon's Lair
, which also uses pre-recorded animation. Time Gals animation was produced by Toei Animation
. The game was later ported
to home video game consoles and released outside Japan. The different versions received a mixed reception.
to display the on-screen action. Gameplay is divided into levels, referred to as time periods. The game begins in 4001 AD
with the theft of a time travel device. The thief, Luda, steals the device to take over the world by changing history. , the protagonist also known as Time Gal, uses her own time travel device to pursue him; she travels to different time periods, such as 70,000,000 BC, 44 BC, 1588 AD, and 2010 AD, in search of Luda. Each time period is a scenario which presents a series of threats that must be avoided or confronted. Successfully navigating the sequences allows the player to progress to another period.
The player uses a joystick and button to input commands, though home versions use a game controller
with a directional pad. As the game progresses, visual cues—highlighted portions of the background or foreground—will appear on the screen to help survive the dangers that occur throughout the stage; more difficult settings omit the visual cues. Depending on the location of the cue, the player will input one of four directions (up, down, left and right) or an attack (shoot the target with a laser gun). Inputting the correct command will either avoid or neutralize the threats and progress the game, while incorrect choices result in the character's death. Reika dying too many times results in a game over
. Specific moments in the game involve Reika stopping time. During these moments, players are presented with a list of three options and have seven seconds to choose the one which will save the character.
. It uses laserdisc
technology to stream pre-recorded animation, which was produced by Japanese studio Toei Animation
. The game features raster graphics
on a CRT monitor
and amplified monaural
sound. The protagonist's appearance was derived from the main character, Lum, from the Japanese manga and anime series Urusei Yatsura
. Several factors prevented an overseas release: a decline in the popularity of laserdisc arcade games in the mid-80s, the expensive price of laserdisc technology, and difficulty to translate.
on the Video High Density format; it could be played on Microsoft's MSX
via a Sony laserdisc player. The release of Sega's Mega-CD console in 1991 spawned numerous games that took advantage of the CD technology to introduce interactive FMVs. Among the new titles, Time Gal was one of several older laserdisc-based games that were ported to the system. Renovation Products
acquired the rights to publish Time Gal on the Mega-CD, with Wolf Team handling development. They released it, along with similar games, as part of their "Action-Reaction" series. It was first released in Japan in November 1992, and in North America and Europe the next year.
United States (US) press coverage of the Japanese release prompted video game enthusiasts to contact Renovations about a Western release. The number of requests persuaded Renovation's president, Hide Irie, to announce a release in the US. In addition to being dubbed in English, a few death scenes in the US version were censored. The Mega-CD version uses a smaller color palette
than the original, includes a video gallery which requires passwords to view each level's animation sequences, and features new music by Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba
. Time Gal was ported to the PlayStation in 1996 as a compilation with Ninja Hayate
, another laserdisc arcade game developed by Taito. This release lacks the Mega-CD version's additional content, but features a more accurate reproduction of the animation. The compilation was also released on the Sega Saturn
the following year. The game can also be played on the Pioneer LaserActive
via the Sega Mega-LD module. The LaserActive version is the rarest home release of Time Gal, as well as one of the most expensive on the system among collectors.
s reviewer referred to the arcade game as a "lost, laserdisc treasure", and was enthusiastic about its Mega-CD release. He called the death sequences "hilarious" and felt they reduced the tediousness of dying. MEGA
magazine rated the Mega-CD version the number five CD game, commenting that though it lacked difficulty, it was a good showcase of the system. Prior to its Mega-CD release, Electronic Gaming Monthly
praised the use of CD technology and felt it would be followed by titles with similar gameplay.
Critics praised Time Gals visuals. GameFan magazine, in praising Wolfteam's port of the game, complimented the Mega-CD version's graphics and short load times. Shawn Sackenheim of Allgame
complimented the animation, calling it "high quality". However, Sackenheim criticized the Mega-CD graphics, calling them "downgraded". He commented that though Time Gal offered a good thrill, it lacked replay value. Author Andy Slaven commented that though the animation is nice, it can't really be enjoyed while playing. Ciolek echoed similar statements, saying it is more enjoyable to watch than to play. He further commented that the game is frustrating and rigid when compared to more contemporary standards. Electronic Gaming Monthly
s group of reviewers praised the Mega-CD version's graphics quality. Three of the four reviewers lauded the gameplay, specifically the challenge and format. The other reviewer stated he didn't care for this type of game, referring to the gameplay as "nothing more than memorizing".
Author Masaru Takeuchi attributes the origin of the Quick Time Event
game mechanic to laserdisc games like Dragon's Lair and Time Gal. IGN
's Levi Buchanan listed FMV games like Time Gal as one of the reasons behind the Mega-CD's commercial failure, citing them as a waste of the system's capabilities. Ciolek referred to the protagonist as one of the first human heroines in the industry. He further added that Reika was an appealing lead character that Taito could have easily turned into a mascot and featured in other games and media. The character was later included in Alfa System
's shooting game
Castle of Shikigami III
—Taito published the arcade version in Japan. In the game, Reika features similar attacks and personality, but the character's visual design was updated.
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
video game developed and published by Taito
Taito
Taito may mean:*Taito Corporation, a Japanese developer of video game software and arcade hardware*Taito, Tokyo, a special ward located in Tokyo, Japan*Taito, also known as matai, paramount chiefs according to Fa'a Samoa...
, and was released in Japan in 1985. It is an adventure game
Adventure game
An adventure game is a video game in which the player assumes the role of protagonist in an interactive story driven by exploration and puzzle-solving instead of physical challenge. The genre's focus on story allows it to draw heavily from other narrative-based media such as literature and film,...
which uses full motion video (FMV) to display the on-screen action. The player must correctly choose the on-screen character's actions to progress the story.
The game is set in a fictional future where time travel
Time travel
Time travel is the concept of moving between different points in time in a manner analogous to moving between different points in space. Time travel could hypothetically involve moving backward in time to a moment earlier than the starting point, or forward to the future of that point without the...
is possible. The protagonist, Reika Kirishima, travels to different time periods in search of a criminal, Luda, from her time. After successfully tracking down Luda, Reika prevents his plans to alter the past.
It was inspired by the success of the 1983 title Dragon's Lair
Dragon's Lair
Dragon's Lair is a laserdisc video game published by Cinematronics in 1983. It featured animation created by ex-Disney animator Don Bluth....
, which also uses pre-recorded animation. Time Gals animation was produced by Toei Animation
Toei Animation
Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese animation studio owned by Toei Co., Ltd. The studio was founded in 1948 as Japan Animated Films . In 1956, Toei purchased the studio and it was reincorporated under its current name...
. The game was later ported
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
to home video game consoles and released outside Japan. The different versions received a mixed reception.
Gameplay
Time Gal is a FMV-based game which uses pre-recorded animation rather than spritesSprite (computer graphics)
In computer graphics, a sprite is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene...
to display the on-screen action. Gameplay is divided into levels, referred to as time periods. The game begins in 4001 AD
Anno Domini
and Before Christ are designations used to label or number years used with the Julian and Gregorian calendars....
with the theft of a time travel device. The thief, Luda, steals the device to take over the world by changing history. , the protagonist also known as Time Gal, uses her own time travel device to pursue him; she travels to different time periods, such as 70,000,000 BC, 44 BC, 1588 AD, and 2010 AD, in search of Luda. Each time period is a scenario which presents a series of threats that must be avoided or confronted. Successfully navigating the sequences allows the player to progress to another period.
The player uses a joystick and button to input commands, though home versions use a game controller
Game controller
A game controller is a device used with games or entertainment systems used to control a playable character or object, or otherwise provide input in a computer game. A controller is typically connected to a game console or computer by means of a wire, cord or nowadays, by means of wireless connection...
with a directional pad. As the game progresses, visual cues—highlighted portions of the background or foreground—will appear on the screen to help survive the dangers that occur throughout the stage; more difficult settings omit the visual cues. Depending on the location of the cue, the player will input one of four directions (up, down, left and right) or an attack (shoot the target with a laser gun). Inputting the correct command will either avoid or neutralize the threats and progress the game, while incorrect choices result in the character's death. Reika dying too many times results in a game over
Game over
Game Over is a message in video games which signals that the game has ended, often due to a negative outcome - although the phrase sometimes follows the end credits after successful completion of a game...
. Specific moments in the game involve Reika stopping time. During these moments, players are presented with a list of three options and have seven seconds to choose the one which will save the character.
Development
Time Gal was developed by Taito, and directed by Imazawa Tetsuo. Reika was voiced by Yuriko YamamotoYuriko Yamamoto
is a Japanese voice actress currently employed by Aoni Production.-Notable voice roles:* Arcadia of My Youth as La Mime* Dancouga as Sara Yuki* Earthian as Takako* Fight! Iczer One as Iczer One* Fist of the North Star as Yuria...
. It uses laserdisc
Laserdisc
LaserDisc was a home video format and the first commercial optical disc storage medium. Initially licensed, sold, and marketed as MCA DiscoVision in North America in 1978, the technology was previously referred to interally as Optical Videodisc System, Reflective Optical Videodisc, Laser Optical...
technology to stream pre-recorded animation, which was produced by Japanese studio Toei Animation
Toei Animation
Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese animation studio owned by Toei Co., Ltd. The studio was founded in 1948 as Japan Animated Films . In 1956, Toei purchased the studio and it was reincorporated under its current name...
. The game features raster graphics
Raster graphics
In computer graphics, a raster graphics image, or bitmap, is a data structure representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium...
on a CRT monitor
Cathode ray tube
The cathode ray tube is a vacuum tube containing an electron gun and a fluorescent screen used to view images. It has a means to accelerate and deflect the electron beam onto the fluorescent screen to create the images. The image may represent electrical waveforms , pictures , radar targets and...
and amplified monaural
Monaural
Monaural or monophonic sound reproduction is single-channel. Typically there is only one microphone, one loudspeaker, or channels are fed from a common signal path...
sound. The protagonist's appearance was derived from the main character, Lum, from the Japanese manga and anime series Urusei Yatsura
Urusei Yatsura
is a comedic manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi that premiered in Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 1978 and ran until its conclusion in 1987. Its 374 individual chapters were collected and published in 34 tankōbon volumes. The series tells the story of Ataru Moroboshi, and the alien...
. Several factors prevented an overseas release: a decline in the popularity of laserdisc arcade games in the mid-80s, the expensive price of laserdisc technology, and difficulty to translate.
Home versions
Since its release, Time Gal has been ported to different home formats. It was first released exclusively in Japan by Nippon VictorJVC
, usually referred to as JVC, is a Japanese international consumer and professional electronics corporation based in Yokohama, Japan which was founded in 1927...
on the Video High Density format; it could be played on Microsoft's MSX
MSX
MSX was the name of a standardized home computer architecture in the 1980s conceived by Kazuhiko Nishi, then Vice-president at Microsoft Japan and Director at ASCII Corporation...
via a Sony laserdisc player. The release of Sega's Mega-CD console in 1991 spawned numerous games that took advantage of the CD technology to introduce interactive FMVs. Among the new titles, Time Gal was one of several older laserdisc-based games that were ported to the system. Renovation Products
Renovation Products
Renovation Products Inc. was the North American subsidiary for Telenet Japan. They published and localized many of the games from Telenet Japan and its subsidiaries for North America, but they never actually developed any games...
acquired the rights to publish Time Gal on the Mega-CD, with Wolf Team handling development. They released it, along with similar games, as part of their "Action-Reaction" series. It was first released in Japan in November 1992, and in North America and Europe the next year.
United States (US) press coverage of the Japanese release prompted video game enthusiasts to contact Renovations about a Western release. The number of requests persuaded Renovation's president, Hide Irie, to announce a release in the US. In addition to being dubbed in English, a few death scenes in the US version were censored. The Mega-CD version uses a smaller color palette
Palette (computing)
In computer graphics, a palette is either a given, finite set of colors for the management of digital images , or a small on-screen graphical element for choosing from a limited set of choices, not necessarily colors .Depending on the context In computer graphics, a palette is either a given,...
than the original, includes a video gallery which requires passwords to view each level's animation sequences, and features new music by Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba
Motoi Sakuraba
is a Japanese composer of video games, anime series, and television dramas as well as independent progressive rock albums.-Biography:Motoi Sakuraba was born in Akita Prefecture, Japan...
. Time Gal was ported to the PlayStation in 1996 as a compilation with Ninja Hayate
Ninja Hayate
is a laserdisc arcade game first developed and released by Taito in Japan only. The game became better known when it was released in North America and Europe for the Sega Mega-CD as Revenge of the Ninja.- Plot :...
, another laserdisc arcade game developed by Taito. This release lacks the Mega-CD version's additional content, but features a more accurate reproduction of the animation. The compilation was also released on the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
the following year. The game can also be played on the Pioneer LaserActive
Pioneer LaserActive
The Pioneer LaserActive was a short-lived Laserdisc-based game console released by Pioneer in 1993. In addition to LaserActive games, separately sold add-on modules expanded the hardware to include compatibility with the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis and PC Engine/TurboGrafx 16 game cartridges and...
via the Sega Mega-LD module. The LaserActive version is the rarest home release of Time Gal, as well as one of the most expensive on the system among collectors.
Reception and legacy
The game met with a moderate reception in Japanese arcades. GameSetWatch's Todd Ciolek believed it was released too late in the life of laserdisc games, and that players had grown tired of the genre's gameplay. He further commented that despite its gameplay, it was unique and charming. GameProGamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
s reviewer referred to the arcade game as a "lost, laserdisc treasure", and was enthusiastic about its Mega-CD release. He called the death sequences "hilarious" and felt they reduced the tediousness of dying. MEGA
Mega (magazine)
MEGA, subtitled '100% pure Mega Drive' was a monthly magazine, published in the United Kingdom, aimed at users of the Sega Mega Drive and its additions, the Mega CD and 32X. During its time, as one of the main Mega Drive publications, Mega covered the golden age of the Sega Mega Drive; from 1992 to...
magazine rated the Mega-CD version the number five CD game, commenting that though it lacked difficulty, it was a good showcase of the system. Prior to its Mega-CD release, Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly is a bimonthly American video game magazine. It has been published by EGM Media, LLC. since relaunching in April of 2010. Its previous run, which ended in January 2009, was published by Ziff Davis...
praised the use of CD technology and felt it would be followed by titles with similar gameplay.
Critics praised Time Gals visuals. GameFan magazine, in praising Wolfteam's port of the game, complimented the Mega-CD version's graphics and short load times. Shawn Sackenheim of Allgame
Allgame
Allgame is a commercial database of information about arcade games, video games and console manufacturers.Allgame is owned by All Media Guide, along with Allmusic and Allmovie....
complimented the animation, calling it "high quality". However, Sackenheim criticized the Mega-CD graphics, calling them "downgraded". He commented that though Time Gal offered a good thrill, it lacked replay value. Author Andy Slaven commented that though the animation is nice, it can't really be enjoyed while playing. Ciolek echoed similar statements, saying it is more enjoyable to watch than to play. He further commented that the game is frustrating and rigid when compared to more contemporary standards. Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly is a bimonthly American video game magazine. It has been published by EGM Media, LLC. since relaunching in April of 2010. Its previous run, which ended in January 2009, was published by Ziff Davis...
s group of reviewers praised the Mega-CD version's graphics quality. Three of the four reviewers lauded the gameplay, specifically the challenge and format. The other reviewer stated he didn't care for this type of game, referring to the gameplay as "nothing more than memorizing".
Author Masaru Takeuchi attributes the origin of the Quick Time Event
Quick Time Event
In video games, a Quick Time Event is a method of context-sensitive gameplay in which the player performs actions on the control device shortly after the appearance of an on-screen prompt. It allows for limited control of the game character during cut scenes or cinematic sequences in the game...
game mechanic to laserdisc games like Dragon's Lair and Time Gal. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
's Levi Buchanan listed FMV games like Time Gal as one of the reasons behind the Mega-CD's commercial failure, citing them as a waste of the system's capabilities. Ciolek referred to the protagonist as one of the first human heroines in the industry. He further added that Reika was an appealing lead character that Taito could have easily turned into a mascot and featured in other games and media. The character was later included in Alfa System
Alfa System
Alfa System is a Japanese game development company that plans, develops and markets game software for consoles and personal computers. Alfa System is based out of Kumamoto City, Kyūshū...
's shooting game
Shoot 'em up
Shoot 'em up is a subgenre of shooter video games. In a shoot 'em up, the player controls a lone character, often in a spacecraft or aircraft, shooting large numbers of enemies while dodging their attacks. The genre in turn encompasses various types or subgenres and critics differ on exactly what...
Castle of Shikigami III
Castle of Shikigami III
Castle of Shikigami III is a manic shooter released in Japan in video arcades in 2005, the Windows platform in 2006 and for the Xbox 360 and Wii in 2007...
—Taito published the arcade version in Japan. In the game, Reika features similar attacks and personality, but the character's visual design was updated.
External links
- Taito Corporation website