“Valis: The Fantasm Soldier”—if that name stirs your heart, you might be from the generation that experienced the golden era of 80s action games in real-time. Or maybe you're a newcomer drawn in by the recent retro game boom. Either way, this “Valis: The Fantasm Soldier COLLECTION III” is the ultimate revival package packed with everything that made Valis great. The game we once loved has made its proud return in the Reiwa era.

The Valis series is known for its unique and addictive world: a high school girl in a sailor uniform dons bikini armor in another world and battles monsters with a sword. Even now, that setting remains strikingly bold, yet oddly moving. At the core of the story lies the determination of a girl defying her fate, with richly portrayed drama involving growth, friendship, and inner struggles. The action feels solid, and as you grow accustomed to the controls, the battles become more exhilarating—before you know it, you're saying, “Just one more level......” and can't put the controller down.

This COLLECTION III includes the long-awaited PC-88 and Famicom versions of “Valis: The Fantasm Soldier,” along with “Valis II” (MSX2), “Valis III” (Mega Drive), and “Super Valis” (Super Famicom)—a luxurious set of five titles. More than just a compilation of classics, this collection lets you follow the evolution of presentation, music, and character depiction across platforms, giving you a time-travel-like experience. It's less of a game compilation and more of a “re-experiencing” package.

What makes this collection so special is that it goes beyond simple ports. It includes features like save/load anywhere and a rewind function, making it comfortable even for modern players. Newcomers unfamiliar with action games can gradually improve while enjoying the story. Plus, fans will love the visual and sound modes, which allow you to soak in the Valis world and relive its classic music in full.

First released in 1986, “Valis: The Fantasm Soldier” still retains a strong fanbase both in Japan and overseas more than 35 years later. Its lasting appeal isn't just nostalgia—it's the powerful, beautiful, and sometimes fragile stories of the girls who fight that have left a lasting impression. “Valis: The Fantasm Soldier COLLECTION III” rekindles those memories and passions. So why not pick up the sword once more and step into the world of Valis?