Tales of Destiny

"2D Gaming Bliss"

First off, this is not Final Fantasy, nor does it claim to be. All you get when you buy this is one heck of an RPG for a system that's loaded with RPG's of the mediocre variety...

Graphics: I'd be lying if I said this rivals Final Fantasy. In fact, it's closest to Final Fantasy 6. The view is overhead, and the battles are seen from a side perspective similar to an old Street Fighter game, but not as elaborate. There are nice little effects, like your reflection in mirrors or mud puddles you dash through, some cool magic spells approximately on par with those in Wild Arms (which is to say, nothing that threatens Final Fantasy's claim to fame). The opening FMV is simply gorgeous, but you can only watch that so many times without getting tired of it. The end movie is very short and plain, so I was disappointed. Still, overall, the graphics here do everything they set out to do. Graphics Rating: 9/10

Sound: You have some okay music. I think the problem is that, over in Japan, there were tons of lines of spoken dialogue. Over here, we just have the text to read, as we don't understand Japanese. Still, you hear victory mumblings and the characters shout when they cast some spells. The music for the game is quite varied and typically quite effective. Sound Rating: 9/10

Challenge: I would say this is perfect. You have an easy game until about halfway through. Then, after a noticeable series of events, you enter the second half. That's when things heat up, and when you'll most likely need help. Getting through this game on your own will tax your mind. Believe me. Some of the last puzzles are downright devious, though nothing you can't figure out if you've made it through a truly challenging game like Beyond the Beyond. Challenge Rating: 10/10

Gameplay: Oh, yes! Does this game ever end? To get through the main quest, it took me just under 40 hours. Not too bad. Seems about average. But I didn't find the hidden dungeon, which has 60 floors. I didn't get all the summoning spells, or special secret items, or the item that allows more than one person to play this at the same time. I didn't... well, you get the idea. This has enough extras to keep anyone busy indefinitely. Also, the battles are a radical departure from most RPG's. You fight out in real-time. It's like Street Fighter: The RPG (before you go looking for that title, no, it doesn't exist; I'm just making a point). Gameplay Rating: 10/10

You shouldn't rent this, because you won't get into the true splendor of it all. Borrow it from a friend who doesn't mind you keeping it awhile. Or better yet, buy it. If you like the old RPG's from the Super Nes days, that's what you'll find here, with only slightly improved graphics. Still, one of the best RPG's I've ever played (and I've played a lot of them).

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99