Lufia: The Ruins of Lore

"A Unique, Quirky Take on a Beloved Series"

I'll start off by telling you that I loved Lufia 2. That's right, I LOVED it. It was a literal masterpiece. I beat in many, many times. I never got the chance, however, to play Lufia 1, but I am sure it was just as good as Lufia 2. Lufia 2 was a prequel to Lufia 1. Lufia Ruins of Lore takes place between the two. Now let us get on with the review:

Graphics 9/10

Bright, colorful visuals are displayed on my GBA SP everytime I turn on this game. The sprites are very well done, the scenery is pleasant to the eye and it takes advantage to the GBA's capabilities. This game's visuals in the field maps reminded me quite a bit of Lunar 2's. The graphics in battles are just as colorful. The characters are displayed in larger, more detailed sprites in battle and look great with great animation. My only complaint with the graphics is the slowdown that comes into play when walking through a town. The games slows from a quick pace to a rather slow pace and then picks up again and then slows down again, etc. Other than that, the graphics are well done.

Sound 8/10

There is nothing wrong with the music in Lufia Ruins of Lore. The town themes are fitting with an appropriate mood, dungeons have this wonderous tune, but the normal battle theme doesn't fare as well as it should. It is digital sounding and just doesn't ''click'' together like a song should. However, I did like the music in the Ancient Cave. The 8-bitish gives it a unique, nostalgic feeling to it. The battle theme is the same as that of Lufia 2's in the Ancient Cave. Now the normal theme of battle is a bit of remix to Lufia 2's and it just doesn't sound good. However, as I mentioned earlier, there is slowdown in the graphics, but that isn't the only thing that is affected. The sound as well slows and get staticy until you are out of the ''slowdown zone''.

Sound effects are nothing special in this game, but they get the job done. A slash, is a boring, uninspired slash and a spell has the usual cliche of a sound. But they sound good so I guess shouldn't complain too much.

Story/plot 6/10

Unlike Lufia 2's epic story, Lufia Ruins of Lore makes very little effort to develop memorable characters like Lufia 2. Also, the conversations are the same ol', same ol' that you'd expect from the average RPG, and nothing sticks out that really catches your attention. The plot does have a little that goes with Lufia 2, but there is no real motive along with the story.

Gameplay 7/10

Lufia Ruins of Lore uses a job class system in order to get skills. There is nothing special about it really. If you played Dragon Warrior VII(AKA Dragon Quest VII) you'll be very familiar with the way it works only (DW does it WAY better). You pretty much just get a job until you master it and then get the evolved version of the job and master it. There is also a monster catching thing also, and again, it too, works just the way you can imagine it.

This game is fun, overall, but it does get boring in places. Sometimes this game feels like dungeon (or field) and then town, dungeon, town, etc. and no real originality in the battles or places.

Difficulty: Hard

The baddies in this game are rather difficult so that is what makes it so hard. The puzzles are easy.

Overall 7/10

I'd say that if you like this sort of quirky RPG then go for it and buy it, but if you're really looking for an RPG thrill on the GBA, buy the Golden Suns.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/20/03, Updated 05/20/03