Magical Starsign is a clever game that sticks to a classic RPG formula while trying to do something new at the same time
User Rating: 7.9 | Magical Vacation: 5-tsu no Hoshi ga Narabu toki DS
Gameplay: Well, where to start. Ultimately, there isn't much of anything wrong with the gameplay itself. The battle system as you would expect is a traditional turn based system, only as you could easily guess it is controlled via the DS touch screen. Unlike some recent games, this RPG actually still uses random battles, which is definitely a hate it or love it type thing. Before I get into detail about the gameplay mechanics though, let me introduce you to the story itself. When you begin you are in the Wil'o Wisp magical academy, in a class with your teacher Miss Madeleine and your 5 friends. Unfortunately, evil is roaming the galaxy and their teacher sets off to get rid of it.... but three months later she still hasnt returned. So comes forth the galactic struggle with more villainous creatures and villains. Now when you think of an RPG, you think of an in depth, fun filled, exploration galore experience right? Well, it delivers on most of that, but not all. Exploration exists, but it is very limited.... and dungeons are unfortunately extremely linear. No puzzles, no nothing.... just random battles. Luckily though, you can go pretty in depth with character customization, which is a nice touch even if it isnt really advanced. In fact, the battle system itself is pretty nice. The only complaint I have though is that it doesnt give you an option of using buttons to control the battle menus. In fact, controls seem to be this games biggest issue. The story is good, exploration is tolerable, but controls are horrible. The touch screen controls just dont work very well, and they almost seem a bit too sensitive and bland. Even the buttons control is horrible. You would expect to use the face buttons to control menus and such right? Nope... think again. Instead you are FORCED to use the touch screen in everything except movement. You will also notice that certain commands just seem to be only feesible with the touch screen, so basically you might as well get used to it. Overall though, the gameplay isn't too bad. It certainly is a lot better than a lot of other RPG's on the DS, I will give it that much. Luckily the part humor part serious story helps make the game more enjoyable as well.
Graphics: Some parts of this game can be great visually, other parts are plain ugly. The touch of cutscenes helps mix things up a bit, and even though the animations are ugly they are tolerable (although why all species are animals I do not know). The graphics are very colorful, and the backgrounds have a pastelish look to them. If only the graphics looked that good in battle when the camera zooms in though.... luckily if you played Lunar Dragon Song you won't mind one bit though.
Sound: The music in the game definitely are not Final Fantasy quality, but they are decent enough. There are quite a few different tunes for boss battles and random battles, which is good, and every planet has a new theme. Overall the sound isn't too bad, but it has room for improvement too.
Value: If you have a friend to play the multiplayer game with, you will get quite a long lasting experience out of this game. It is also quite a lenghty game anyway ranging from about 20-25 hours of gameplay or so, or going longer if you complete everything. To sum things up, this game will definitely please those looking for an rpg, but if you are looking for Final Fantasy quality then I say look further.... or at least look for Final Fantasy III :)
