There is a game from Nintendo/HAL Laboratory that most don’t remember and seems to have flown mostly under the radar. There was no virtual console release and hardly any mention of it anymore. It was called Arcana, known in Japan as Card Master: Rimsalia no Fuuin, and was a card based RPG dungeon crawler. Released in 1992, the gmae took a lot of influence from the Wizardry games and games like Shining In The Darkness, Dungeon Master etc. It had a very detailed story along with a unique twist on the gameplay of the genre. More specifically, the game had a gimmick where all the characters and enemies were represented by cards. Cards were also used in combat at times, but they were not the only part of the game.
The game unfortunately did have a number of issues such as pacing and poor use of the combat that it had, in addition to an unforgiving difficulty. This is a shame because I feel it had a lot of potential. In fact, I feel Arcana could still have potential to actually be a big series for Nintendo/HAL Laboratory. It would not be as big as Mario or Zelda obviously, but it could be a very strong additional series for the publisher. Dungeon Crawler RPGs have actually seen a resurgence in recent years, and there are more new game in the genre being made now with many trying ideas and mechanics to stand out. This game already has a unique story as well enough of its own identity and a setup that is entirely its own. It could stand out well among games today and provide a different experience.
It would be interesting to see what Nintendo/HAL Laboratory can do with the IP in the modern day. There would need to be some changes done to it, but the series could be revived as an RPG with a strong dungeon crawler focus yet with a good emphasis on the overworld as well. Another possibility would be following the pattern of Diablo and the Rougelikes, albeit using a different sping to keep its identity and the card them intact.
Arcana was written off far too soon. Nintendo/HAL Laboratory should really consider bringing this game back because it could stand out well for Nintendo today. A title like this would do especially well on the Switch, since the immersion can be had on the go or at home and feel seamless. This is a series that should not be left in the past.
In addition, I would like to add that there is an active Nintendo retrogaming Facebook community group you can join at www.facebook.com/groups/nintendoretrogamers.
For more, visit Retro Gamers Hub (www.retrogamershub.com) for their extensive collection of retrogaming interest groups to choose from.