Breath of Fire II

"Breath of Fire 2 on the GBA? Oh yes~!"

Props to Capcom for the release of Breath of Fire 2 for GBA! Now, I only messed around with a ROM to the SNES version of Breath of Fire 2, and I never finished it, so I can't really compare the two versions, just that it's supposedly better for some things added/improved. Otherwise, it's all the same. Horrible translation and all, yay~! Now onto the main review.

Plot: 8/10

Ryu and Bow are buddies and join some group of rangers who are assigned to do tasks, first saving Mina's pet. Starts out really basic, but like most games, it takes time for a good game to unfold its plot, right? Just can't have the climax occur right in the start of the game, there wouldn't be any fun in that.

The Breath of Fire series tends to involve the concept of religion, usually rebelling against a corrupt religious leader or a god. Usually the heroes detest the god's motives, and thus fight against it. In this case, the religion would be St. Eva, a religion growing popular in the world unlike the Dragon God. It's the usual good vs. evil thing, but I'm not saying it's a bad thing, because a lot of stories follow that idea so be it as long as there's something interesting in the mix. Which, Breath of Fire 2 has pulled it off nicely in the idea of a corrupt religion, so I say it's a good plot~

Graphics: 7/10

The graphics are done nicely. They're quite detailed and have you loving them. They're not the best a game can offer, but it can satisfy you to an extent. The enemies are interesting and their color schemes are excellent, so that's a plus. The dragons are also done nicely, especially the ever-so-wonderful Kaiser Dragon. Aha.

I'll also mention the spells look nice, like Bolt X and Fireball. Overall, the graphics will keep your eyes glued to the GBA screen.

Music: 8/10

Okay, can I fangirl for this bit? Kidding, kidding. I'll admit the music is probably one of my favorite parts to this game. The music usually captures the feeling portrayed in the game, and the overworld music, both tunes are something that tickles my fences. Most music for the towns are nice and calm, gives you the idea of a nice quite little village.

Heck, it makes happy moments seem joyful, sad moments to shock you, and other emotions~ It just lures you into the game, to get you hooked to it. I think the music does a good job here.

Some people may say the music is fair, but I'll have to disagree on that. Quite possibly the best aspect of the game! Rather addictive, and it doesn't grate on one's nerves too much when left to loop.


Sound: 8/10

I'll say this, the sound effects are impressive. They aren't repetitive so it's hard to get annoyed by them. And they do sound quite well. Like Bow's weapon when he shoots an arrow, sounds a lot like a bow shooting an arrow. Also Nina's physical attack, and Ryu's sword, etc. It all just ties in well.

Of course, you could get annoyed by it… but I would seriously doubt, as the sounds aren't blazing up at high volumes to make more enemies than friends around you.

Controls: 9/10

The controls are simple, but simplicity is good, right? Because at times you may not like complex things, I know I don't. The controls work like a snap, don't even need a manual to learn how to use them. I like simple things, don't you?

Once again, simple and straight forward. Can't make things any easier than that. I think you'll catch onto the game pretty fast. Or rather get sucked into it. Ha ha!

Difficulty: 8/10

I'll say the game starts out at a normal difficulty setting, like most RPGs. And like most RPGs, it builds up in difficulty from where you'll be cruising through boss fights to the end where the final boss can make you cry in defeat.

It might be easy in some areas, i.e. boss fight with Nina alone, which would make you think she's gonna get the crap kicked out of her only to find the boss is way too easy. A game always has to have an easy point in the middle of the game, though. Aha. But other than that, it will surely get hard, even if you level up your characters to insanely high levels.

Enjoyment: 9/10

This game will suck you right in. The characters are amusing and you'll get attached to them pretty quickly. Although some of the characters lack character development, their designs are quite wonderful and you'll love them to itty bits one way or another.

The game also offers a huge world to explore in, and a few cool transportation methods. Personally, I love the Great Bird and being able to fly anywhere I wish. As well as the various towns, but I think that's normal in any ol' RPG. Still can't argue it's enjoyable as hell.

Replay Value: 6/10

Well, the fact the game is a bit long (my game clocked over 45 hours, which is short to me, but it might to long to others, and it felt longer than 45+ hours to me) would make you want to just tuck it away for a long time or not even pick it up again. However, some of your actions in the game will reflect upon the ending of the game, giving you an option of three different endings: good, bad, or best.

Meaning? If you don't do the right things, you won't end up with the best ending, which will either make you shrug if off and settle with the ending you got, or cry knowing to get the best ending, you'd have to start from scratch.

Overall: 9/10

Rent or buy? I'd say buy, as it's hard to come across in some areas, depending on where you live. Most likely it'd be a used copy, but who cares? Just grab it and dish out 25 bucks, it's worth it!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/21/06, Updated 09/04/09

Game Release: Breath of Fire II (US, 04/16/02)