"It's amazing how boredom can open one's mind..."

Ok, so back when I first reviewed this game I loathed it. WHy then am I changing my mind? Well, I got bored and picked up this game again (or rather downloaded it). I suppose my only really major gripe with the game is...well...read on.
Gameplay 9-10. It's actually very interesting. The whole game centers around you exploring this huge dungeon and every now and then returning to the city for whatever reason. It's not as deep as games like Final Fantasy. I have just one warning for those considering playing this game. It requires lots and lots of patience and lots of graph paper.
Controls 10-10. It features a lot of menu surfing, but there's enough actual moving around in the dungeon so you're not completely bored. Battles are turn-based.
Audio 8-10. Unfortunately, the dungeon (which is where much of your time will be spent), retains the same song throughout the entire game. Each area of the city has its own music though, and it's all pretty catchy. Unfortunately, it's the only music you hear, and it can grow irritating after a while. The battle theme has a fast tempo and is pretty catch, but of course it will grow old after a while for some of you.
Unfortunately, SFX are almost completely absent from this game save for a few bleeps and boops when you select commands. It would have been cool had there been battle sounds to sort of heighten the experience. Even Final Fantasy, whose battle sounds were not the greatest, was that much better because of those effects.
Story ? Well, I did not have the manual and still haven't found a copy, and that may have been partly why I rated it so low the first time. From what I've been able to discover though, your party is on a quest to recover a powerful object (an amulet I believe), which has been stolen by the wizard Wordna. Monsters abound in the dungeon, and some allies I've heard will leave on a moent's notice or become separated without warning. You might have to lead a few rescue missions.
Overall 8-10. Definitely give it a try. It might not be as enjoyable as other RPG's, but it's not the horrible piece of crap I first made it out to be. Of course, that was before I played Hydlide. That's not the only reason for the higher score, but it did play a part.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/00, Updated 03/01/03