Valis III (1990). Play online

Summary

Valis III on the TurboGrafx‑CD expands the series’ side‑scrolling action by letting you control three distinct heroines. Yuko fires a chargeable energy wave, Cham fights with a Castlevania‑style whip, and Princess Valna blasts powerful magic, each equipped with upgradeable weapons and elemental spells. You can swap between them on the fly—except during boss encounters, where the chosen heroine dictates a unique ending cutscene.

The CD‑ROM format lets the game flaunt animated anime‑style movies between stages, a first for the series, and adds a handy ground‑slide that doubles as an attack. Critics praised the vibrant sprites, solid soundtrack, and the fresh variety the character roster brings, calling it the series’ most polished entry at the time. Its North‑American release followed a 1991 CES demo and landed in early 1992.

Storyline

King Glames leads the denizens of the Dark World in a bid to conquer both Vecanti and Earth, hoping to secure a new home before his own planet is destroyed. Facing this common threat, Yuko Asou teams up with her allies Cham and Valna.

Throughout the adventure Yuko rescues Cham from kidnapping and frees Valna from captivity, while the mystical Valis sword reveals powers beyond its previous feats. The trio eventually reaches Vecanti’s ruler, Nizetti, and learns how to unlock the blade’s full potential.

The climax pits the three heroines against Glames and the returning foe Rogles, culminating in a decisive showdown where Yuko’s mastery of Valis defeats both enemies. In gratitude for her unwavering service, Yuko is allowed to relinquish her guardian role and ascend to goddesshood in Vecanti, leaving Earth behind. The Valis sword ascends to the heavens, and Cham and Valna bid her farewell as Vecanti looks toward a prosperous future.