由 Origin Systems 開發、並於 1990 年登上紅白機（FC）的《時空勇士：失落的獎章》（Times of Lore / タイムズ・オブ・ロア），在當時的遊戲環境中可說是一部極具實驗性與前衛精神的作品。不同於主流的日式 RPG，它源自個人電腦平台（如 Apple II、Commodore 64），是一款帶有濃厚西方風格的開放世界動作角色扮演遊戲。

在基本背景上，由日版發行商 東寶 推出，屬於動作 RPG 類型。其開發團隊中還包括後來創作《Wing Commander》的知名製作人 Chris Roberts，也讓這款作品在歷史定位上更具代表性。

最引人注目的，是它在當年就嘗試打造「開放世界」的遊戲結構。在那個多數 RPG 仍採用回合制與獨立戰鬥畫面的年代，本作直接將戰鬥融入地圖之中，所有衝突都即時發生。在探索過程中隨時揮動武器與敵人交戰，沒有切換場景的中斷感，這種設計在當時可說相當超前。

遊戲開始時，可從三種職業中選擇其一：力量強大但無法使用魔法的戰士、能力均衡的騎士，以及擅長速度與遠程攻擊的女武神。不同角色帶來的玩法差異，使遊戲在重玩性上更具吸引力。同時，為了將原本複雜的電腦操作簡化到手把上，開發團隊設計一套圖像化介面，例如用手掌代表拾取、嘴巴代表對話、眼睛代表觀察，這種直覺式 UI 在當時的家用主機上相當創新。

此外，還導入晝夜循環系統，讓世界呈現出動態變化。夜晚時敵人會變得更強，城鎮中的商店也會關閉，玩家必須自行規劃行動與補給。這種帶有「生存感」的設計，在 8-bit 主機上顯得格外細膩，也增強沉浸感。

故事舞台設定在名為 Albion 的王國。國王失蹤後，三位邪惡公爵試圖奪權，整個國家陷入混亂。玩家的任務是尋找散落各地的「失落獎章」，以證明自身資格並恢復王國秩序。雖然劇情本身相對簡單，但遊戲的核心魅力並不在於敘事，而在於探索的自由度。隨意在森林、荒野與城鎮之間移動，打造屬於自己的冒險節奏。

在市場評價方面，呈現出明顯的兩極化。一方面，它的寫實且粗獷的美術風格，與當時以《勇者鬥惡龍》為代表的日式 RPG 形成鮮明對比；另一方面，由於缺乏明確的任務指引與提示，容易在高自由度中迷失方向，對習慣線性流程的玩家而言門檻不低。然而，也正因如此，許多評論者認為它融合《Ultima》系列的開放性與《塞爾達傳說》的即時動作，成為後來開放世界動作 RPG 的重要參考雛形。

總體而言，《時空勇士：失落的獎章》可說是一部「生不逢時的先驅之作」。在紅白機有限的性能下，它勇敢地挑戰非線性探索與即時戰鬥的設計理念。那種在 Albion 大陸上隨著夜幕降臨、孤身面對未知危險的緊張感，正是這款遊戲最迷人、也最純粹的冒險體驗。

Developed by Origin Systems and released on the Family Computer (FC) in 1990, Times of Lore is a highly experimental and forward-thinking title for its era. Originally designed for personal computers like the Apple II and Commodore 64, it stands apart from traditional Japanese RPGs as a Western-style open-world action RPG.

The game was published in Japan by Toho, and notably involved legendary designer Chris Roberts, who would later create the Wing Commander series. This pedigree alone gives the game an important place in gaming history.

One of Times of Lore’s most remarkable features is its early implementation of an open-world structure. At a time when most RPGs relied on turn-based combat and separate battle screens, this game integrated everything into a seamless overworld. Combat occurs in real time, allowing players to attack enemies directly on the field without transitions—an idea far ahead of its time.

At the start, players can choose from three distinct character classes: the Barbarian, who is physically powerful but cannot use magic; the Knight, a balanced option; and the Valkyrie, who excels in speed and ranged attacks. This choice significantly affects gameplay and adds replay value.

To adapt its complex PC-style controls to the simpler FC controller, the game introduced an innovative icon-based interface. Actions such as picking up items, talking, or examining objects are represented by intuitive symbols (like a hand, mouth, or eye), making interaction more accessible while retaining depth.

Another advanced feature is the day-night cycle. Time passes continuously in the game world—shops close at night, and enemies become stronger. This system adds a layer of realism and strategy, encouraging players to plan their actions carefully.

The story takes place in the kingdom of Albion, where the king has mysteriously vanished. Three evil dukes attempt to seize power, throwing the land into chaos. The player’s goal is to recover the lost medals scattered across the world, prove their legitimacy, and restore order. While the narrative itself is relatively simple, the real focus lies in exploration and player-driven adventure.

Reception to Times of Lore has been notably mixed. Its Western aesthetic—more realistic and rugged—contrasted sharply with the polished style of Japanese RPGs like Dragon Quest. Additionally, the lack of clear guidance or objectives could leave players feeling lost, especially those accustomed to more structured gameplay. However, many critics have praised it as a hybrid of the Ultima series and The Legend of Zelda, recognizing its influence on later open-world action RPGs.

In the end, Times of Lore can be seen as a “pioneer ahead of its time.” Despite the technical limitations of 8-bit hardware, it boldly explored nonlinear gameplay and real-time combat. The tension of wandering across Albion at night—low on health, searching for shelter while avoiding monsters—captures a pure and immersive sense of adventure that remains memorable even today.