A simple masterpiece --straightforward enough to keep track of what's going on while delivering a satisfying experience.

User Rating: 8.9 | Summon Night: Craft Sword Monogatari 2 GBA
This is a fun little game that you can play for hours on end without getting tired of it. The story drags on for the introduction but picks up soon after, tossing you into a well crafted world. Random encounters don't occur frequently enough to annoy, nor are they too easy or hard. Odd bits of humor enliven the story, saving it from being yet another manuscript of a run-of-the-mill RPG (looking at you, Oblivion). The battle system is hampered by the GBA button scheme, limiting the movement and actions to a simplistic left/right/jump/attack/special layout. I can't help but feel that the game might have blossomed some more on the DS. Weapon crafting is simple enough to be easily accessible from the get go. Unfortunately, the system is nerfed from the beginning and advanced upgrading options aren't unlocked until near the end of the game (unless you dedicate a couple of hours to crafting to get your skill up). This isn't as limiting as it initially seemed, since the actual raw materials for weapon crafting are few and far between. There are a couple of pleasant surprises in store as well, such as fishing and mech battles, leaving a surprisingly good taste behind. A good diversion for a couple dozen hours, this game seems wasted on the dying platform. Recommended if you are familiar with the genre or have enjoyed Ys and its like.