![]() Those who can't act without being directed need not apply. It's far from perfect, and a game like this is always going to have problems, but those who have the patience and enjoy exploration will find a real jewel in this game. All of the minor problems coupled with the slow starting, complex story make this game a bit misunderstood and under-appreciated. Once you've rescued one or two playable characters, you start to understand the story and really get into the game. ![]() They can be annoying but aren't seriously detrimental. Game mechanics aren't good, but they're not bad either. This game requires some significant detective work and nothing demonstrates this better than the mission to rescue Rummy from the time loop, in which you have to prevent her from attempting to kill Lorellani, Xelpherpolis' future wife. Instead of NPCs telling you where to go and what to do and obvious events, you have to find little clues that aren't obvious. Except for a few control tutorials, you have to explore and figure things out for yourself. Unlike other major productions such as Breath of Fire, Atelier, and Final Fantasy, this game doesn't hold your hand. The problem with this game: IT DOES NOT TELL TELL YOU WHAT TO DO. The evil overlord, Xelpherpolis is portrayed perfectly, seeming truly benevolent with dark and sinister overtones belying his true evil nature. At least he's making them repeat a festival for the rest of eternity instead of something boring or catastrophic. It become clear pretty quickly that the "benevolent" ruler of the island isn't a very nice guy and generally enjoys the terrible power he wields over his unsuspecting populace, using that power to force them to live the same week over and over again, like the movie Groundhog's Day, but with an evil overlord making it miserable and extending it to five days. ![]() There's a lot of frustration in this game centered on the fact that through most of it, you simply don't know what you're supposed to do. Combat mechanics are a bit cumbersome but not as bad as some I've seen. Even if you think the game isn't good in the beginning, there's enough to keep you in it. The pacing is slow, but the story is gripping and even a little disturbing from the very beginning. This is one of those games that starts slow but gets better as you play it, which itself is an indicator of bad game design, but not necessarily sure sign. This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Don't rush it, you won't want it to end once you fall in love with the game. (I am a Weekend warrior.) But if you want an RPG that leaves you with a deep sense of fulfillment when finished, a tear in your eye, this rare and underrated gem is for you. It will keep you busy for weeks, maybe even months if you love grinding for stuff. If you're looking for a quick junk food RPG, this is not for you. Opinions, they even chip in dialogue wise! I could go on and on about the pet features, the unlocking characters features, the many mini games you can play, the heartwarming cut-scenes, the tragic ones also, and one of the best villains I've ever matched blades with. That sad princess activated the hero in me and I said I would save her no matter the cost! The characters are not placeholders, they all have stories. Heck, Mouse can become a one man army if you train up his sword skills enough! its got a story I got so invested in that even back in the day with no walk-through I was motivated to high hell to finish. To elaborate further, you can level up specific attacks and moves with different characters. Its got an active battle style with multiple ways to fight. Its a guitar element that I sometimes go back to just to play the melodies. I wanted to write this review for so long, and I hope the modern audience can appreciate a game that has so many well executed features that most modern rpg's fail to pull off. The worst thing about the game is its progression, and that's easily fixed by a walk-through, which I understand wasn't around back in the day. Nobody ever talks about it and its understandable. ![]() I wanted to write this review for so long, and I hope the modern audience can appreciate a game that has so many well executed features I loved the crap out of this game.
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