"A fun and enjoyable dungeon crawler on the go"

Since my completion of this title, I have wanted to write a review for it but I was uncertain on how to approach a review for this game. So, since I consider myself a casual player and not hardcore, this review will be based on from a casual players experience as opposed to a hardcore one. I won't be delving into the finer points of the game as for some that may be some of the fun as it was for me.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates is a classic hack and slash dungeon crawler done Square-Enix style. The game sports single player, local multiplayer and solo multiplayer mode as well as three difficulty levels. Also, thrown in to the mix is a unique magic system, item crafting and alchemy (which could be considered crafting as well).

If you are a fan of the action rpg genre this is, in my opinion, a must have.

Story 8/10

The story is very well done. It is a typical good guy/bad guy story (aren't most stories that way?). The story almost feels like it was made to be epic but ends up falling short of epic. The story for the most part has good tie-ins for the locations (maps you play on). Story mode is a single player only affair. There are some really great moments with the characters interacting with each other. Plus some of the dialog has voice acting. And there are some really nice laugh out loud moments as well as touching ones.

Graphics 9/10

It's on the DS. It's in 3D. It's colorful and vibrant. It really does look great on the DS. When having to develop on a system with limited 3D capabilities, I think the team did a great job. Armor and weapons change your appearance which is a nice touch.

Gameplay 9/10

The game play is just a blast. There are a few quirks you have to deal with but are minimal. Magic system took a while to get used to but once I figure it out, it really is a nice system. One of my favorite things to do is crafting and was quite pleased with it. The single player story mode is really good with the exception of some not so great AI from your party members. If you have a friend or two to play with you will have fun with the multiplayer dungeons and quests.

Sound 9/10

Some of the voice acting is a little off but the actors did well with the execution of their lines given the setting. I found the music quite catchy a lot of the times and fits the moments well in the game. The sound effects get the job done.

Overall: 9/10

Some of the faults of the game that other reviewers point out do indeed exist and you just can't deny it. And, yes, I was hesitant (based upon these reviews) about getting the game. There are some quirks to the game like things such as slow down and some glitches where for some reason you jump into a black abyss. These things are easily overlooked. Lack of wifi gaming over the internet (minus the moogle trading) was a bit of a let down. Multiplay is local only. To be honest, I have waited for this game since the announcement of it and built it up in my mind. I am quite happy to say that it lived up to that. The first run through of story mode will take people an average of 10 hours it seems. I clocked in at 19 taking my time.

As of this writing, I'm still going strong playing the game and have logged over 40 hours. This is a very solid offering from Square Enix.

As with any review, please remember that these are my opinions and my opinions only. If in doubt (after you have researched all you care to) and you have the opportunity to try it before you buy it. Do that and just enjoy it for what it is and not what it could or should have been due to ones own expectations.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/07/08

Game Release: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (US, 03/11/08)