"A great action RPG... with annoying characters..."

Ever noticed that (if you have read my other reviews, that is) in nearly all of my reviews, all have high marks? Sorry, I hype about games that I like, so... oh well.. back to the review. You are Brave Fencer Musashi, summoned to save the Kingdom of Alucaneet from the clutches of the evil Thirstquencher (what a name...) empire.

Well, why don't you just go back home. Simply because, the Princess won't teleport you back home unless you help save the kingdom. Nearly all women in the game have very annoying personalities, from the "like, how did you know, like, this one?" to "just because I won 2nd in the beauty contest" personalities; they really get onto your nerves after a while.

Nevertheless, the graphics in this game are quite good, especially the backgrounds, try looking at them in the Ice Palace. However, the characters are a bit blocky, and move slow too. And just to take note: this game doesn't use a charge time bar like most of SQUARE's game do, it's an action RPG, meaning that you get to move around freely, but restricted in some things that you do.

The enemies in the game are way cool looking, and the best feature of this is that you get to "steal" or assimilate their abilities. Different enemies differ, for example a Blue Soldier who shoots with his gun will bring you the Gunshot ability, etc. The bosses also require more strategic thinking than most other RPG's do, however.

As you travel in the game, you will find some scrolls, which will help you in certain elemental ways. They are: Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Sky. Each has a different attribute, eg. Wind to make a Tornade, Sky to fly for a temporary time, Earth for an earthquake which can stun people, etc.

Another annoying feature is that you get to carry a max. of 12 items only. Also, in the beginning of the game, you don't have much abilities, but as you travel, you'll find the Legendary Armor (6 of 'em), which will allow you to do different things, L. Shoes to walk on ice without slipping, L. Gloves to be able to climb on brownish walls, etc.

A special feature is the ability to buy action figures. When you kill an enemy, the Action figure is sold in the Toy shop, and you can play with the Action figure, know the enemy's special move, etc. The sound is quite OK, and the music is really great, something that I hummed to all the while. Buy this game if you like action RPG's, or don't if you're offended to mean talking women, but I'd recommend you get it.

© 1999 Wan Zafran. All rights reserved.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 04/26/01