"Crystal Chronicles: A Monster Hunter for the DS"

Ok, for those who don't know what Monster Hunter is, it's basically a great game that is better with friends, and one of the few reasons to get a PSP. But that is beside the point. The point is, is that this game was built for multiplayer, but added single player for those who don't have friends (who have the game). I do play it with friends, which is why I gave it an 8/10.

Game play: 8/10
Game play got an 8/10 because multiplayer got a 9 and single got a 7. Multiplayer is an excellent game because of the massive amount of fun and competitiveness obtained. With the help from you r friends, you accomplish things that you probably shouldn't have done, instead of getting three useless sidekicks that (try to) follow you around. For example, you can make totem poles (stacks of characters on top of each other) to reach unimaginable heights, which gives you a sense of being smarter than the game. Single player isn't as good as I hoped it was, but at least its shows you how to play. I recommend starting story mode (until you have everyone) and then switching to multiplayer mode (yes, you can train your character by yourself).

Graphics: 7/10
IT'S A DS. There's not much you can do, but what it did was pretty good. And besides, since when has how good a game been become solely based on graphics?

Sound: 8/10
Once again, it's a DS. But Final Fantasy's music always knows what mood it is and the music always matches it. (Especially Nobuo Uematsu's)

Notes)
1. This is a game you can just keep playing, and they made it so.
2. Controls can be a little annoying, diagonal maps and all, but you get used to it quite quickly.
3. Lost your stylus? Don't worry, this game doesn't over-use it, so a fingernail is fine.

Overall score: 7.9/10 almost a full 8, but nowhere near a 7. In the case of rent/buy, id say borrow due to opinions, skill, and pace. Also, you might get angry because you get the moogle screen of death. There are two instances of that problem. Either 1) Somehow, you obtained a demo version (this is very unlikely) or 2) you are a thieving pirate who just complains and is too lazy to download the patch. This is my first and probably only guide, so if you don't like it, tough.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/09/08

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