"Why isn't its repuation bigger?"

This is a game that I played frequently as a child and has always stuck in my head. I have recently bought a copy (quite a quest in itself) and I have to say, wow! I love it even more as an adult.

Story: 9/10

Two powerful Gods, Nexus (the apparently good God) and Void (his opposite) fought over the rod of creation. In the fight the rod got seperated in two, each fleeing with their own half. Each half were broken down into rings and dispersed to the heads of the six arts. The rings have been lost over time and have since become a myth. It is your quest, playing as Buc (a sorcerer), to gather the rings of power and re-join, making the rod of creation. Before you do this however you must form your team from the other 5 arts, arguably a quest in itself.

Graphics: 7/10

By modern standards it can't really compare. However considering the machine it was designed for they're not that bad. Plus in this game (as with the majority of RPG's) the graphics aren't the important thing. The only down side is that they can interfere with the games controls as Buc can only move in 4 diagonal directions which can slow down the interface.

Game play: 5/10

As stated above, it is rather constricting (and occasionally infuriating) that Buc can only move in 4 directions. Even in battle, which is turn based, you can only choose your characters moves by enabling a specific option and even then your characters randomly choose who they attack. All action takes place either in buildings or on the world map. Towns only exist on the world map and as such cannot be entered to (as is the case with for example final fantasy 7, where town can be "entered"). One unconventional aspect about the game is that you can fight pretty much about anyone you want, even allies.

Overall: 8/10

The game clearly isn't without its flaws. One point that can put many gamers off is that there is no structure as such to the story. You have to work things out for yourself, which in the world of the rings of power can take hours unless you're using a site like gamefaqs (and the only two walkthrough's that exist here don't always give away all the information). However, despite this the game continually draws your curiosity (and your time) to continue your quest, and trust me, it is rewarding.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/02/07