"A great RPG, without swords and shields."

Gameplay 10/10
The gameplay for this game is great. You need strategy, patience, and a little bit of dumb luck. The puzzles in this game? Some people think that there aren't any, but if you thin about it, the caves themselves are the puzzles. With all the monster battles, and winding paths, it can sometimes get very complicated. Also, finding spirit gems to learn spells is also a puzzle. They are hidden in so many places, so it acts like a puzzle in order to find them all.

The level up system isn't exactly a level up system, frankly there is none. Sure you can raise your HP, MP, Strength and other stats, but there really is no actual system.

Money doesn't matter in this game, since you tend to find most of your treasure, and people give you items also. Many people complain about not having equipment, but you actually have all the equipment you need for the game.

Controls are easy to learn and master. No button smashing, no combos. All you really need to remember action, cancel, and the four elements.

Story 10/10
Your father leaves to find an item, and doesn't return. Now you go out to find him. Not very much, but it unfolds over time. The story about a few of the NPCs also. Sometimes, it can be tedious, but most of the time, it is paced. At the end of the game, you'll see the reason I gave the story a 10.

Audio/Visual 9/10
The music is excellent. It's one of those few games that you can just record it onto a CD, and listen to it over, and over again. One of the village's music is so calm, it can put you to sleep.

The visuals are very good too. Except, sometimes the camera in battles can be at bad angle, like behind a tree or behind a monster. Besides that, it's good.

Replayability 10/10
After you beat the game, you can always start a new game and try collecting all of one element before moving to another, or beating it without items, but playing it again is advised.

To buy or to rent, that is the question. If I were you, I'd simply rent it. If you like it, buy it, if not, return it. But renting it is highly advised before buying it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/08/02, Updated 08/08/02