Syvalion (Japan)

In Syvalion, players control a massive golden dragon through randomly generated mazes. The primary objective is to collect all the treasures scattered throughout the stage before time runs out, all while avoiding or destroying enemies and other obstacles. What makes Syvalion unique is its control scheme. You don't directly control the dragon with a joystick; instead, you move a cursor on the screen. The dragon automatically flies towards this cursor, with its speed and agility depending on how close or far you position the cursor from the dragon itself.

When the cursor is placed close to the dragon, it moves slowly and is easier to maneuver. When the cursor is placed further away, the dragon speeds up. This creates a distinctive control mechanic that requires players to adapt to effectively navigate. The dragon can attack by breathing fire, but this ability has a cooldown. The dragon's fire isn't just for destroying enemies; it can also be used to break certain obstacles or walls to clear a path.

There are various types of enemies, ranging from small flying creatures to larger machines. Some enemies follow fixed patterns, while others actively pursue the player. Players must be careful to avoid collision or use the dragon's fire strategically.

Each stage has a set amount of treasures to collect. Once all are gathered, a gate opens, leading to the next stage. The game features randomized maze generation, ensuring each playthrough is a fresh experience. Difficulty progressively increases across stages, with more enemies, more complex mazes, and tighter time limits. Syvalion stands out as a unique arcade title with innovative gameplay and impressive graphics for its time.