Illusion of Gaia

"Overlooked and Underratted"

Illusion of Gaia is definitely one of the most overlooked and underrated games of the SNES. The game combines action elements that resemble Zelda, but it tosses in a lot of originality and RPG flavor into the game.

You are Will, a young boy who lost his father in the Tower of Babel. He has no memory of what happened, but ever since he has had the ability of telekinetic powers.

Once will starts on his adventure he soon finds out he has the ability to transform into two different characters. You need to use these characters to solve the different puzzles throughout the game.

Another unique feature of this game, is how you ''level up.'' All you have to do is kill the enemies you encounter and they will drop gems to power you up, which is definitely easier than the experience point system in Final Fantasy and the heart system in Zelda.

As in many RPGs, you must find key items to complete the puzzles. These puzzles can range from very easy to pretty hard. The items are easy to equip, and in fact it is the only thing you have to equip, which take the pain out of buying and equipping various armor and weapons.

The storyline, however, may be the only weak point of the game. The storyline is not the best I've seen, but it is very good and fairly unpredictable. Once I finished the game I found some holes in the storyline and had to come up with some of my own theories. But even though this is a weakpoint, it is a small scratch in a great game.

The graphics and music are some of the best on the SNES, no question. The levels are beautifully drawn and colored and the music is just perfect.

As for replay value, this game has it. In the game you have to find secret gems which you can trade in for abilities and if you find all 50, another... no you have to find out for yourself.

Breakdown:

Graphics (Weight:2)-10- some of the best on the SNES

Music/SFX (Weight:2)-10- great music, perfect sound, what else is there to say?

Storyline (Weight:4)-8- not the best out there, but nevertheless a good and intriguing storyline.

Gameplay (Weight:8)-10- no question the best part of this game, very original, very unique, very easy to pick up, just great!!!

Replay Value (Weight:5)-10- the secret gems and the gameplay are a great way to keep you coming back for more, definitely a good buy

Overall-9- great game no question, get a hold of it and play it!!!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/31/01, Updated 03/31/01