Breath of Fire III

"A review for the people who never played Breath of Fire 3..."

Breath of Fire 3 was released around 1998 (US) for the Playstation One but I was unable to play the game during it's time. This game was greatly admired by the fans of the series since it's release. Luckily, Capcom was able to released a "port" of the game to the PSP but however, it was only released for Japanese and European audiences. But since the PSP was region free, the idea of not importing the European version sounds absurd since it was also in the English.

Having not being able to played the game when it was first released, I didn't know what to expect since this was my first time experiencing the game. But at the end, this is one of those few games I wished I played when it was first released. After a few years and playing other variety of rpgs, there are some things about Breath of Fire 3 feels rather outdated. Of course, it brings back happy memories for people who had played the game and loved it but for me, it ended up being something completely different.

The story of the game is about Ryu who was a descendant of of the Dragons who were considered to be an extinct since the Great War. With a mysterious past and a destiny in which Ryu must faced, he embarks on a adventure to find out the truth about himself and the world around him. I have to admit that I really didn't see the reason why people praised the story very highly for Breath of Fire 3. I thought that the pacing was really bad and the fact that the script itself was badly written and executed. However, as a whole, it was enjoyable to an certain extent with an interesting theme. There were times where the story could have fleshed out a bit more and use a bit more explanation. The characters were interesting and had great chemistry with each other in the story although their personality seems too 1 dimensional at certain times.

The PSP version does suffers somewhat long loading times and some lags especially during some of the fighting. The graphics and sprites are well done for what it is on the PSP. The designs for the game is very unique on certain levels and it is very colorful for what it is. The music is probably one of the best feature in the game because it's fits the mood and the atmosphere of the game very well.

The game does consist of a world map where you are able to travel all over the world. There are plentiful of areas to travel and explore. I think an interesting feature of the game was the Camp System. After visiting a dungeon, you are able to make camp and rest. However, if you died during battle, your health drops and in order to recovered completely, you would need to rest in an inn. However, it is a handy system when you are in the middle of nowhere. One of the annoying things was the way they incorporated the mini games. There are times where you would need to played the mini games in order to progress the story. Some people like them and some people don't and I am one of those people who doesn't enjoyed mini games. Another annoying feature was the fact that you only can change your party members when you are saving in the book. Most of the time that you are able to change you members is during the campsite since that's where you are able to locate the book throughout most of the game. Each of the characters has a special ability that is needed in the dungeon, and it is annoying where you would have to travel back and forth throughout the dungeon just to change you party's members.

Breath of Fire 3 is your generic turn based RPG where your characters take turn attacking the enemy based on the speed status. Each character is able to equipped different items such as weapons and they also have a set of magic skills, etc. that they are able to learn when achieving certain levels. You are able to learn even more skills through two ways: analyzing your opponents skills or through the master's system. You are able to learn new skills through the first method but however, you will end up not using that feature during most of the game and also, not every opponent's skills can be learn through that method. The Master's System is another system where you need to seek out different masters in order to became an apprentice. However, not everyone will become your master during the first try. There are times where you need to perform certain deeds for the master before being able to become it's apprentice. The Master's System is rather unique and also it's feels rather annoying. The fact that you need to level up and travel some great distances within the world map, back and forth, the system does feel somewhat tedious.

Ryu's Dragon System consists of a Gene System. Throughout the world, the Dragon Genes are hidden in certain locations and you would need to find each gene. Each gene has a certain characteristic such as having the power of the element of thunder or giving the dragon a large, defensive form. What's interesting about this Gene System was the fact that you are able to combine the different genes so you are able to provide Ryu an even stronger Dragon form. Depending the types of genes you would use, it does absorb a certain amount of AP for each turn. However, it does encourages customization for Ryu especially during tough situation such as during boss battles.

Was the PSP version worth the wait?

Overall, Breath of Fire 3 was a good game but yes, I do wished I could have played it when it was first released in the US. Since I can not turn back the hands of time, I do appreciated the game for what is and what it did. For future audiences, the system for Breath of Fire 3 might feel somewhat outdated. which is understandable If Capcom ever decides to tweak the game, it would be interesting to see the results for the game. But for now, if you're just looking for a decent RPG, Breath of Fire 3 might be the game you are looking for.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/05/06