Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: Another Story

"Chrono Trigger + Final Fantasy + Sailor Moon = The dream RPG!!!"

I was obviously surprised by this game...How can such a masterpiece hide in the shadows? Why was it never released in North America? Being a RPG and Sailor Moon fan alike, I consider this game to be my favorite of all time! Here's why:

Graphics: 10/10

Looks somehow like Lunar: Silver Star Story, to me. You see a picture of the person talking, (important characters only) And the characters look almost as great as in Chrono Trigger! Sure the magic spells could have had more details, but considering this is a super nes game, the graphics are outstanding! Plus, the magic is the same as on TV!

Gameplay: 10/10

The greatest thing about the game is that you can use (and as many) double, triple techs just like in Chrono Trigger. Unfortunately, in Chrono Trigger you were allowed only 3 characters in battle. But in this game, you can even use quintuple techs, since you can have 5 characters in battle. Another great thing, you can go anywhere you want FAST! Hold L or R while you run, and you'll never get late! ;) Your magic recovers after each battle, which is good. And the status effects are way more dangerous than in any other RPG. The Story is based on the Sailor Moon TV episodes, which is the greatest anime ever in my opinion! I could go for hours in this category so I will just add one more thing: You can use EVERY 10 sailor scouts including Chibimoon, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn and Pluto! And each of the main scouts (Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and Moon) have solo missions of their own!

Audio/Sound: 10/10

Wow! its even comparable to Squaresoft's legendary soundtracks! But the boss battle themes in this game are the BEST! And the characters talk! they talk when they attack, when they get hit and when they use their magic! Unbelievable for a Super nes game! The only music I did not like was the one at the beginning on the loading screen. But hey, I'd even buy a CD of this game's soundtrack if there was one!

Replay value: 8/10

Ok, RPGs don't have much replay value, but I find myself playing this one all the time. I'm sure Sailor Moon fans would replay this game more than once. Not because of the story, but simply because its FUN! Anyway, I can assure you that it will take you a VERY LONG time before you finish this game and reach your maximum levels, I'd say almost twice as long as Final Fantasy II/IV.

Challenge: 10/10

This is it! the game every RPG fan dream of: A VERY LONG and VERY HARD RPG! Some bosses can take you over an hour to beat....and when your have to beat 4 and 5 of them in a row, it truly shows that the bosses wont show you any mercy! Leveling up is critical to your success! Say good bye to your friends and family before playing this. You'll get so hooked up, that you'll spend sleepless nights on this game (From personal experience).

Rent or Buy?

Unfortunately, its impossible to do either of them. This game is only available in Japan. Why was such a masterpiece never released in North America is still a mystery. I'd chose this game over any other squaresoft RPG any day! (Final fantasy X included) The only possibility is finding this game on ''roms'' which you can play on your computer. However, all names are in Japanese (Usagi is Serena). But its worth it to search for it! (or you could just ask me) I recommend this game to any RPG and/or Sailor Moon fan alike. My deepest dream is that Bishojo Senshi produces a game like this one on the playstation 2....How wonderful would this be!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/15/02, Updated 08/15/02