Vay (video game)
| Industry | Video game development and publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Video games, including Vay |
Vay, known in Japan as , is a 1993 role-playing video game created by Hertz and released by SIMS in the Japanese market. The title was adapted for the American audience by Working Designs. Later, SoMoGa, Inc. reissued the game for iPhone in 2008, followed by a Steam release in 2024.
Story
More than a thousand years ago, amidst a cosmic conflict, a malfunctioning war machine crashed onto the primitive world of Vay, causing widespread destruction. Five eminent sorcerers contained its energy within enchanted orbs and sealed the machine away.
Within the kingdom of Lorath, Prince Sandor's nuptials with Lady Elin are abruptly disrupted when robotic assailants attack, demolishing the fortress and abducting Elin. Determined, Sandor sets out on a quest to save her.
Gameplay
Vay embodies a traditional JRPG format where players accumulate experience points and currency through random battles with monsters. They can acquire weapons and items while enhancing their characters’ magical abilities upon leveling up. The game also incorporates a simple AI system that facilitates automated fighting.
Characters
Protagonists
- Sandor (also called Heibelger), the prince of Lorath and central hero, who commands the legendary Armor of Vay.
- Pottle, a wizard apprentice endowed with strong magical talents.
- Rachel (Feilong), a mercenary who depends on physical power.
- P.J. (Prudence Jurissa, also known as Nina), a youthful spellcaster who develops romantic feelings toward Sandor.
- Lynx (Lance), a bard recognized for combat adaptability and a tough attitude.
- Kinsey (Mintz), captain of pirates who provides her vessel during the adventure.
- Otto, an experienced mage who mentors Sandor.
Antagonists
- Jeal (Zeal), sovereign of the Danek Empire, intent on acquiring the Vay Armor’s strength.
- Sadoul, Jeal’s counselor and main adversary, obsessed with harnessing the Armor’s power.
iPhone edition
In July 2008, SoMoGa, Inc. launched an updated version of Vay for iPhone and iPod Touch. This release includes a fresh voice cast and extra content unlocked after completing the game, which was not present in the original Sega CD version. Certain character names vary between editions. An update for this software was issued in September 2012.
Reception
Game Informer gave Vay an 8.25 out of 10 score. While GamePro found the narrative and style somewhat conventional, they commended the game’s intelligent dialogue as its standout feature. Electronic Gaming Monthly criticized the story’s lack of originality but praised its vast world, multiple playable characters, and high-quality cinematics, awarding it 5.4 out of 10.
The magazine VideoGames honored Vay as runner-up for Best Role-Playing Game in 1994 (behind Final Fantasy III) as well as Best Sega CD Game.
External links
- Vay at RPG Classics – comprehensive walkthrough
- Vay at FantasyAnime – video clips and screenshots
- Vay at SoMoGa Inc. – official page for the iPhone edition