PLATFORM ADVENTURE
Sorcerian (PCs, 1987/MD, 1990)? - WIP
Subgenre: ARPG (Create and control a party of four all at the same time - rest of party follows the leader in a line, one or more chars can be left behind to work instead of questing which raises and lowers certain stats), Quest/mission-based
Other: Town and dungeons split (town exploration/interaction is all menu-based however)
Flexible non-linear structure (can technically exit every quest by returning to the entrance, can play scenarios over and over to get more loot, can select any quest in the game at any time with the exception of the final one)
Sometimes you're limited to 3 chars for a certain quest
Minor puzzles (hidden switches for example)
Save feature
No maps?
No ability gating (key and stat gating only)
Quest item and switch puzzles
Trap avoidance and monster knowledge skills which can be trained in town for money
HP regen when standing still (Ys)
Vitality lets you open more sturdy doors
Object descriptions when near important objects (similar to an Adventure game or Resident Evil)
Let's Play (PC DOS) - Video Review
Influenced by: Romancia, Xanadu, D&D (pen & paper), possibly Kid Icarus, Dragon Quest
Influenced: Heroes of the Lance