"The traditional RPG Kid."

          There aren't too many games out there that allow you to play an actual role, especially a role as a kid. His name is Will, who lives in South Cape. Everything is fine, he lives a normal life, until a runaway princess comes storming into his home trying to find a place to stay. He gets caught up with trying to save her and the game pits him as the hero of the world. With the help of Gaia, a being only Will can see, he gains different forms to help him through the many ancient dungeons the game has to offer.
          The graphics are pretty basic SNES graphics for its time. Nice colors here and there and petals floating through the air in the town of Freejia. The bosses look decent and their difficulty is moderate. Music is excellent. Great town music(my favorite being in South Cape) and boss battle music is great. Playability is fairly easy. Not too much to learn with young Will and it isnt too different with his other forms. The puzzles are pretty easy to figure out and the game isn't really that difficult. Of course, I would've preferred the game being a little more lengthy than it is, but that's alright by me.
          Non-Playable Characters (NPC) also make this game pretty good. The different personalities among the characters gives them life. From Lance's leader figure, to Eric's frail side, to Seth's intelligent mind(with a favor for pink clothes). The game will make you laugh, or at least giggle at its several cut scenes. For example, Will and Kara stranded on a wooden raft for several days. They reach about a month in the sea eating fish while Kara still cares about how she looks and comments on Will's long hair.
          I also enjoyed the fact that the story uses already existing historical locations and perspectives. For example, the Incan Ruins and The Great Wall of China. Gives it an original stamp on it. Also, there's a mini side quest where if you collect all 50 gems that are scattered across the game, you can enter a hidden section to fight a boss that appeared in this games prequel, Soul Blazer.
          IoG is one of those weekend games. The types that make you want to play in preparation for a new game that you're anxiously awaiting. The game is cheap at Funcoland ranging in around the $10-15 price range. Buy it for a nice, fresh, clean, and new quest.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/04/01, Updated 04/04/01