First game review for the first game I ever played (religiously).
General Stats
Concept: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Playability: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Replay Value: Very High
About the Game
Genre: Fantasy RPG
Length: 40-60 hours
Platform: Ps One Classic (also available on PSN for the PS3 and PSP)
Review and General Storyline
This game begins as a young man, Dart, returns home from a 3 year journey to find the "Black Monster," the creature who destroyed his childhood home and killed his parents. But, on the way, Dart gets attacked by a Dragon and is saved by a mysterious traveler--and then learns that the Dragon just came from his hometown.
Fast forward a few minutes as Dart runs through the forest until he gets to the smouldering ruins of Seles.
Cue fight music.
Now, the fighting in this game is simply ingenious. You learn along with the characters (though we start with just Dart) because as you get better at the first addition, then you get more that get progressively harder. Double Slash, for now, is simple enough. The higher level you are, the more difficult the addition is; pretty simple.
And I say you learn along with the characters because, in a way, you do. If you began with Dart, level 1, with, say, Madness Hero, you would throw down your controller and likely never pick it up again (sidebar: Madness Hero, though only 5 attacks, had me pulling my hair out for the longest time. Blazing Dynamo, at 7, was simple. But Madness Hero was all about fast attacks and precision; with Blazing Dynamo, you get a little bit of a reprieve between each attack). You have to work your way up to the more difficult additions, and with time, it gets easier.
Muscle memory is a big component to this game. My first play through I could barely do the additions, completing one of the higher level ones maybe 30% of the time (another sidebar: took me years to actually do a Perky Step. It was insane). I got better with time and practice. And now, even though I haven't played the game in a year or two, can stick the 4th disc in and pull out a perfect Demon's Dance without practicing. It is just one of those things that stick with you.
So attacks are good: not too hard, not too easy. Guarding is a good way to gain health, especially early in the game where you don't have much gold or healing potions. It is slow, obviously, and takes some patience, but a good idea to do if monsters are kicking your butt. And in those first few fights, you need that health, not having many/any healing items.
But you kick the Commander's butt and you find out Dart's childhood sweetie, Shana, was taken to Hellena Prison for nefarious, undisclosed reasons. Obviously Dart is going to have to save her.
Before you leave this area, it is good to think about talking to every NPC you come across. Some provide vital information, or information for sub-plots, and some are just hilarious. Plus, if you want to get some fighting practice, talk to Master Tasman, as he will teach you about additions.
Another note: Star Dust. There are 50 in the game, and for every 10, you get an item. You need all 50 to make an optional fight super easy. The very first one is in Seles.
First Timers: make sure you talk to the guy in the Forest--he is going to teach you about how to use items. especially offensive magics. If you don't have a turbo controller, you are going to need this practice time. with a turbo, you can get up to 260ish%. Without, the most I have ever gotten was maybe 170%.
At Hellena, you get to save the girl, save a knight, and generally kick some ass. Lavitz, the knight, and Shana join your group, making fights so much easier, even if Shana is a pansy.
Over the course of the first disc, new characters Rose, King Albert, and Haschel join your group as a badass, a girly-man and an old dude, in that order. You slay Dragons, become Dragon Knights (Dragoons), and solve puzzles (like that absolutely annoying level Shirley's Shrine. I want my treasure chests, damn it!). To find out how the game ends, how you get these characters and what not, you are going to have to play the game. Sorry.
For a game released almost 12 years ago in 2000, the graphics are considered very good--cut scenes are cutting edge for the time period. It has some fun soundtracks, with different ones for each area, so it doesn't get old very quickly.
This game is perfect for those who want a fun time, but aren't serious gamers. It is easy without being too easy, and has some challenges to keep everyone interested. It is also a good first-time RPG-er to get introduced to the genre. It isn't nearly as long as some games in the genre, but if you want to, there is a ton of extra stuff that you can easily stretch out to 60+ hours.
I've played this game a good six or seven times, and I have yet to get bored with it, which is kind of saying something. It is a classic!
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