A boy from Podunk, his dog, a girl named Fire Eyes, Blimp the caveman,
bazookas, and a world at the edge of imagination all round out this
INCREDIBLY cool, cute, and funny game by Squaresoft's American team.
While not much of a trade-in for SD3, it satisfied the then-unknowing North
American market, even though it was overshadowed by Chrono Trigger. If
you're a fan of Secret of Mana, you'll be addicted to this one in no
time.
Graphics [6/10]:
Cutesy sprites and annoyingly confusing backrounds round out this game.
However, the weapon, alchemy, boss, and enemy animations more than make
up for it. Don't expect a lot of eye candy, but do expect creativity and
good animation.
Game Play [9/10]:
Back to ring-menus and charging up weapons! Hooray! *cough*
Other than dodging enemies while waiting for your weapon meter to fully
charge, you also have to navigate annoying ring menus and have to
handle the bad hit detection. However, the game does have plenty of saving calls.
The Alchemy system is the best system I've ever seen for magic barring the
infinitely powerful Final Fantasy 3 Esper system. Plus the simple
weapon catagories (swords, spears, and axes) make for easy weapon level
building. Another plus is that you never have to wait until the weapon bar
charges up to level 9 or 10 like in SoM, but instead only to 3. The cash system is
great (go multiple currencies! YEAH!) and your dog truly is a man's (or
teenager from Podunk's) best friend. The Call Beads are also an
interesting twist on Summoning.
Challenge and Replay [4/10]:
I've found that where the game isn't incredibly easy it's incredibly
annoying. You see, only the very key things that you wouldn't have
thought up on your own are HARD. And, like most RPGs, if you get fed up, don't
expect to try again for another month. However, the bosses don't
require an exorbitant amount of magic like in SoM, and you get magic almost right
off the bat.
Conclusion [7/10]:
What saves this game does a good job at it, and despite the game's
failings, you'll be addicted in no time. And everyone has thier favourite
characters, as always. Mine's Blimp!
Oh, and on the subject of cute animal sidekicks, Pikachu wishes he were
as butt kicking as the dog!
