Mana Dawns Again
Dawn of Mana could have marked the triumphant return of a game thought to have been dead since the Super Nintendo, but don’t get your hopes up.
Archives
Ride Of The Valkyries
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is so good, not only is it the RPG that all PSP owners must have, but really justifies owning the system.
Super Slimy Fun
You would not think a game about a slime creature fighting Plobs would be that involved, but Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime will surprise you.
Dirges In The Dark
Dirge of Cerberus – Lost Episode takes the Final Fantasy series (and shooter gameplay) into the realm of the cell phone game, and does surprisingly well.
Final Fantasy Defects
Final Fantasy XI makes the jump to the Xbox 360, and we find crisp graphics and good playability, as well as all the expansion packs ready to go – after a six hour download.
The Bouncer Bounces Forward
Squaresoft and I have not had a peaceful relationship. The reason is two words: Final Fantasy. I’m always asked why I hate this series so much, and I explain every reason. Maybe it was because I find that being hit by random encounters every step is a complete pain. Or then again, maybe I hate having to sit through countless scenes of poorly animated FMV with mute, dorky-looking characters with hands bigger than their faces (we all know what THAT means, right Zidane?) Or more importantly, having to deal with a cumbersome command interface fast enough to avoid seeing 20 … Continue reading The Bouncer Bounces Forward
Final Fantasy IX Keeps the Edge
The final, Final Fantasy on Playstation is a wonderful reminder of everything that Squareoholics hold dear about the seminal RPG series. Littered with references to previous installments, a gameplay system reminiscent of former FF games and an overall feeling of nostalgia, FF IX is a wonderful trip down memory lane in what will probably be a very different series from here on. While the game, certainly isn’t perfect, it is a tremendous addition to the FF ranks. Sporting some of the most likable and endearing characters the series has ever seen, this band of a charming thief (Zidane), a doubting … Continue reading Final Fantasy IX Keeps the Edge
Vagrant Story is perfection in motion
Well, it finally happened. After over a year of reviewing games for GiN, I found a game worthy of a perfect score – 5 GiN Gems. Playing like a medieval Metal Gear Solid, Vagrant Story delivers a perfect combination of adventure, RPG gameplay and one hell of an awesome story (get it, story — oh, never mind). With graphics rivaling anything seen on a Playstation and a plot nearly equaling Xenogears, Vagrant Story sucks you in from moment numero uno and never lets go. Everything about this game is top-notch and Square couldn’t have picked a better leadoff hitter for … Continue reading Vagrant Story is perfection in motion
Final Fantasy VIII is good, but not great
I so wanted Final Fantasy VIII to be the be-all-end-all of gaming experiences. I so wanted to be able to say that this was the greastest game I’ve ever played. Unfortunately, after all the hype, all the hope, and almost 60 hours of playing and completing Square’s latest offering in the signature series of RPG’s, I’m almost heartbroken to say that the game doesn’t bring home the goods. To be fair, I, much like the rest of the gaming world, had enormous expectations. I half expected the characters in the game to jump out of my television and finish doing … Continue reading Final Fantasy VIII is good, but not great