Probably the best game for the Sega-CD and one of the best RPGs to date. Lunar changed RPGs in it's own way. Although others can probably name more pivotal RPGs, (Final Fantasy 3,Final Fantasy 7, Chrono Trigger to name a few) Lunar started some of the current video game trends that we see today. The most noticable aspect of this game is when you start it up. You get an intro sequence with full video and cartoon backed up by a an actual theme song. " When all the land was peaceful....." and moves into a sort of rock ballad that becomes the games theme song forever to come. It is here, before you start this game that you get goosebumps because up until this moment... no rpg had ever had voice acting AND full motion video to boost the story in the game and Lunar just did it right. This is partly what makes/made this game so great. The voice acting allowed for the first time for you to be intimate with characters... you got to hear the main characters Alex and Luna sing to one another... you got to hear the comic relief and how dorky they sounded... for it's time it was a wonderful achievement. In game graphics - past the full motion video sadly is regular sega genesis graphics. The sega CD never really did figure out how to use the sega CD to actually enhance most of the normal in game graphics.For an RPG though, this game's storyline was pretty good even above average for the time. You have your main hero who accidentally gets involved in this big epic quest which just happens to involve his lifetime friend who gets kidnapped due to her ability to sing. Along the way you meet new characters and even visit a magic town that floats in the sky with a storyline that involves dragons and overcomming evil. Don't forget that love conquors all! Gameplay - however - did lack in some areas but stayed true to your classic run two feet and get attacked gameplay. The one unique thing that was featured in this game was that there was during a battle an "Area" of the field which added a new dimension to the classic turn based battle system. Characters would have to run across the screen to actually attack and certain spells and abilities were "line of sight" spells.... so based on the enemy position certain abilties were worth doing over others. Overall though - the stronger you were - IE level 20 vs level 50 - was pretty much how the game would progress. I have a lot of fond memories of this game and would tell anyone who hasnt played the original version to do so when they get a chance. Another point of interest has to be the Instruction Booklet. This was one of those games where the instruction booklet was done correctly! Full color with a lot of backstory. I wish more games now a days did this. Overall - this game is classic in it's original form. Only to be outdone by it's sequel which you will have to check the other review for. Also - the Re-release of this game is different in a lot of ways. The story is the same but I think the original was better in a lot of ways (Minus the improved animations of the Playstation cut-scenes). I will write seperate reviews for this verson. For all my other reviews - Check my Profile or mirrored to gamespot at http://www.wakasm.com/videogamereviews.html
In my days of SegaCD play, there were few games that were truly worth the time to play. Some games were entertaining (Sewer Shark, Night Trap, Sherlock Holmes), but the uniqueness wore off quickly. But there were a few... Read Full Review
For an older rpg like this its probably one of the best. Since it was for the Sega CD it probably wasnt nearly as popular as it woudl have been otherwise. It has a nice sharp look and great sounds along with cutscenes ... Read Full Review
