An often overlooked gem that all RPG lovers NEED to play!
The game allows you to choose from one of eight playable characters, each with their own unique story and set of quests. Some of the quests are common to all eight, but they will often differ depending on your protagonist. The availability of quests depends on your experience level - as you battle and gain experience, different quests become available, or expire. As you progress through this semi-linear story, you willl encounter many other NPCs as well as the other seven playable characters and other recruitable characters, each with their own charms and personalities.
The beauty of this game, is that even though each character comes with a clearly defined set of default stats, you can train any one of them to be whatever it is you wish - a mage, an axe wielder, a swordsman, a ranger, and more. There is a huge number of job classes and expert job classes, skill sets and customizable weapons - so detailed and complex in fact, that you will want to play through several times to try out all the possibilities.
The battle system is turn based, like many others, but unique in that, as you use each different kind of weapon, your character will learn new skills with the 'glimmer' system - it's a good feeling when you're attacking an enemy and GLIMMER! a lightbulb goes on over your char's head and suddenly he/she has a new skill! Spells must be purchased but they are customizable as well - you can combine them or use them separately, and even non-mages can use them.
Enemies appear on the field as icons representative of their type, so if you choose not to advance your experience level in order to complete as many quests as possible, you may avoid them if you wish. Different enemies can be avoided using different tactics, but the absense of random encounters for me, makes the strategy level go way up and makes the game much more pleasureable.
And finally, the graphics - oh the graphics - beautiful, hand painted, colourful landscapes, gorgeous quaint towns, all accompanied by rich and inspired music that will make you want to go back again and again. The characters are adorable, chibi-style little things who will capture your heart with their gestures, colours and personalities.
In closing, I will just say that I have played through this game five times, and this is coming from someone who rarely ever finishes games even once. If you are open minded and enjoy JRPG's then i strongly suggest you at least give this a try - but be prepared to fall in love... it may be more charming and addictive than you bargain for.