"Open your eyes, online RPG is finally here!"

I haven't seen any RPG games in console that has online capability before this game. I tried this one and I like it very much. There are small flaws but they didn't ruin the gameplay of this game. Without further ado, lets get down to my opinion of this game.

Gameplay: 9/10
The control is rather intuitive for real time RPG on console. Instead of using combination of mouse and keyboard, Sonic Team decided to use the function key (using R trigger) to switch between 2 different setting for attack and magic/technique. You can customize your own control starting from which button to use for healing magic or using item or standard attack. Gameplay is more like Diablo series with several different twist (purchasing technique).
Although the game is full 3D, there is no lag whatsoever (even using the Asian modem/36.6K). So broadband connection is not necessary. All you have to do is find a good ISP to play this game online. Offline is OK (rather boring) but the real meat is the online where you can chat with other character, trade guild card (like business card), trade items, look for friends, etc.

Audio/Video: 9/10
Audio is standard for my ears, but one thing that I notice is that the music change from one mood to another. If you're attacked by monster the music gradually changed into one that has faster beat. Video is a real treat, but one small flaw is that the pop up is so bad sometimes you have to walk further to see whether there is an item or not.

Replayability: 10/10
Since I love Diablo series, I love this game even more (because of 3D graphics and eye candy such as magic special effects). It is very addictive, you'll always think that your character is not strong enough or the weapon is not good enough. That keeps you playing for weeks/months. And also I'm interested in several different classes like Hunter and Ranger. The strategy is quite different between each classes and made me want to try to use other classes.

Story: 8/10
You have to find out the explosion in Ragol and etc. It is typical action RPG story, not quite interesting but the story telling is good enough through small quests.

Buy or Rent:
Why are you here reading this review? Go get it already. This is the first online RPG for console, and the one that you shouldn't miss.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/10/01, Updated 02/10/01