A truly classic gem of a game that deserves to be experienced in every way.
How's this for original? In ActRaiser, you play the role of a benevolent god tasked in rebuilding a world ravaged by your evil arch-nemesis Tanzra. To perform this task, you'll have two very different ways of going about it--encasing your heavenly body in a warrior statue and raising arms against Tanzra's delegates in fun and exciting action scenes reminiscent of traditional action games of its like on the market. You will also be tasked in rebuilding several empty regions of the world--leading your people in simulation mode by building houses, performing requests, planting wheat fields, and organizating hunting parties in destroying monster lairs. The simulation mode is set up almost like the classic Sim City games; only you will oversee development of entire civilizations. The folks below will pray, or in this case "ask", the Master for help in a variety of areas--such as bringing rain when needed, building bridges, finding lost children--even helping someone write music. Seeing how you're the Master and all, it is up to you to literally be the answer to their prayers. Of course, you'll have help in doing so--a little Angel will be your avatar, and he'll prove invaluable in shooting down troublesome monsters that will undoubtedly throw their wrenches in the restoration process (i.e. destroying houses and kidnapping people in droves) All in all, the Simulation mode might put off hardcore action purists who don't fancy using their head all that much (and understandably so), but for everyone else, it'll provide a fun and rewarding experience.
The action scenes are of the traditional stock, yet as hugely entertaining as just about any other 16-bit action platformer. The Master will embody a warrior statue at the beginning of the action stage, and here you'll do what you do best--fight monsters. Your life meter will increase depending on the population of civilizations you've cultivated in simulation mode. Think of your loyal followers as experience points. You'll call upon some pretty cool magic--some more useful than others--and do battle against some insane bosses. My favorite boss is the sorcerer who transforms into a beast in the Bloodpool area.
The graphics are pretty good for a 16-bit game, but the music is quite the exceptional case. Yuzo Koshiro seems to have pushed the Super NES's sound capabilities past its limit with a rousing, orchestral soundtrack. There are a handful of memorable songs in the playlist, especially one of the themes from Northwall. The exasperated battle shouts you hear every time you swing your sword can get a little annoying after a while, but not nearly as irritating as the sound you make when you get hurt.
ActRaiser is a classic -- pure and simple. You will appreciate it all the more better if you're a fan of role-playing games, and there's a lot of fun to be had with the action scenes, too. It's definately worth checking out and considering for your VC library.