Magic Knight Rayearth

"Just Like the Anime"

Magic Knight Rayearth is a popular anime in Japan written by CLAMP ( also the author of Cardcaptor Sakura). It was made into an RPG for SNES. Mainly, the storyline in this game follows exactly the anime.

However, contrary to the anime series, this game is a let down, the great storyline is not backed up by the other factor such as graphics, challenges and replay value.

Storyline 8/10
Three girls who doesn't know each other were sent to a magical land while they were on a field trip in Tokyo Tower, Cephiro. They are told that they are the legendary Magic Knights and they need to defeat the evil Zagato and fulfill Princess Emeraude wished to save Cephiro from destruction before the could go back to Tokyo.

The storyline of this game just like a lot of RPG, but the best part of the storyline is the unexpected ending ( see it for yourself, I don't want to spoil the story). Probably, in terms of storyline, this game is doing quite well, and this is the only good points of the game I can think of.

Gameplay 3/10
Just like in many other turn based RPG, you need to gain level and you have the HP( Health Point ) and the MP ( Magic Point) bar. Your weapon and armor can also gained experience and became stronger. However, this game is really easy in term of challenge, you can breeze through most of the earliest part of the game easily ( It only took me two days to finish this game)

Graphics 6/10
In terms of graphics, this game did okay for an SNES games, however, there should be an improvement in graphics as compared to popular games like Final Fantasy 6 or Chrono Trigger, this game is pale in comparison.

Replay Value 1/10
Considering some of the bad points of this game, I don't think you would play this game again, considering that like most RPG, the game ends after you beat the final boss. Moreover, this game is way too easy.

To buy or to rent
I would not reccommend you to buy this game for the reasons listed above, even though this game has a pretty well storyline, but it sucks at other aspect of the game. Think twice if you want to buy it, If you want to play this game, Renting is always a better choice

Final Score: 4/10

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/02, Updated 02/22/02