Illusion of Gaia

"Darn you Mu...oh yeah, great game."

By the topic, you can tell I hate Mu, but if you're reading this to decide on whether to buy this game or not, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Just so you know, Mu is a place in the game. Now on to the review.

Graphics---10
For its time, the graphics were great. I remember getting this when it first came out and being floored by how good they were. By no means is that 10 worthy when compared to today's graphics, but the game was great for its time. The worlds are large. Towns are nicely detailed. Every small detail seemed to be put into this game...even the hair moves when it is windy.

Story---10
I've never understood why people disliked the story. If you have played Final Fantasy 7, you will be ready for the twists of this game. You are Will. When you were young, you and your dad traveled to the Tower of Babel, but he disappeared. The game starts you off at your school, and then you are told to go to your clubhouse where you learn your powers. Let me tell you this right now, the story from then on is awesome. Discovering everything about your dad and what exactly you are is great. There is also a side-quest where you collect red jewels, and, if you collect them all, you give them to the jem jeweler for his secrets.

Sound---10
Let's get this straight: I love the music in this game. The music so good probably because the game revolves a lot around the flute that you play to different effects. The stage music is awesome and very reminiscent of Final Fantasy 3.

Gameplay---10
Uhhh~ohhhh. Oh sorry, I was just thinking about playing this game. The view is over-the-top, so the controls are what you think...up goes up, left goes left, and so on. You attack with your sword. But throughout the game, you get these really awesome attacks (slide, earthquake, etc.) You can also use a flute (although not as an attack) for different effects. One such effect is changing the wind. Also, you can go into these odd looking rooms throughout the game that allow you to change from you as a kid to use as an adult and vice-versa. You also get a third version that is very cool at the end of the game.
The game is played out like many other RPGs...on a map. But you don't travel to each city or ruin over the map. You merely choose the place you want to go and you're transported. Be warned, this game can get to be very difficult, especially at the end.

Replay/Lastability---7
As any RPG, this game doesn't have lots to replay. You may come back once or twice a year to play it again, but not too much more. The game is quite short for an RPG, able to be beaten in just over 10 hours.

Overall---9.9
Everything about this game is perfect, save the slight shortness. That is the only reason I took off the .01 point. Looking back on the dozens of times I have played it, it has by far one of the best stories ever. The game is extremely fun and addicting. Although short, it is an experience you shouldn't pass up. Definitely buy it. You can probably pick it up for about $4.

And to clear up the topic title, Mu is one of the most annoying/difficult/confusing stages in the game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/13/03, Updated 07/13/03