This game is amazing! It bursts at the seams with loads of notable new features. Read my full review~! XD
Nearly finished with the Japanese version, I stand very impressed for several reasons.
First off, graphics are awesome. Very fun to look at. They are similar to the graphics of the DS remake of Final Fantasy III, but manage to be a bit more detailed and smooth in movement. The game has an awesome opening CG movie which can be seen all over online, and the games' in-game cinemas are a real treat. Even though it stays in real-time graphics, they are complete with dynamic camera angels, improved sound, and best of all, full voice over acting.
I was scared about this at first as well, knowing one of the great things about RPGs is hearing the voices how we think they sound in our head, but put your worries aside. Of course, I don't know how the English version will turn out to be, but the Japanese acting is awesome.
Second, the music. Same classic soundtrack, but it does sound a lot better.
Third, the battle system feels a lot more fresh. It is now driven by time gauges like FFVI, something that was absent in the original. The battles are also enhanced by cool camera angels and sweet summon animations. The screen is also A LOT less cluttered as your characters and enemies are displayed on the top screen and your gauges, HP/MP, status, what moves who is preparing to do, etc. are all on the bottom screen. Very nice.
By the way, each character has their own unique victory dance plus another animation when they gain a level.
On the note of battles however, many of the boss fights have been changed a bit. In means of difficulty. Like, some are INTENSELY hard. And all the little shortcuts, tricks, and cheats from the original are no good either so don't even try. This is good news though for you guys that like that sort of thing. They are very challenging, and afterward, you feel like you are the ultimate powner and thats a nice feeling too. Some of the bosses in 3D are a lot more intimidating...
The script is good. It's been years since I have played through the English one, but as I read the Japanese, the script seems to be mostly the same as I remember it, except for some improvements here and there that were much needed in order to make the game even more pimp than it already is.
So, there are loads of new features in the game and I hope I can hit all the main ones that need mentioning. Besides the things mentioned above, here are some more:
- When you go into the menu screen (which is also completely redone), whoever you have leading your party will have a thought bubble above their head letting us some gain some insight into their feelings, resulting in better character development. This is a lot of fun. Some of the stuff they think about is pretty funny.
- Rydia has a really cool new summon that you can customize. It's a little white man with a square head that when summoned, will take her place in battle for a few turns. It is self-controlled and randomly uses abilities from other characters that you pre-set in the menu. You can also name him, give him a phrase to say, and even draw his face! Its very entertaining. There are many minigames that can be played as well in order to level him up by getting high scores. Some include: one where you control Cecil as he slays legions of goblins rushing at him by hitting them with the stylus, and another, rubbing the touch screen to charge up Kain's jumping energy and then fighting birds in the sky again with the stylus. Addicting.......
- Some characters that permanently leave the party (like Edward, Tellah, etc.) will give you their special command such as Sing, or Recall respectively as an item which you can give to another character of your choice.
- Fat Chocobos do MUCH more for you now such as let you look at a bestiary, listen to a music box, watch past cut scenes, and more! Plus, this is where you access the minigame and customization menu for Rydia's special summon.
- The bottom screen displays the map of where you are, at making it A LOT easier to navigate dungeons and such. But when you first enter a new map, it is covered in 'fog of war' that you unveil as you explore like in Warcraft and Starcraft. When a map is completely uncovered, you are awarded with items! : )
- Your character's weapon and shield graphics visibly change with each piece of equipment. Even cooler yet, you can bring your guys up in the menu and rotate them around with the stylus to view how pimp they look.
- Rosa and Rydia are hotter than ever before. : ) In case you were wondering.
- Wi-Fi capabilities are included. What do they do? It's a secret. : )
- Edward is a lot cooler than the flower he was before.
- Additional story sequences are included that add a lot more depth to the storyline including a flashback of Kain and Cecil as kids arguing about what is right to become, a Dark Knight or a Dragoon. Another where you play as someone...you would never expect...for a short while.
There are far too many to tell, but I believe I told some of the bigger ones. The ones that came first to my mind anyway. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.
In short, this game is awesome, very impressive for being on the DS, and a very worthy re-make period. I'm sure it will be an istant classic in the states when it is released here. It is already the top-selling DS game in Japan right now. Keep on owning.
INVICTUS