Tales of Phantasia

"I almost pissed my pants the first time I played!"

That intro is just for pop but the way I felt the first time I played it could have happened (if I was 10). I should've reviewed this along time ago but today is as good as any other day.

Gameplay--*drool* Simply awesome is the best way to describe it. The gameplay is definitely what make this game stand out. Instead of the traditional way which has you choosing for each character and then waiting for them to go, instead you have control of one character in real time battle and you can then ask the other character parties to help out with spells or summons. The techs are the best part of the main character which you have to learn by finding books and not only do you just get the tech but when you get other tech you are able to combine them for a more powerful techs. The controller for ToP is extremely solid and is very for anyone to use and handle. The spells and the summons also are quite good and sometime hard to find but well worth it. You also get a food bag which you can store food in and when you are hurt the food will gradually restore your hp and you walk around. There is no flaw to this system and is easily one of the best out there.

Graphics--The best looking graphics that SNES has to offer along with Treasure Hunter G and Seiken Densetsu 3. The character sprites are simply amazing and as detailed as you can get them in a SNES game. The backgrounds and towns in the game are extremely detailed with each one looking as real as possible. Techs, spells, and summons look amazingly done in the battle and easily are better looking better than most out there.

Story--Awesome story which will be one of the most engrossing stories you'll ever see in an rpg. You are Cless a swordsman in training and a tragic event happens and you set out to make things right which include being transported back in time and into the future to fight your enemies and rid the world of all the evil for good. You eventually get 4 other characters to help you on your quest and come in very handy in fights. Chester an archer, Mint a healer, Klarth a summoner, and Mint a witch who has some hormone problems (this isn't a bad thing).

Sound--The best I've heard for the SNES and that is the facts. Right when you turned it on you hear voice speaking which is uncommon for a SNES which is why this is the only game with voice acting in it. During fights you hear command shouting in voice which add to the battle. The music in this game is definitely the highlight for any rpg with some of the best and catchy music that was ever made in an rpg. Pulse pounding music in the battle and during tense moments with light melodic music when traveling through towns and other places.

Replayability--No doubt that this is easily a game that anyone should play over and over again just for the gameplay, and the graphics if not the story as well which makes it well worth your time.

Buy or rent--If you can find a place where they sell the SNES then you're set but if not the SNES version then at least try to get the Playstation version either way you will never be disappointed with the results I guarantee you that. If you can't get either of those at least try it on the rom.

Don't be stupid just get this right now.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/20/01, Updated 06/20/01