《聖劍傳說》（Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden），在歐美市場也被稱為《Final Fantasy Adventure》，由Square（現為Square Enix）於1991年在Game Boy平台上推出的動作角色扮演遊戲。是該系列的開端，最初作為《最終幻想》的外傳推出，但其獨特的玩法與故事，讓它逐漸發展為獨立的經典系列。

主要指令分別為1.ITEM物品 2.MAGIC魔法 3.EQUIP裝備 4.ASK詢問，右邊的小欄位若顯示”Good”，表示狀態正常，而不是中毒。採用動作角色扮演的遊戲模式，結合即時戰鬥與角色成長的元素，這在當時的Game Boy遊戲中頗為創新。

1.即時戰鬥系統:直接在地圖上攻擊敵人，無需進入單獨的戰鬥畫面。使用多種武器和魔法，每種武器都有其獨特的攻擊範圍與效果，例如劍適合近戰，弓箭可以進行遠程攻擊，而鐵球能破壞某些特殊的障礙物。

2.耐力條機制:有耐力條的設定，每次攻擊後需要等待耐力條回復才能發揮最大威力，這鼓勵玩家採取更具策略性的戰鬥方式，而非盲目連擊。

3.角色成長:在戰鬥中獲得經驗值並升級，升級時可以自由選擇提升力量、敏捷、智力或體力，這讓角色的成長方向更具個性化。

4.同伴系統:有多位NPC會暫時加入隊伍，這些同伴各自擁有獨特的能力，例如提供治療、攻擊支援或解開謎題。雖然同伴無法直接由玩家操控，但他們的能力對於推進劇情與解決關卡具有關鍵作用。

5.探索與解謎:地圖設計鼓勵玩家四處探索，發掘隱藏的寶箱與秘密通道。同時，許多關卡融入解謎元素，例如需要使用特定的武器打開通路，或者解決環境中的機關以推進故事。

世界分為多個區域，包括茂密的森林、炙熱的沙漠、幽深的洞窟與壯麗的天空之城等。每個地區都有其獨特的敵人與機關設計，並且常常需要回到先前的地點以解開新的謎題。迷宮是最具挑戰性的部分，每個迷宮都包含許多陷阱與敵人，需要仔細觀察地圖並合理使用道具才能順利通過。迷宮的最後通常會有頭目戰，這些頭目具有強大的能力與特殊的攻擊模式，需要掌握節奏並善用武器和魔法才能擊敗。值得一提的是，場景與音樂彼此呼應，營造出強烈的氛圍感。例如瑪娜樹所在地的場景充滿神秘與靜謐，而帝國據點則充斥著壓迫與危險的氣息，這些細節增強代入感。

當年在發售後獲得廣泛的好評，許多玩家與評論家讚揚其深刻的故事情節、創新的即時戰鬥系統以及豐富的角色成長元素。尤其是對於Game Boy平台來說，這款遊戲的內容深度與視覺表現大大超出當時的水準。評論家特別讚賞遊戲的音樂，由知名作曲家伊藤賢治創作的配樂為遊戲增色不少，其旋律至今仍然被視為經典。然而，也存在部分缺點，例如由於Game Boy硬體的限制，畫面細節表現稍顯粗糙，並且某些關卡的難度設計較為不平衡，可能讓新手玩家感到挫敗。

儘管如此，作品的成功地在動作與角色扮演類型之間找到平衡，並為後續的系列作品奠定基礎。它的成功讓Square決定將其獨立為《聖劍傳說》系列，進而發展出更多經典之作。

Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden, known in North America as Final Fantasy Adventure, is an action role-playing game developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released for the Game Boy in 1991. As the inaugural title in the series, it was initially conceived as a spin-off of the Final Fantasy franchise. However, its unique gameplay and narrative allowed it to evolve into a standalone classic series.

The story revolves around the world being sustained by the power of the Mana Tree, which resides atop Mount Illusia and extends beyond the clouds. Legend has it that touching the sacred tree grants immense power. The Dark Lord, leader of an evil empire, seeks to harness this power to conquer the world. The game begins in an arena, where the protagonist—a nameless young swordsman enslaved by the empire—is forced to fight as a gladiator. After escaping with a friend’s help, the protagonist learns that the Mana Tree lies above a waterfall. Meanwhile, the Dark Lord is searching for a girl capable of leading him to the Mana Tree. The protagonist, overhearing this plan, is discovered and attacked, falling into the waterfall.

During his escape, the protagonist meets a mysterious young woman with the unique ability to communicate with the Mana Tree. She becomes a key ally in thwarting the empire’s sinister plans. Together, they embark on a journey across dangerous regions, battle powerful foes, and uncover the world’s secrets. As the story unfolds, the protagonist discovers his destiny and learns what it means to protect the land’s peace. The game’s conclusion is deeply emotional, weaving themes of sacrifice and redemption, setting a poignant tone that defines the Seiken Densetsu series.

Key Features:

 1. Core Commands:

 • ITEM: Manage items.

 • MAGIC: Cast spells.

 • EQUIP: Change equipment.

 • ASK: Interact with companions.

 • A “Good” status indicator means the character is in good health and not affected by poison.

 2. Gameplay Mechanics:

 • Action RPG System: Combat occurs in real-time directly on the map, eliminating the need for separate battle screens. Players can use various weapons and spells, each with unique effects. For example, swords are ideal for close combat, bows for ranged attacks, and chain balls for breaking specific obstacles.

 • Stamina Bar: Attacks are governed by a stamina bar, which must recharge for maximum effectiveness. This encourages strategic combat over button mashing.

 • Character Growth: Players earn experience points through battles and level up, choosing to enhance strength, agility, intelligence, or stamina, allowing for personalized character development.

 • Companions: Various NPC allies join temporarily, each with unique abilities like healing, attack support, or puzzle-solving. While not directly controllable, their skills are essential for progression.

 • Exploration and Puzzles: The map design encourages exploration, with hidden treasures and secret pathways. Many areas feature puzzles requiring specific tools or tactics, such as using weapons to open paths or solving environmental mechanisms.

 3. World Design:

 • The game world consists of diverse regions, including dense forests, scorching deserts, dark caves, and majestic sky cities. Each area features unique enemies and challenges, often requiring revisiting previous locations to unlock new secrets.

 • Dungeons: The most challenging sections, filled with traps, enemies, and puzzles. Players must observe their surroundings and use tools wisely to progress. Each dungeon culminates in a boss battle requiring mastery of timing and weapon usage.

 4. Atmosphere:

 • The game’s visuals and music work in harmony to create immersive atmospheres. For instance, the Mana Tree’s location exudes mystery and serenity, while the empire’s strongholds feel oppressive and dangerous. This attention to detail enhances the player’s connection to the world.

Reception:

Upon its release, Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden received widespread acclaim. Players and critics praised its engaging story, innovative real-time combat system, and rich character development. For a Game Boy title, its depth and visual presentation were groundbreaking.

The soundtrack, composed by the renowned Kenji Ito, was particularly celebrated, with its melodies remaining iconic to this day. However, some criticism arose from the hardware limitations, resulting in slightly rough visuals and occasionally unbalanced difficulty that could frustrate newcomers.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the game’s success established a solid foundation for the Seiken Densetsu series, which would go on to deliver more beloved titles. Its balanced blend of action and role-playing elements was a major achievement and continues to inspire games in the genre.