Chocobo's Dungeon 2

"An awesome turn-based adventure"

Let me start out by saying that alot of people won't like this game. The idea of a turn based game isn't very popular in the more modern live-action era of gaming. I however find it refreshing.

The reason I find it so refreshing, is that Square obviously picked up on one of the more popular old-favorites in computer gaming. Rogue/Hack/Larn. If you have ever tried one of these games, the paralells are immediately obvious, and it's almost a clone of them with better graphics and a plot.

What makes this game fun is the strategy side of it. You aren't just hacking away at monsters, you need to think out your moves. If you play this game like an RPG, ie: run around quickly looking for objects and swatting the random encounters, you won't really get good at it. The benefit comes when you sit back, and understand the turn-based system. Take advantage of the enemy and let him come to you so you can get the first hit, move in certain ways to avoid the enemy until you are ready to fight. What this provides is a game that is more tactical in nature, and not just an all out brawl.

The furnace system of making new items is really great. It lets you meddle around with various combinations, and attempt to make your own super-weapon. You end up with a weapon that isn't the designer's idea of a great weapon, it's your idea of one, and has the features that you want to see in it. Again, the element of strategy takes place here, as you find the right objects to combine, to make your weapons and armor.

Sit back, relax, and don't rush this one. Take the time to understand the game, and think out your moves. Thats what makes this game a blast to play.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/30/00, Updated 03/30/00