There is a reason why Nintendo Power gave this a 4.0 rating...
What did I get on 9-30-09? I will tell you what I got; A game that looks, feels and sounds like it should be released on the PSP.
For example,
When walking in town there is NO sound effects at all for footsteps. And when running your footsteps sound like your running inside a log cabin with loose floorboards. There is no NPC talking, but rather an intro noise and then text. And your character runs like a wannabe ninja...not very believable field running...... Then....The graphics are abysmal. It looks like it should have been released for the Nintendo 64.....years ago! The reason Nintendo Power gave this a 4.0 is the reason I gave it a 5.0. And that is simply it makes the Wii look bad....The Wii can handle MUCH better graphics in a game that this has. This is the reason why so many non-wii owners say the wii sucks...because of games like this that, in my opinion, embarass the Wii and it's capabilities. WAKE UP DEVELOPERS!!! YOUR DESIGNING FOR THE WII NOT THE PLAYSTATION 1!!!....Jeez...
It just lacks so much. This game could have been epic in my opinion, but lacks everything it should have. The only reason I gave it a 5 instead of a 1 was because I will say the controls seem solid and responsive. Other than that this game is not worth 20 bucks let alone 40. Avoid this and wait for FF crystal chronicles or arc rise fantasia. In all actuality this game seriously reminds of playstation 1 quality games......horrible....We are in the 21 century. Time to start developing games for the NINTENDO WII not the n64 or ps1.......Get it together all you non-nintendo developers, and stop wasting peoples time and hard earn money!
Now some may think this game is really good and it has 2 or 3 strong points that I cant think of right now...but all in all this game should offered much more that it does currently. Im very disappointed and wish I could get a refund..but I already opened it and open games cant be returned......sad.
The bottom line is this. I felt like I was playing a hand held game......The sound effects, graphics and everything about it had me saying..."wow, I coulda bought this or that instead".
~End.
*EDIT*
Ok. So after giving it a second try, I have raised the rating from 4.5 to 7.. I have figured out the major problem with this game is its introduction to the player. Whoever wrote the manual needs to find a new job. Basically, this game does have a lot to offer but you have to BLINDLY DISCOVER it. I wouldnt call this game a diamond in the rough, but it is close. I found a guide on the internet explaining a few things I didnt understand about the game and now this game is better because I understand concepts the manual fails to mention. Basically, the type of weapon you have determines your speed, type of attacka nd more. Its actually pretty neat!. I like it and I must say that if your impatient you wont like this game but if your willing to learn new things then try this game. Its actually starting to grow on me in a strange but cool way.
My hope is this: Please do a sequel to this on the Wii but take the time to develop an intelligent manual and make the game better looking. Overall, this game has a lot to offer its just hidden from the player making the game look sucky on the surface...You have to spend some time and go deep with this game to discover its goodness.