Dark Kingdom

This is a prototype of Dark Kingdom, an RPG that was exclusive to Japan. Thanks to Matthew Callis for releasing this ROM image. Also thanks to furrykef for some translation help. By: Evan G Last updated: September 6, 2012

This prototype was sold on Yahoo Japan auctions in May 2012, ending at 4200 yen. The title screen indicated that this certainly differed from the final version. Matthew Callis purchased this and has shared the ROM image for me to dissect.

First difference is the title screen. The introductory scene that is in the final version is not present, and the title screen has a simple black background. Below the title it says "version 0.55". Perhaps this means it is only 55% done? There is also no continue option.

Prototype	Final

After starting a game, the initial scene looks the same. When the character moves down though the pillard object, it flashes in the final version, but not in the prototype. The sprites of the knight on the bottom left, as well as the sprite behind the character in the pillars are different. The scrolling speed of the text is different as well. There is a black bar at the top of the screen, which does not exist in the final version.

Prototype	Final

Disappearing sprite on the top of the pillar. Oops.

Prototype	Final

The クッ guy changes his character portrait here in the final version. Also note that the main character sprite (the teal guy) is different.

Prototype	Final

Demon characters are more demon-like. I should also note that the music is far more complex in the final version.

Prototype	Final

This guy comes in and says something completely different.

Proto: You wanna go off like that, huh? Go outside and beat me to death by yourself!

Final: You wanna go off like that, huh? Then take me on.

Prototype	Final

Proto: What he says is quite right...

Final: This guy... he can do it...

Prototype	Final

More evil to the party in the prototype version. The music changes here again in the final version, but stays the same in the prototype. The text boxes in this scene do not sync up the same.

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

When you finally gain control, there are a few less characters walking around in the final version. Note again how the main character sprite is different.

Prototype	Final

This guy tells you information about the game, but the menu is not programmed in the prototype.

Proto: Oh! This is the "Information Shop". You don't need any money at all, so don't worry!

Final: Oh! This is the Information Shop! What information do you want?

Prototype	Final

Prototype	Final

I think this guy allows you to edit/store characters, but again, it is not programmed in the prototype. Proto: This is the Mercenary Shop! Final: This is the Mercenary Shop! Strong guys are gathering.

Prototype	Final

The weapon shop is also not programmed in yet.

Proto: This is the weapon/armor shop! What do you want to do?

Prototype	Final

Same with the item shop.

This is the tool shop. What do you want to do?

Prototype	Final

Ditto for the magic shop.

Proto: This is the magic shop. Leave exchanging magic (spells?) to me.

Final: This is the Magic Guild. We exchange magic.

Prototype	Final

This guy has an extra box of text in the prototype (shown) and has a different palette.

Proto: Hmm. I want to rise in status too, but I cannot bring myself to do evil unto people... (the speaker uses stereotypical "old man" Japanese)

Prototype	Final

The soldiers here have more armour in the final version. They say the same thing, though.

Prototype	Final

In the prototype, the castle is glowing when you step outside.

Prototype	Final

One less skeleton in the prototype, and the tree on the top left is a tile higher.

Prototype	Final

There is a tree in this area in the final version.

Prototype	Final

These two guys are not letting you through. In the prototype, they say nothing.

Final: One who has not received a task may not leave the castle.

Prototype	Final

This demon has a different head.

Prototype	Final

This guy has a whole lot more to say in the prototype.

Proto: The occupation of Zeno lasted only six months and now Apurana is falling. They've got their backs against the wall to the end.

Final: The devil king's army came here to Iruranto from the land of God.

Prototype	Final

In the canteen in the left tower, this character is not in the final version.

Top dialogue: What? You! Don't you know only legitimate soldiers can enter? (the word for "you" here is extremely insulting, like saying "You jerk!" or worse)

Bottom dialogue: I am a legitimate soldier...

Prototype	Final

I should note that the entrances/exits are different between the prototype and final. In some cases, the prototype lets you leave a building a tile higher than it should.

Prototype	Final

There is a barrel just above the stairs here in the final version. Probably to prevent you from going into that useless gap in the wall.

Prototype	Final

Moving along, this knight is different, and there are spears on the wall in the final version.

Prototype	Final

This is sort of an end of the road in the prototype. In the final version, the stairs lead up to a room (shown here). In the prototype, it is a dead end.

Prototype	Final

This guy tells you how to enter the arena for a test. Since the functionality is not programmed in the prototype, nothing happens.

Proto: Welcome! This is the arena's information desk.

Final: The arena is just ahead. Would you like an explanation of the arena?

Prototype	Final

This is another spot that is the end of the road. These guys are preventing you from going further into the arena, but they are not there in the prototype. In the prototype, there is nothing of note behind them.

Final: You still haven't received a task, have you?

Prototype	Final

Back to the left tower, where you need to go to proceed, the conversation between your character and this guy goes on a lot longer before the demon comes by. Also note how the entire room is shifted one tile up in the final version.

Prototype	Final

This guy has a much longer conversation with you in the prototype.

Prototype	Final

And he doesn't leave, meaning you cannot go any further in the prototype. In the final version, you go to the arena and fight your first battle, probably to prove your worth. In the prototype, this is not programmed in, as noted earlier.

Proto: I let him handle it.

Prototype	Final

Disappointingly, the prototype doesn't allow you to go far enough to see the battle mode. There are a couple of things I didn't touch on, namely the menu. In the final version, you bring it up with the "B" button, while in the prototype it is with "X". Using things in the menu brings on some bad glitching.

More options are available in the first selectable option in the prototype.

Prototype	Final

Try to access it, and the game glitches up.

Prototype	Final

The third option brings up a much different screen.

Prototype	Final

If you select the last option on the first menu, and the bottom left option on the subsequent menu, the screen that shows up in the prototype is quite a bit different and also glitched.

Prototype	Final

The menus brought up by the "L" and "R" buttons are somewhat different, probably because multi-character parties have not been programmed in.

Prototype	Final

The final thing I thought I would mention is that the select button resets the game in the prototype.

So, this prototype of Dark Kingdom seems to be in a pretty limited state. It only allows you to wander through the first castle, stalling before you can even fight your first battle. Perhaps things could be hacked to access other parts of the game, but I'll leave that to other people.

Front of the PCB

back of the PCB

Download the ROM image here