Tales of Destiny

"A game which brings beauty and creativity together"

Introduction: Tales of Destiny is an RPG like no other. From the begining movie to the end movie, you will be entertained. This game is not that well known like Final Fantasy 7, so it is pretty hard to find now. But if you currently have the opportunity to own it, please, by all means, get it! Here's why:

Gameplay: Tales of Destiny is one of those few RPG games which does not follow the common ''wait for selection'' action. Unlike other RPG games where you can wait and think about what action to do next, Tales of Destiny is different. It is 2D and is a side scrolling screen with character and enemy sprites. Now you must control your own main character to slash, kick, fireball, whatever. Square is to defend, circle is to attack (depending if you press a direction button, you can perform various normal attacks), and cross is to perform a special technique. The gameplay is simply awesome. You can perform group combos by having your characters perform their move in accordance to your moves. This may take some skill, but I bet anyone can do it. The game itself is not so hard, but some events may require you to train a bit in order to survive enemy attacks. Also, this game has alot of mini games and also competitions, which adds more to its great value.
Score:10/10

Story: The story is simply incredible. This game brought out a new twist to RPG games. There are ''Swordians'', basically swords with a mind of a human. Though it may sound weird, this swords act as characters themselves, providing you a sad/happy/comedy/serious story which many people may like. The story is about Swordian masters, and as usual in all RPG games, you have to save the world somehow. I will not go into further detail of the main story, but the thing to know is that the story is unique and has alot of plot twists and surprises. Also, the characters are quite interesting. They all have, well, most of them, have interesting stories and unique personalities which you will most certainly get into.
Score:10/10

Graphics & Sound: The graphics of this game, are simply fantastic. Unlike other rpg games, the game isn't blurry or look ''too much 3D''. Unless you do not like Anime, you may not like the graphics at all. The image of the sprites may look a bit too ''kiddy.'' But when cinemic movies occur in th game, your jaws will drop to the unbelievable detailed movie it has. The beginning movie is just too fantastic. Like I said, this game is a bit, ''anime-like.'' the character designs are truley unique. They do not wear normal clothes that we see in other character outfits. The sounds of this game are very good, not that great. this is one of those few RPG's where the characters talk, well, yell in battle. Some in english and some in Japanese. Sometimes, the voices and yells can get a bit annoying, but it's not THAT annoying. Besides battle sounds, the towns' music, and world map music and dungeons' music are quite enjoyable. In Fact, this game has an unbelievable Sound test. In the title screen, you can access to the games music and sound files, which also makes this game GREAT!
Graphics:10/10
Sound:8/10 (but due to its sound test, give it a +2 ^-^)

Playtime/Replay value: Like all RPG's, this game is long. It also provides some parts to be stressful and annoying. But if you are into the game like I and a few are, the replay value is quite good. This game has so much to offer, so much secrets, so much goodies that you are left begging for more. But like all RPG's, you may not want to play another 60+ hour reply for the game.
Replay Value: 7/20

Final Recommendation: This game is so rare, that you may never come across it again, but if you have it or can get it, consider yourself lucky. Definately buy the game. Renting it won't work forever. I don't believe you can rent it anyway, seeing by its high rarity. AND why rent a classic when you can own a great classic game? And for those who are tired of Final Fantasy or other games, definately try this out. Its definately worth the search and money.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/01/03