I bought this game because of Game Informer. I get the mag in the mail, and I trust its reviews. In the Top 50 Games of the Year, this was listed as a JRPG that fans of Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger would love. And they were right. I would describe this as a cross between a turn based classic RPG and a tactical game. The formula is just as fans of classic RPGs will remember: players on lined up on the right, while enemies on the left. Taking turns, one side attempts to overpower the other. In my opinion, the fighting segments are enough to buy this game. This game has one of the most complex and interesting stories I have ever seen. I found this odd, especially since it is a DS game. The game revolves around two different timelines that form early in the game. By going back and forth through the timelines, players can change vital errors that occur in them. For example, saving a merchant in one timeline may lead to his appearance in the other timeline. The failure to save this merchant results in his murder in the other timeline. The leveling system in this game has been designed so that anyone can enjoy it, regardless if they have RPG experience. The player makes no decisions about how his character upgrades upon level up: the game does this automatically. Fans of FF III and IV will recognize how this works. However, because players cannot directly stat level their characters, gear can be equipped to allow the player to personalize his or her play style. Every character has a certain skill set that allows him or her to move enemies around a grid in battle. Battles are fought against enemies who line up on a 3X3 grid. By manipulating their position using skills, an attack can damage multiple foes if they have been piled on the same block. Also adding to the tactical side of the game is the fact that players can switch the order of their turns with enemies. Doing so allows players to unleash move after move with their character in order to devastate the enemy. I found it difficult to keep the stories of the two timelines straight. It may have been just me, but I constantly found myself confused as to why I am doing something on way, while in the other time line, I would be doing them another. Again, this may just be me, however. The soundtrack is great. I have always been a fan of music for these types of games. While the soundtrack won't be remembered as well as Halos, it is more than capable of standing on its own. Fans of Final Fantasy should definitely give this game a shot. The price tag is pretty high, but it is extremely worth it. Anyone who calls themselves a turn based RPG fan has to play this unseen gem.Read full review
The game plays like a choose-your-own-adventure books from the 90s. The storyline is compelling but there is a lot of repetition and recycled scenarios. Overall the game has a very good presentation and pace to it. I'm still fairly early into the campaign but the battle system doesn't seem overly challenging and I don't exactly feel compelled to consistently play the game. I would recommend this game to fans of old-school turn-based jrpg fans only. It's a overall very solid and well-rounded game but it's missing that certain little extra something that makes me choose it over my other games in my collection.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
was looking for a new rpg to play and seen this one come up a few times so decided to check it out. its a turn based strategy game with interesting/fun combo moves. im about 20 hrs in and enjoying it. story is interesting and original, worth a shot If you like turn based combat games
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A great RPG by one of the industry's best (Atlus). It has an amazing story with wonderful & interesting mechanics. Would highly recommend this game to people that enjoy RPGS like Chrono Trigger or the Mother (Earthbounds) series.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Not much to say since I haven't had a chance to play it yet.. But, since I am a collector, I have wanted this game. It was a great value and was Brand New just as advertised. I would recommend it to anyone.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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