About this game
A 1999 Dreamcast hack-and-slash based on Kentarō Miura's dark fantasy manga Berserk, with a new story written by Miura himself. Players control the Black Swordsman Guts across a brutal, gothic world as he battles a wave of flesh-corrupting flower apostles threatening a small village. The game was notable for its cinematic ambition — cutscenes rendered in the game engine captured the manga's heavy atmosphere — and for the rarity of having its original creator write an original storyline.
Key Features
Players swing Guts' massive Dragonslayer sword against waves of enemies in third-person action. The game features Puck as a healing companion, and Schierke — a familiar face from the manga — makes an early appearance predating her manga debut. Combat emphasises weight and brutality, with enemy dismemberment and Guts' berserk state reflecting the manga's tone.
The Story Behind
Berserk was one of the defining dark fantasy manga of the 1990s, and this Dreamcast game arrived during the manga's peak commercial period. The involvement of Miura in writing the story gave the adaptation unusual credibility. Following Miura's death in May 2021, Sword of the Berserk takes on additional significance as one of his original narrative works outside the manga itself.
Tricks & Tales
Schierke, a major character in the Berserk manga who appears in this Dreamcast game, actually debuted in the game before she was introduced in the manga — a rare case where a video game predated the source material's own character introduction. The game was developed by Yuke's, best known for WWE wrestling games, demonstrating the eclectic range of projects Japanese developers took on in the Dreamcast era.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Released in Japan in December 1999 and in North America in early 2000. Published in Western markets by Eidos Interactive. No European release.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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