Magic Knight Rayearth

"In a word, Different"

Magic Knights Rayearth was released only in Japan, and what a shame it was. Rayearth is one of my favourite RPGs around for the Super Famicom. Anyway, on with the review.

Plot -
While on a trip to Tokyo Tower, three girls, Hikaru Shido, Fuu Hououjii and Umi Ryuuzaki, are whisked away to an unknown land, Cephiro. Quickly they are told that they must become Legendary Magic Knights, rescue the princess, save the land of Cephiro. Sounds very clichic eh? Heck, Fuu, the intelligent blonde, remarks on this cliche. Then why bother giving this game such a good rating? Simply stated, once you beat the game, it leaves you just holding your controller, mouth open. Very few RPGs managed this with me, not even any of the FF series! That diserves something, like a 9.75.
Rating - 9.75

Gameplay -
Traditional RPG turn based combat. Commands are input from a bar on the top of the screen. Magic, Attack, Items, etc, they're all there. Only real two weakness is that the game engine is a tad simplistic, as the different types of magic affect the different monsters similarly. Basically, fire magic doesn't roast plants or ice monsters. Secondly, you don't buy weapons or armour. They evolve with the user, so that's fairly original, so things kinda even out. Still, solid enough, and does the trick.
Rating - 8

Audio -
Super Famicom, whatju expect? While MKR may not have the most incredible OST, it isn't the worst. Not much I can say about the sounds.
Rating - 7

Video -
Mid-system graphics, hovering between Super Mario World and Tales Of Phantasia. Very colourful and cheery (Which adds more kick to the ending). The characters could have been done better. A cool thing is when they speak, a picture of them, straight from the anime, shows up along side the text. Battle sequences are similar to Super Mario RPG with the 3/4 view. Spells are original looking, and diverse. Give the game's age, it deserves a 7.
Rating - 7

Replay Value - Nil
The Achilles' Heel of all RPGs, save those with loads of multiple endings. Once you beat the game, that's pretty much well it. Also, it's a bit on the short side.

To buy or to rent? -
Well, considering this is an out of market import, buying this game with cost an arm and a leg to buy. Not too mention the time to actually find a copy. However, this game has be translated by a group on the internet, so you could download it, at your own risk that is.

End Summary -
Like I said earlier, it's a good game to play. Ok graphix and sound with a kick butt plot twist, make this a worthy addition to most any gaming library.
Final Rating (Not an average) - 9

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/18/01, Updated 01/18/01