Threads of Fate

"Aww...! ^ ^"

Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega! Pulsar Inferno Typhoon Omega!

Weird, eh? It’s just the name of one of this game’s vehicles (not that there’re any other vehicles…!), and you’d think they were summoning or something, what with all the jumble of “big” words that’s used. So, doesn’t it sound wacky enough to warrant even a passing interest?

………….

Well, it did sound wacky enough for me, anyway. And that’s what this game is all about: Wacky. Fun. And yes, ironic, too.

Made by the ever-brilliant Squaresoft, Threads of Fate (or Dewprism, as it was named in Japan) is one heck of a cutesy (^ ^), fairly easy RPG. Awfully short, but darn enjoyable all the same. Ok then, let’s start off with…

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Story: 8/10
Something nice: you get to choose between two characters and play out each of their storylines. Both characters live in the same world; so yes, the places are the same for both. Another thing, the characters know each other, too. You play one character but the other one is also part of the plot. In point of fact, they’re actually rivals!

The story in itself is nothing new: the character (whoever you choose) is out to find a relic and, as it is an Adventure game, you have to battle monsters, bosses, and go through puzzles. So why’d it get an 8, you ask? Well, as you move on with the story, you’ll discover that it’s not so simple as that; it does have its twists, some of which even my predictability list wasn’t able to account for.

If you choose the guy, whose name is Rue, you’re in for a touching story of reviving Claire (the girl he considers his sister), and discovering his past in the process. I know, I know, it’s unoriginal, but like I said, touching. He does have his own funny moments, so it’s not all “noble intentions and seriousness.”

Now, the other one is the girl Mint. Er – oops, I meant Your Highness, Beautiful Majesty, Princess Mint. ^ ^ Judging from the number of titles I used for her, it’s right to assume that Mint is one of those ridiculously rich, lazy, pampered, outspoken, snotty brats who are, well… out for world domination, is all. ^ ^ Yes, you read it right; she’s the type of girl who won’t stop at anything to get what she wants. She’s the type who’s crazy enough to jump off a cliff without any qualms whatsoever (and who shouts “Whee!” in the process); who’s weird enough to be scared stiff of pumpkins; and who’s selfish enough that she’ll sooner or later get under your skin, but you’ll end up liking her, anyway. She’s bent on reclaiming her rightful (?) throne from her gentle sister Maya, who eerily looks exactly like her, with different clothes and a shorter hairstyle.

One thing that miffs me a great deal though, is that the story was over in no time at all. I mean, you can immediately tell that it’s gonna be a super short game from the fact that there’s ONLY ONE TOWN!

Sheesh. I’m getting too emotional with this. Next criteria….
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Graphics: 8/10
For an Adventure RPG, the game’s 3D graphics aren’t all that bad (compared to, say, Alundra 2), but I still believe Square could have done better. The colors are certainly vibrant, the characters’ features are distinctly vivid and clear – smooth polygonal contours and everything, and the backgrounds are reminiscent of those illustrations from the Ladybug fairytales. Rue has a nice hairstyle (hah!), and Mint is um…well done, I guess.

Facial expressions, sadly, are lacking; and as a consequence, I never did take the game seriously, since it felt like nothing could possibly go wrong in a world where no sort of evil design could penetrate the calm, serene expressions of the characters. Argh, I overanalyze everything, don’t I? ^ ^
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Gameplay: 9/10
The controls? Easy. Complicated? Heck, no! It’s real-time battle; Rue can transform into any monster he happens to kill, except for the bosses; Mint uses her magic. It’s basically hacking, jumping, avoiding any traps… you know the drill. Btw, attacking is auto-aim, so it’s made even easier than it already is.
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Music: 6/10
Nah, nothing special on this part Um, except Rod the Star Blade’s (did I get his name right? This game’s been out a while, y’see, and I think I’ve forgotten some bits) theme, the one that’s always made me want to go to Spain, and reminds me of Vega from StreetFighter. ^ ^
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Replayability: 7/10
It’s pretty much okay. For my part, I had no wish of repeating the story after I finished the New Game+ mode, short though each playthrough is. New Game+ doesn’t add any bonus difficulties or any new places (or TOWNS), so it’s not really a must. Maybe it’s there for nostalgia more than anything else. But if you’re a perfectionist, then by all means… hey, I’m not stopping you. ^ ^
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Overall: 7.6/10
Great. Funny. All-too short. (Underrated!) I’d buy this if I were you, impractical person that I am. But since you’re probably a practical person, then a rent will suffice. Enjoy this rare game! ^ ^

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/25/02, Updated 09/25/02