Everyone read this might be suprise, because most people below give it a 2 or 3, but what can i say, u cant judge a book by it cover, and everyone taste is different.
This game come at 2001, the graphics is pretty bad, i wont talk anything about that, but if what you are seeking is not graphic, then i will tell you this game is AMAZING, one of the best RPG ever, which even Diablo/Dungeon Seige/Torchlight cant satisfy me, all of them are just too concentrate on action, dont really tie any story in it, make it only fun while it last, but this is different, let me tell you why.
First, amazing story, you can think it have liner story, but its not, your choice on doing side quest affect dirrectly at the fate of your team and your ending, it can be sad, or happy, its your choice, each character's story will make you think, both their past, and their present, their goal...Its not a trail of roses, but love can overcome everything.
Second, hidden quest, if you don't know and just advanced, it will be a lot different, you will facing a really hard time, and many many quest and location will just be locked, and missed a lot of stuff, result of death of your teammate and affect the ending! self exploring can be a pain, but when u found it, u know something something good will come out later
Third, gameplay - its just really too amazing for a 2001 game - perfectly balance between 5 elements, and this is based on the choice of you! , fire<water<iron<earth<tree....it boost each other and kill each other, use it well, and the battle will be so much easier, or consider run for your life. Thats not to mention you get to control 3/5 character at a time, never repeatable, never boring, require tactics!
Fourth, crafting and item, even though i finished the game for 5 times already, i still cant tell if there are still new looking armor or not, i always finsih the game at lv50 or something, the crafting system is flawless too, u have to be carefully consider what elements to put in, it can product a very powerful item, or an useless crap! every character's skill will be diff looking if you give him/her different elements, and it will be the key of the battle! even every piece of equipments will boost or kill each other! need really good planning here
The last, everything tied up nicely in a acient fantasy chinese world on chaos causing by war and demons, all characters have different personality, and been crafted carefully, one thing that even nowadays games cant bring to me
Summary:
Pros:
- Amazing story
- Amazing gameplay
- Superb 5 elements system affect combat and crafting / item
- Fantastic Chinese theme
- Great music, always bring out my emotion when needed
- Control many character at a time
- Great replay experience (i myself play 3 times only found the best elements to give my character and higest finish at 96% only - still many things i havnt found out yet)
Cons:
- Bad graphic (cant count much on 2001 game dont you)
- Skill animation is slow
- Require a lot (really a lot) of try and fail to exprience hidden quest and the use of 5 elements