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{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Terranigma
| image = SNES Terranigma cover art.jpg
| caption = European cover art
| developer = [[Quintet (company)|Quintet]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[Enix]]|PAL|[[Nintendo]]}}
| director = [[Tomoyoshi Miyazaki]]
| producer = Masaya Hashimoto <br> Shinji Futami <br> Jun Toda
| designer = Tomoyoshi Miyazaki
| writer = Tomoyoshi Miyazaki <br> Reiko Takebayashi
| artist = [[Kamui Fujiwara]]
| composer = Miyoko Takaoka <br> Masanori Hikichi
| platforms = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
| released = {{vgrelease|JP|October 20, 1995|PAL|December 19, 1996}}
| genre = [[Action role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}
{{Nihongo foot|'''''Terranigma'''''|天地創造|Tenchi Sōzō|group=lower-alpha|extra=lit. 'The Creation of Heaven and Earth'<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quintet.co.jp/q_games.html|title=Quintet Game Library|publisher=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet]]|date=1997|access-date=2021-04-08|language=ja|archive-date=2007-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622041657/http://www.quintet.co.jp/q_games.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>|lead=yes}} is a 1995 [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[Quintet (company)|Quintet]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES), with [[manga artist]] [[Kamui Fujiwara]] acting as the character designer. The game tells the story of the [[Earth]]'s resurrection by the hands of a boy named Ark, and its progress from the [[Evolutionary history of life|evolution of life]] to the present day. The game is the third entry in an unofficial trilogy of action role-playing games created by Quintet, also including ''[[Illusion of Gaia]]'' (1993) and ''[[Soul Blazer]]'' (1992).

''Terranigma'' was published in Japan by [[Enix]] on October 20, 1995, and in Europe and Australia by [[Nintendo]] starting in December 1996; the game was not released in North America due to Enix having already closed its U.S. branch by the time localization had finished, and has not been re-released due to complicated issues relating to its rights. The game has been met with critical acclaim for its presentation, gameplay, and story, although it has been criticized for its difficulty.

==Gameplay==
[[File:SNES Terranigma (Tenchi Sōzō).png|frame|left|Ark fights enemies in the first dungeon area.]]
The game keeps a [[top-down perspective]] view of the world and utilizes an action-based [[time-keeping systems in games#Real-time|real-time]] battle system that allows the player to perform different techniques depending on whether the protagonist is running, jumping, attacking, or using a combination of these three actions.<ref name="actions">{{cite manual |title=Terranigma Instruction Booklet |section=Ark's Actions |pages=16–20 |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996}}</ref> Each attack is meant for dealing more damage to certain kinds of enemies, though in most cases there is little to no difference regardless of the technique used. Projectiles launched at Ark can be blocked by the guard technique, which is otherwise ineffective against melee attacks.<ref name="actions" />

With each victory, experience points are gained, increasing the protagonist's level and his maximum hit points, strength, defense, and luck.<ref name="actions" /> Slain enemies sometimes leave behind gems which can be used to buy weapons, armors, healing items, and spells.<ref name="actions" /> There are no magic points in the game; all spells take the form of one-time use items instead. The player must collect Magirocks and take them to a magic shop to have them transformed into magic rings and summon medals.<ref name="actions" /> Those items are used up when casting the corresponding spell and then turn back to Magirocks which may be exchanged for new spells again. Upon defeating bosses and completing miscellaneous tasks, new types of magic become available.

== Synopsis ==
=== Setting and characters ===
{{Expand section|date=August 2022}}
In ''Terranigma'', the planet is portrayed as a hollow sphere (though the map in the game is mathematically a [[torus]]) that has both an external and internal face.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Terranigma |developer=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996 |quote=The planet possessed two souls. An external face and an internal face. Lightside and Darkside.}}</ref> Since the beginning of the Earth, the external Lightside, the surface world, stood for growth whereas the internal Darkside, the underworld, represented decline.<ref name="opening">{{cite video game |title=Tenchi Sōzō |developer=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]] |publisher=[[Enix Corporation]] |date=October 20, 1995 |language=ja |quote=この星が生まれてからの46億年という年月は・・・大いなる二つの意志によって進化と衰退をくり返している。ライトサイドの意志で新たな生命が生まれ・・・ダークサイドの意志で氷河期が訪れる・・・ライトサイドの意志で道具を使う生命が生まれ、新たな技術が次々と作られていく・・・ダークサイドの意志によってひずみが生まれ、その犠牲者が出る・・・人類はその二つの意志をそれぞれ「神」と「悪魔」という名で呼んだ・・・ / 4.6 billion years after the planet was born, evolution and decline repeat by reason of two great wills. At the will of the Lightside, new life is born. At the will of the Darkside, ice ages come. At the will of the Lightside, life using tools are born, and new technologies are developed one after another. At the will of the Darkside, wrongdoing is born, and it claims its victims. Humanity comes to call these two wills by the names "God" and "Devil".}}</ref> Over the course of [[Age of Earth|billions of years]], these two forces came to be called God and Devil.<ref name="opening" /> Regardless of this inner antagonism, rapid progress took root and primitive life forms evolved to plants, animals, and humans. Technology and industry further expanded civilization, but the fight between God and the Devil was still taking place, more fiercely than ever. The conflict culminated in a final battle in [[Antarctica]], on the surface world, but neither of the two forces was victorious. The continents of the surface world submerged into the sea and the underworld was sealed away.

=== Plot ===
{{long plot|section|date=August 2022}}
The first chapter of the game, "The Outset", introduces Ark, a mischievous boy who lives in Crysta, the only village in the underworld.<ref>{{cite manual |title=Terranigma Instruction Booklet |section=Prolog Story |page=4 |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996}}</ref> After opening a forbidden door and touching a mysterious box containing a friendly demon named Yomi, every citizen in the village is frozen. The only person not affected by the curse, the Elder, guides him to resurrect the continents of the surface world in order to unfreeze the people. For the first time ever, a human being leaves Crysta to explore the underworld, which is portrayed as a frozen wasteland of imposing crystal mountains and rivers of magma. He conquers the trials of the five towers, each representing one continent, and revives the mainland of the Earth. Upon returning to his hometown, the Elder instructs him to travel to the surface world and to resurrect all living beings. Ark says goodbye to his lifelong devoted friend Elle and sets out to the Lightside.<ref name="Kotaku"/> 

In the second chapter, "Resurrection of the World", after having crossed a dimensional crevasse, Ark is confronted with the barren land that was once the Earth's surface. His first task is to free the giant tree Ra from a parasite that is afflicting him. This causes the resurrection of all plants in the world, helping Ark to cross the mountains of [[Guyana|Guiana]]. He travels further into the world, reviving birds, the wind, animals, and eventually mankind.

In the third chapter, "Resurrection of the Genius", the Elder appears to Ark in a dream and tells him to keep helping humanity grow, as the world is still in the [[Classical antiquity|fledgling stages]]. He continues his journey, travelling and expanding cities, assisting with the invention of groundbreaking technologies, and also—much to his surprise—encountering a Lightside twin of Elle, who lives as the adopted daughter of a French king but was rendered mute by a traumatic event in her childhood. Ark manages to break this condition, and over time Princess Elle begins to grow close to him. In continuing to follow the Elder's commands, Ark ultimately awakes the ingenious Beruga, a scientist who survived the destruction of the previous world by hiding himself in cryogenic sleep. Beruga provides Ark with an insight into his personal image of [[paradise]]: a perfect world where all insignificant life is killed with a virus named Asmodeus and everyone else is made immortal by turning them into [[zombies]].<ref>{{cite video game |title=Terranigma |developer=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996 |quote='''Beruga:''' I created this life. Isn't it beautiful? With this system, people can live forever. Death is no longer fearful. Talk to the zombie in the nutrient bath.}}</ref> Ark tries to attack Beruga after this revealing twist but is stopped by robots, injuring him severely in the process.

The Elder once again appears to him, saying that his mission is fulfilled and he may now pass away. Ark realizes that he has been used by Dark Gaia (the "Devil"), whose plans of world domination required Ark to resurrect the planet. Just as he is about to die, Kumari, a wise human who watched the world's growth through [[reincarnation]], teleports Ark out of Beruga's laboratory. He then instructs him to go search the five Starstones and to lay them at the grave at Time's End in order to call the Golden Child. Ark obtains the stones one after another and sets them into skull statues at Dryvale, the location at the [[South Pole]] where the final confrontation between God and the Devil once took place. This leads to the appearance of Ark's Lightside self; the person Dark Gaia used to create Ark himself. His Lightside self reveals to him that he, the underworld Ark, is the legendary hero and then kills him.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Terranigma |developer=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996 |quote='''Voice:''' You survived countless encounters with danger. However injured you were in fighting, you never did die. Do you know why? It is because you are the legendary hero... I represent the Lightside. And you represent the Darkside.}}</ref> 

However, in the fourth and final chapter, "Resurrection of the Hero", Ark is reborn as a baby through the soul of the surface world, Light Gaia. He is kidnapped by Darkside Elle, who was led there by Yomi to eliminate a threat to Crysta. When she realizes this threat is actually Ark, she allows him to awaken as the legendary hero and grow back into an adult in the process. Yomi then decides to kill Ark by himself and reveals he has been working for Dark Gaia all along. He fails, as Darkside Elle sacrifices herself to kill Yomi and save Ark's life. Yomi is conveniently replaced by a "Light Version".<ref name="Kotaku" />

Afterward, Ark departs to defeat Beruga. After he conquers the professor, he returns to the underworld to defeat Dark Gaia. The victory over that entity brings forth the destruction of the Darkside. In the end, Ark realizes that as a creation of Dark Gaia, he, along with the village of Crysta and the underworld, shall now vanish with the Devil's demise, though it is implied he and his loved ones in Crysta will be reincarnated. He goes to sleep, after being told by Light Gaia that he, as creator and defender, is what the humans would call a god. Ark's last dream pictures him as a bird flying above the world that he helped to exist, watching it grow older.<ref name="staff" /> An epilogue plays which shows Lightside Elle at her original home. There is a knock at the door, and she answers it. The game then ends.

==Development==
''Terranigma'' was developed by the Japanese company [[Quintet (company)|Quintet]], which had previously designed creation-themed [[Super NES]] games such as ''[[ActRaiser]]'' and ''[[Soul Blazer]]''.<ref name="GameFanv5i1"/> It is considered to be part of an unofficial trilogy with the games ''[[Illusion of Gaia]]'' and ''[[Soul Blazer]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maniac.de/extended/zelda-nein-danke-abenteuerliche-alternativen/|title=Zelda? Nein danke! - Abenteuerliche Alternativen – Seite 5 von 12|last=Nickel|first=Thomas|date=2017-02-21|website=MANIAC.de|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-05-15|archive-date=2021-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722162321/https://www.maniac.de/extended/zelda-nein-danke-abenteuerliche-alternativen/|url-status=live}}</ref> This series is nicknamed either "Quintet Trilogy", "Gaia Trilogy" or "Heaven and Earth Trilogy" (after ''Terranigma''{{'}}s Japanese title, which translates to "the creation of Heaven and Earth") by fans. On the other hand, according to the producer of Enix USA, there is no connection between ''Soul Blazer'' and ''Gaia'', but the former title is related to ''[[ActRaiser]]''.<ref> [http://gaming.moe/?p=331 Interview to Robert Jerauld, former producer at Enix USA], November 2014</ref>

Publisher [[Enix]] commissioned the developers as a [[subcontractor]] and decided for the title to be an [[action role-playing game]] for strategic reasons, based on Quintet's experience in that particular genre and the good reception of their earlier games by Japanese players.<ref name="GameFanv5i1"/>

The theme of creation prevalent in ''Terranigma'' was introduced as a contrast to the destruction of enemies in other [[Action game|action titles]], and to inspire the player's imagination concerning the effects their actions might have.<ref name="GameFanv5i1" /> The script was written by director and designer Tomoyoshi Miyazaki, the founder of Quintet, with the scenario provided by Reiko Takebayashi.<ref name="staff">{{cite video game |title=Terranigma |developer=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996 |scene=staff credits}}</ref> Tatsuo Hashimoto created the [[computer graphics]] cover art and also rendered the background images for the resurrection scenes.<ref name="staff" /><ref>{{cite video game |title=Terranigma |developer=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |date=December 19, 1996 |area=Quintet Lab |quote='''H-moto-san:''' The beautiful resurrection scenes were made here.}}</ref>

The music of ''Terranigma'' was composed by Miyoko Takaoka and Masanori Hikichi, the latter of whom was responsible for the design of the [[Sample-based synthesis|sounds]] as well.<ref name="VGMDB" /><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980119212911/http://www.quintet.co.jp/qm5_pro2.html |title=スタッフインタビュー2／サウンド課・曳地（ひきち）正則さんの巻 |date=June 29, 1997 |archive-date=January 19, 1998 |publisher=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet Co., Ltd]]|url=http://www.quintet.co.jp/qm5_pro2.html}}</ref><ref name="TSost">{{cite web|last=Takaoka|first=Miyoko|url=https://lapin-sound.amebaownd.com/pages/921686/discography|title=Discography - ▢CUBE在籍時|website=うさぎと手仕事と音楽と|date=2019|access-date=2021-04-08|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191110201502/https://lapin-sound.amebaownd.com/pages/921686/discography|archive-date=2019-11-10|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Yuzo Koshiro]], who had previously composed the soundtrack for ''ActRaiser'', contributed the music for the laboratory area, but did not get credited.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1870678602930651138 |user=yuzokoshiro |title=なんと天地創造28周年目にして、「天才科学者ベルーガの研究所」のBGMが私の作曲であることが、ある調査で判明いたしました。制作の経緯や作曲時のことを全く覚えていないのですが、聴くと間違いなく私の作風です。28周年おめでとうございます！ |first=Yuzo |last=Koshiro |date=December 22, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1870680319558648087 |user=soundforest1 |title=橋本さんが一曲古代さんにお願いしたいと仰っていましたね😊 この場をお借りして改めて、ベルーガ研究所の素敵な曲をありがとうございます✨✨ |first=Miyoko |last=Takaoka |date=December 22, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref> The English scripts of the game used in the European and Australian releases by [[Nintendo]] were translated by Colin Palmer, [[Dan Owsen]], Hiro Nakamura and Nob Ogasawara.<ref name="staff" /><ref>{{cite news|last=King|first=Austin|url=https://geektogeekmedia.com/geekery/dragonquestaustin/dragon-quest-translation-localization-interview-with-nob-ogasawara/|title=Dragon Quest Translation & Localization: Interview With Nob Ogasawara|work=Austin's "Dragon Quest" Quest|publisher=Geek to Geek Media|date=October 24, 2020|access-date=2020-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028214526/https://geektogeekmedia.com/geekery/dragonquestaustin/dragon-quest-translation-localization-interview-with-nob-ogasawara/|archive-date=2020-10-28|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Release ==
''Terranigma'' was first previewed in mid-1995 and slated for an October launch window. Early previews prior to release showcased several differences compared to the final version such as the ability to climb the five towers outside using claws, different room layouts and plant decorations around the [[Head-up display|HUD]].<ref>{{cite AV media|date=July 1995|title=ブルートプレス Vol.24|trans-title=Brut Press Vol.24|medium=[[VHS]]|language=ja|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDDxViSJUmY|access-date=2021-07-22|time=51m22s|location=Japan|publisher=Brut Inc. (Total Amusement Network)}}</ref><ref name="GameFanv3i7">{{cite magazine|last=Des Barres|first=Nicholas Dean|url=https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_07#page/n92/mode/1up|title=Japan Now - The Creation of Heaven & Earth|magazine=[[GameFan]]|volume=3|issue=7|publisher=Metropolis Media|date=July 1995|page=91}}</ref><ref name="SPower35">{{cite magazine|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Super%20Power/superpower_numero35/SuPow%20n%C2%B035%20-%20Page%20034%20(Septembre%201995).jpg|title=News Previews International: Tenchi Sozo|magazine={{ill|Super Power (magazine)|lt=Super Power|fr|Super Power}}|issue=35|publisher=SUMO Éditions|date=September 1995|page=32|lang=fr|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=2021-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722162251/http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Super%20Power/superpower_numero35/SuPow%20n%C2%B035%20-%20Page%20034%20%28Septembre%201995%29.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref> It was first released in Japan on October 20, 1995, by [[Enix]] for the [[Super Famicom]] under the name ''Tenchi Sōzō''.<ref name="FamTS"/> The title was then released in Europe on December 19, 1996, by [[Nintendo]].<ref name="MFt"/><ref name="NLife1">{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/12/23_years_on_and_we_still_cant_believe_this_classic_snes_rpg_didnt_get_a_us_release|title=23 Years On, And We Still Can't Believe This Classic SNES RPG Didn't Get A US Release - Time to celebrate with a new remix album|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media|date=December 20, 2019|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225221036/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/12/23_years_on_and_we_still_cant_believe_this_classic_snes_rpg_didnt_get_a_us_release|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also released in Spain in April 1997 and in France on the summer of 1997.<ref name="NAt"/><ref name="HC66">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/HobbyConsolas066#page/n33/mode/2up|title=Preview - Super Nintendo: Terranigma - Vuelve la "Illusion" a Super Nintendo|magazine=[[Hobby Consolas]]|issue=66|publisher=Hobby Press|date=March 1997|pages=34–35|lang=es}}</ref><ref name="PO77">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/playerone-magazine-077#page/n19/mode/2up|title=Escape 3 Games - Super Nintendo|magazine={{ill|Player One (magazine)|lt=Player One|fr|Player One (magazine)}}|issue=77|publisher={{ill|Média Système Édition|lt=Média Système Édition|fr|Média Système Édition}}|date=Summer 1997|pages=20–21|lang=fr}}</ref><ref name="SPower47">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=20&num=3381&album=oui|title=Score Games - Super Nintendo / Megadrive|magazine={{ill|Super Power (magazine)|lt=Super Power|fr|Super Power}}|issue=47|publisher=SUMO Éditions|date=Summer 1997|pages=40–41|lang=fr|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=2015-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504122054/http://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=20&num=3381&album=oui|url-status=live}}</ref> The game wound up never being published in North America because Enix had already closed its US subsidiary by the time the localization was finished.<ref name="1UP"/>

''Terranigma'' was released alongside several pieces of [[Tie-in|merchandise]] in Japan, including an official [[Strategy guide|guide book]], a world atlas, a novel by Saori Kumi, a novelization by [[Norio Nakai]] titled ''Logout Bunko Tenchi Sōzō'', a [[gamebook]] featuring artwork by character designer [[Kamui Fujiwara]],<ref name="staff" /> and the two-volume manga ''Gangan Fantasy Comics: Tenchi Sōzō'' by Mamiko Yasaka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quintet.co.jp/qs_techb.html|title=Quintet Goods 攻略本|publisher=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet]]|date=1997|access-date=2021-07-22|language=ja|archive-date=2005-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306030958/http://www.quintet.co.jp/qs_techb.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quintet.co.jp/qs_book.html|title=Quintet Goods 漫画・小説等|publisher=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet]]|date=1997|access-date=2021-07-22|language=ja|archive-date=2004-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040815105120/http://www.quintet.co.jp/qs_book.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Except for the guide book, none of these materials have been released outside Japan, though [[Club Nintendo]] published a 32-page comic illustrating scenes from the game up to the events of the third chapter in Germany.<ref>{{cite comic|url=https://www.fogu.com/terra/gamebook/index.shtml|title=Terranigma-Comic|story=Sonderausgabe |issue=4|date=November 1996|publisher=[[Club Nintendo]]|location=Germany|pages=1-32|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=2019-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027153929/https://fogu.com/terra/gamebook/index.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> A Japanese soundtrack album titled ''Tenchi Sōzō Creative Soundtracks'', with 33 compositions and six [[arranged]] tracks of the game's music, was released by Kitty Enterprises on October 25, 1995.<ref name="VGMDB">{{cite web|url=https://vgmdb.net/album/1920|title=KTCR-1344 &#124; Tenchi Souzou Creative Soundtracks|work=vgmdb.net|publisher=VGMdb|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=2021-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316143750/https://vgmdb.net/album/1920|url-status=live}}</ref>

A petition by the game's Japanese fanbase, backed by artist Kamui Fujiwara and co-composer Miyoko Takaoka, began in July 2021 to either re-release or remaster ''Terranigma''. This fan-led effort renewed speculation on the status of the rights to Quintet's games. According to Fujiwara, Quintet president Tomoyoshi Miyazaki had "disappeared" to his knowledge; he speculated this was why the rights to republish the game were complicated, that Miyazaki was not available for contact.<ref name="NLife2">{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/some_of_the_original_terranigma_team_want_to_revive_the_classic_snes_rpg|title=Some Of The Original Terranigma Team Want To Revive The Classic SNES RPG - Digital re-release or remaster, we don't mind...|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media|date=July 22, 2021|access-date=2021-07-22|archive-date=2021-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722162326/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/some_of_the_original_terranigma_team_want_to_revive_the_classic_snes_rpg|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NLife3">{{cite web|author=b-lay|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/feature_artist_kamui_fujiwara_talks_terranigma_amid_drive_to_resurrect_classic_snes_rpg|title=Feature: Artist Kamui Fujiwara Talks Terranigma Amid Drive To Resurrect Classic SNES RPG|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media|date=August 8, 2021|access-date=2021-08-18|archive-date=2021-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808170227/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/08/feature_artist_kamui_fujiwara_talks_terranigma_amid_drive_to_resurrect_classic_snes_rpg|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
|GR = 74.14%<ref name="GRt">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588784-terranigma/index.html|title=Terranigma for Super Nintendo|work=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=2019|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2017-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514135521/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588784-terranigma/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|CVG = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="CVGt">{{cite magazine|last=Davies|first=Paul|url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_183_1997-02_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n59/mode/2up|title=CVG Review - Terranigma|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=183|publisher=[[EMAP]]|date=February 1997|pages=60–61}}</ref>
|Fam = 30/40<ref name="FamTS">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=17100&redirect=no|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: 天地創造|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|issue=358|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|date=October 27, 1995|page=29|access-date=2021-04-07|lang=ja}}</ref>
|HC = 95%<ref name="HCt">{{cite magazine|last=Lorente|first=Roberto|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AHobbyConsolas_ES_067.pdf&page=56|title=Novedades: Terranigma – El mundo entero está a tus piés|magazine=[[Hobby Consolas]]|issue=67|publisher=Hobby Press|date=April 1997|pages=56–59|lang=es}}</ref>
|JP = 88%<ref name="JPt">{{cite magazine|last=Hellot|first=Grégoire|url=https://archive.org/stream/joypad-magazine-072#page/n121/mode/1up|title=Test - Zapping (Europe): Terranigma|magazine={{ill|Joypad (magazine)|lt=Joypad|fr|Joypad (magazine)}}|issue=72|publisher={{ill|Yellow Media (publisher)|lt=Yellow Media|fr|Yellow Media}}|date=February 1998|page=122|lang=fr}}</ref>
|MG = 80%<ref name="MGt">{{cite magazine|last=Bannert|first=Robert|url=https://archive.org/stream/MANiAC.N037.1996.11#page/n75/mode/1up|title=Test: Terranigma|magazine={{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}}|issue=37|publisher=Cybermedia|date=November 1996|page=76|lang=de}}</ref>
|MF = 80%<ref name="MFt">{{cite magazine|last=Schneider|first=Rene|url=https://archive.org/stream/MegaFun0297#page/n63/mode/1up|title=Test Super Nintendo: Terranigma|magazine=[[Computec#History|Mega Fun]]|issue=53|publisher=[[Computec]]|date=February 1997|page=80|lang=de}}</ref>
|PO = 90%<ref name="POt">{{cite magazine|last=Pottier|first=Christophe|url=https://archive.org/stream/playerone-magazine-082#page/n108/mode/1up|title=Tests: Terranigma|magazine={{ill|Player One (magazine)|lt=Player One|fr|Player One (magazine)}}|issue=82|publisher={{ill|Média Système Édition|lt=Média Système Édition|fr|Média Système Édition}}|date=January 1998|page=109|lang=fr}}</ref>
|TOT = 2+<ref name="TOTt">{{cite magazine|last=Anton|first=Michael|title=Test: Terranigma|magazine=[[Total!]]|issue=43|publisher=X-Plain-Verlag|date=January 1997|pages=[https://total.bee-ware.ch/tests/snes/snes_terranigma_1.jpg 28-29], [https://total.bee-ware.ch/tests/snes/snes_terranigma1.jpg 30-31], [https://total.bee-ware.ch/tests/snes/snes_terranigma2.jpg 32-33]|lang=de}}</ref>
|VGS = 85%<ref name="VGSt">{{cite magazine|last=Schweinitz|first=Jan|url=https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_1997-02_Magna_Media_DE#page/n92/mode/1up|title=Reviews: Neue Romantik - Terranigma|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=63|publisher=[[Markt & Technik|Magna Media]]|date=February 1997|pages=96–97|lang=de}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[Nintendo Acción]]''
|rev1Score = 97%<ref name="NAt">{{cite magazine|last=Abad|first=Javier|url=https://archive.org/stream/Nintendo_Accion_053#page/n21/mode/2up|title=Super Stars: Simplemente, el mejor RPG disponible en castellano - Terranigma|magazine=[[Nintendo Acción]]|issue=53|publisher=Hobby Press|date=April 1997|pages=22–25|lang=es}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''The Super Famicom''
|rev2Score = 78%<ref name="TSFts">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/the-super-famicom-1995-no.-19#page/41/mode/1up|title=ザ・テストプレイ - 天地創造|magazine={{ill|The Super Famicom|lt=The Super Famicom|ja|Theスーパーファミコン}}|volume=6|issue=19|publisher=[[SoftBank Creative]]|date=October 27, 1995|page=41|lang=ja}}</ref>
|award1Pub = ''[[Famitsu]]'' (1995)
|award1 = Silver Hall of Fame<ref name="FamTS"/>
}}

''Terranigma'' garnered acclaim from critics. ''[[GameFan]]''{{'}}s Kei Kuboki described it as [[Quintet (company)|Quintet]]'s "best (...) effort" and being "among the [Super NES's] most memorable titles".<ref name="GameFanv5i1">{{cite magazine|last=Kuboki|first=Kei|url=https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_5_Issue_01#page/n123/mode/1up|title=Japan Now - Interviews: Quintet (GDNET)|magazine=[[GameFan]]|volume=5|issue=1|publisher=Metropolis Media|date=January 1997|page=122}}</ref> The game holds a 74.14% rating based on seven reviews at [[review aggregator]] [[GameRankings]],<ref name="GRt"/> and was given the "Silver Hall of Fame" award from ''[[Famitsu]]''.<ref name="FamTS"/> It received a 23.3 out of 30 score in a public poll taken by ''[[Tokuma Shoten#Magazines|Family Computer Magazine]]''.<ref name="PSMjpTS">{{cite book|title=超絶 大技林 '98年春版: スーパーファミコン - 天地創造|work={{ill|PlayStation Magazine (Japan)|lt=PlayStation Magazine|ja|PlayStation Magazine}}|volume=42|type=Special|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten Intermedia]]|date=April 15, 1998|page=331|language=ja|id={{ASIN|B00J16900U|country=jp}}}}</ref> Quintet reported that 200,000 copies were sold in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quintet.co.jp/sfc6.html|title=Quintet Game Library - 天地創造|publisher=[[Quintet (company)|Quintet]]|date=1997|access-date=2021-04-07|language=ja|archive-date=2005-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306074340/http://www.quintet.co.jp/sfc6.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Famitsu''{{'}}s four reviewers gave ''Terranigma'' a score of 30 out of 40.<ref name="FamTS"/> Likewise, ''The Super Famicom''{{'}}s three reviewers gave it a 78 out of 100 scores.<ref name="TSFts"/> ''MAN!AC''{{'}}s Robert Bannert praised its atmospheric world, characters, stereo soundtrack, map design and sophisticated controls, regarding it as a good game in the Japanese action-adventure tradition.<ref name="MGt"/> ''[[Total!]]''{{'}}s Michael Anton commended its varied locations, soundtrack, ease of play, and plot but several aspects such as the difficulty level were criticized. Nevertheless, Anton recommended the title for fans of the action-adventure genre, stating that it would tide over fans until the release of ''[[Lufia II]]''.<ref name="TOTt"/> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''{{'}}s Paul Davies gave high remarks to its controls, artwork, music, presentation, and storytelling, regarding it as an outstanding addition to the [[SNES]]' action-adventure role-playing game library "with a powerful message".<ref name="CVGt"/> ''[[Computec#History|Mega Fun]]''{{'}}s Rene Schneider gave positive comments to the graphics, music, controls and technical performance but criticized the game's strategy guide for revealing many of the puzzles, lowering its fun factor.<ref name="MFt"/>

''Video Games''{{'}} Jan Schweinitz regarded it as a "worthy successor" to ''[[Zelda III]]''.<ref name="VGSt"/> ''Superjuegos''{{'}}s Marcos García also regarded ''Terranigma'' as one of the best and most ambitious action role-playing games for SNES, stating that it surpasses ''[[Illusion of Time]]'' and ''[[Secret of Evermore]]''. García commended the Spanish translation, visual quality, graphical effects and epic soundtrack.<ref name="SJt">{{cite magazine|last=García|first=Marcos|url=https://archive.org/stream/Superjuegos_059#page/n37/mode/2up|title=Novedades - Super Nuevo: Terranigma|magazine={{ill|Superjuegos|lt=Superjuegos|es|Superjuegos}}|issue=59|publisher=[[Grupo Zeta]]|date=March 1997|pages=38–39|lang=es}}</ref> ''[[Hobby Consolas]]''{{'}}s Roberto Lorente praised its mix of action and role-playing elements, stating that it surpasses ''Zelda'' while capturing its spirit. Lorente also gave high remarks to the [[Mode 7]] maps, audio, controls and absorbing plot.<ref name="HCt"/> ''[[Nintendo Acción]]''{{'}}s Javier Abad gave very positive comments to the varied scenery, carefully crafted plot involving secondary storylines and freedom of movement but criticized its dungeon maps.<ref name="NAt"/> In November 1997, in its 60th monthly issue, ''[[Nintendo Acción]]'' listed it as the 11th best game they had ever reviewed.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Accion_060/page/n93/mode/2up|title=60 juegos que no olvidarás|language=es|magazine=[[Nintendo Acción]]|issue=60|page=94}}</ref> ''Joypad''{{'}}s Grégoire Hellot regarded the game to be interesting and entertaining, stating that "''Zelda'' fans will be in for a treat".<ref name="JPt"/> ''Player One''{{'}}s Christophe Pottier also stated that the game was excellent and "technically perfect" presentation-wise.<ref name="POt"/> Both Hellot and Pottier recognized the game's quality but panned its late French release date, stating that it should have been published before ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''.<ref name="JPt"/><ref name="POt"/>

=== Retrospective coverage ===
''Terranigma'' continues to be regarded as one of the best action role-playing games of its era.<ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web|last=Tieryas|first=Peter|url=https://kotaku.com/the-brilliant-16-bit-jrpg-about-the-death-and-rebirth-o-1845874213|title=The Brilliant 16-Bit JRPG About The Death And Rebirth Of The World|work=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[G/O Media]]|date=December 26, 2020|access-date=2020-12-29|archive-date=2021-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407203128/https://kotaku.com/the-brilliant-16-bit-jrpg-about-the-death-and-rebirth-o-1845874213|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=Edwards|first=Matt|title=Judgement Play - Terranigma|magazine=[[NGamer]]|issue=65|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=August 2011}}</ref> ''RPGFan''{{'}}s Jeremy Tan considered it as "one of [[Enix]]'s greatest Action RPG games ever", praising the fast-paced combat system, visual presentation, varied soundtrack and simple controls but lamented the lack of a North American release.<ref name="RPGFant">{{cite web|last=Tan|first=Jeremy|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/terranigma-2/|title=RPGFan Reviews - Terranigma|work=RPGFan|publisher=RPGFan Media, LLC|date=April 27, 2000|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2021-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407164439/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/terranigma-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[1Up.com]]''{{'}}s Jeremy Parish described it as Quintet's best-known Super Nintendo action-RPG, noting the quality of the gameplay, music and deep story themes.<ref name="1UP">{{cite podcast|host1=Jeremy Parish|host2=Ray Barnholt|host3=Chris Kohler|host4=Scott Sharkey|url=http://www.1up.com/news/retronauts-dances-bubsy-grave|title=Retronauts Dances on Bubsy's Grave (Mascot characters are gone, but who needs 'em?) - Retronauts Episode 14: Death of the Mascot|work=[[1Up.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|time=61:05|date=March 1, 2007|access-date=2011-03-08|format=mp3|archive-date=2011-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629040137/http://www.1up.com/news/retronauts-dances-bubsy-grave|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'}}s Corbie Dillard highly commended its easy-to-pick-up controls, graphics, emotional music score, sense of scale and evolving plot.<ref name="NLifet">{{cite web|last=Dillard|first=Corbie|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/snes/terranigma|title=Terranigma Review (SNES) - Does the final release in Enix's Gaia Trilogy hold up?|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media|date=April 19, 2009|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2021-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407165015/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/snes/terranigma|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Jeuxvideo.com]]''{{'}}s Zashy regarded its graphical effects as among the most beautiful on SNES while giving positive remarks to the playability, longevity, soundtrack and storyline. Zashy noted that its difficulty can put some players off but nevertheless claimed that "''Terranigma'' will undoubtedly remain the title that marked the end of the reign of SNES in the most poetic way possible".<ref name="JXVt">{{cite web|author=Zashy|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00013123-terranigma-test.htm|title=Test de Terranigma sur SNES par jeuxvideo.com|work=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|publisher=[[Webedia]]|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=2021-04-07|language=fr|archive-date=2010-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714185525/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00013123-terranigma-test.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

''RPGamer''{{'}}s Mike Moehnke noted its narrative to be interesting on a consistent basis and praised the varied locations, fast combat system and audiovisual presentation but criticized the low difficulty level and unnecessary magic system. Moehnke also questioned the lack of a North American release but regarded ''Terranigma'' as "Quintet's final hurrah on the SNES" nevertheless.<ref name="RPGt">{{cite web|last=Moehnke|first=Mike|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sblazer/terra/reviews/terrastrev1.html|title= Terranigma - Staff Retroview: Eartheology|work=RPGamer|publisher=[[CraveOnline]]|date=March 22, 2013|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2015-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222093401/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sblazer/terra/reviews/terrastrev1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[USgamer]]''{{'}}s Nadia Oxford concurred and expressed disappointment with the lack of an official North American release due to the closure of Enix's branch in the region and lack of a [[Virtual Console]] re-release but described its music as one of the best soundtracks on the SNES.<ref name="USG">{{cite web|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/note-block-beat-box-listening-to-underworld-from-terranigma|title=Note Block Beat Box: Listening to Underworld from Terranigma - This elusive Quintet RPG uses its remarkable music to deliver its themes of mystery and unease|work=[[USgamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=2021-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124005505/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/note-block-beat-box-listening-to-underworld-from-terranigma|archive-date=2020-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]''{{'}}s David DiRienzo also agreed with the lack of a North American localization but regarded ''Terranigma'' as "the best of" both ''[[Soul Blazer]]'' and ''[[Illusion of Gaia]]'', commending its less restrictive design, ''Zelda''-style dungeon maps, refined gameplay mechanics and music score but criticized the inconsistent visual presentation, cumbersome magic system and certain aspects of its plot. Regardless, DiRienzo stated that the title was one of the better action RPGs on SNES.<ref name="Thg101">{{cite web|last=DiRienzo|first=David|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/terranigma/|title=Terranigma|work=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|date=September 13, 2017|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2020-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930034755/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/terranigma/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|1990s|Japan|Video games}}
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20070923143959/http://www.quintet.co.jp/sfc6.html}} via [[Internet Archive]] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.jp.square-enix.com/archive/tenchisozou/}} at [[Square Enix]] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www004.upp.so-net.ne.jp/studio2b/contents.html}} of [[Kamui Fujiwara]] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Quintet games}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Terranigma}}
[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Enix games]]
[[Category:Existentialist video games]]
[[Category:Fiction about Earth]]
[[Category:Fiction about the Hollow Earth]]
[[Category:Nintendo games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Quintet (company) games]]
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[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System-only games]]
[[Category:Video games about evolution]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Miyoko Takaoka]]
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