Best RPG I have played so far.It's just awesome!
You know I always like to "break" the review into categories.
Graphics : 9.5/10 Ok so let's start with the graphics. The graphics on this game are awesome overall,but I would like to point out some things more specifically. The characters are very detailed,considering this game is on PSone. They look great,but they are NOT the best part.That's right,detailed characters in a PSone game is NOT the best part...the best part is...the Dragoon transformations and their magical attacks! The animation and the effects used in Dragoon transformations are so amazing,that they almost made me forget I was playing a PS game. The magic skills each Dragoon has also lok great.Well some look better than others,but this means that some look great,and some look really great! In this game though,you find some pre-rendered background.That is definately not as awesome as looking at the rest of the game's graphical features,but the designers still made a good job,so they don't look as bad as you might imagine. The graphics of this game are simply great and some of the best you can find on the console.
Gameplay/Combat Mechanics : 9.5/10 The way fighting is done in this game is unique. First of all,you can only cast magic while in Dragoon form (it still costs MP though).That's right,no regular MP-using magic anytime,like most RPG games are.BUT,there are items that are actually magic attacks and you can use them whenever you want in-battle,when you are not a Dragoon.(I'll tell you what a Dragoon is later)
So,the fighting is based mainly on Additions! What are additions. Well,additions are something like...let's say "Combos". Each character gets more additions as they level up and their final addition when they master all other additions they have. Now,the way additions are done can be a bit troublesome until you get used to it,so don't start complaining once you fail your first addition when you first play the game.You will learn it and you will enjoy it afterwards. Here's how it's done : When a character (except for the bow-using character) attacks an enemy with a normal attack, something like a blue square will show on screen and you have to time your button press when a shiny-white square reaches the blue one. In the first addition you have to do that once.In later addition,the number gets higher,and you may have to time the X button about 6 or even more times XD But like I said,don't worry,you will get used to the system rather quickly.
Defending in this game also heals the character.
Now,for the Dragoon thing. In battle,there is an SP counter below each character's health gaugeYou fill the gauge each time you attack.Additions also help by giving you more SP. When you have 100 or more SP,you can transform into a Dragoon. A Dragoon is like a transformed and stronger version of your character,with wings and super cool armor. While in Dragoon form,your stats go up,and you are able to do 2 things. Attack and use Magic.
Magic attacks are unique for each character,and like I said,they look really cool! As for the attacks,they are done different than the normal attacks,but they are still based on timing. Also,each Dragoon,has a unique element.For instance,Dart's(the main character) Dragoon form is Fire elemental and thus has Fire Magic attacks.But the characters also have elements. Dart,as you must have guessed,is of the fire element.
Elements are very important in this game,as you can use your opponents weaknesses against them and you have to look out for yours.
Like in all other RPG games,you have to buy and arm your character with weapons,armor,accessories,etc.The variety of effects and stats each accessory gives will stun you! Some special accessories,can make the game easier.
Oh,and pison,stun,despirit,cunfusion,etc are all there,so don't worry.It doesn't lack anything.
So,apart from the whole timing thing,everything is amazing in this game!
Story :10/10 First if all,this game is VERY long! It took me more than 50 hours to complete 100% It might take you about 50 hours to finish without doing the two side missions.
The story is great,and has many very stunning plot twists,that will keep you addicted all the time. If you give much importance in a game's story,then you HAVE to try this game.It's epic!
About 11.000 years prior to the game's events,there was a "Dragon Campain",in which humans liberated against the Winglies (superior human-like species) and with the help of 7 Dragoons (warriorswho could transform into Dragoons and had control over Dragons) they defeated the Winglies...but the truth is...the Dragon Campain is far from over.After 11.000,a few characters from the Dragon Campain are not dead...and the Dragoon Spirits find new masters to put an end to evil! The game takes place in a world different than ours,at about Medieval time (lots of knights and all).
Fun,sadness,a lot of questions that have to be answeredmyou will find them all here!
Soundtrack : 9.5/10 It's really good,and the music that plays always fits the environment. Great music!But I didn't give it a 9.5 because it is just good.It's just that the music fits the time it plays.
One more thing:In this game you can find 50 Stardust stones,that can give you access to a side quest and give you rare items.Can be annoying to find though.
A few bad things : * The voice acting is not that good.It doesn't "suck",like people say,but it could have been a lot better.
* The Normal form of characters,becomes more powerful than the dragoon form,near the end of the game,but then again,you have the elements and many things that make Dragoons a must-use,so no big deal.
* Items that can make the game MUCH easier...they are pretty expensive though...so,again,not so bad.If you have money to spare,you buy 'em.If not,then good luck!
Overall : 9.5/10 This is and always will be my favourite game! Highly recommended to anyone who wants to live a great adventure through hours of exciting gameplay! If you ONLY like Final Fantasy games,do not buy this. But if you like RPG games altogether,or even if you are not into the whole RPG stuff,you should definately either try,or buy this!
I won't say underrated,because even though it IS underrated,it is an amazing game before that.
Highly Recommended!