Tidy, diminutive sprites that mean a screen fills the full map of that particular dungeon or maze. Definitely more of an action RPG with sword fights en route to grabbing key items with the chip tunes blasting out.
Incredibly off beat and to be applauded for it making Mother 2 look very straight laced, middle America. The inventory system places value on clothing as opposed to amour and the modern world setting in itself makes for an unusual approach compared to the more common fantasy theme. Very tidy screen representation of the gaming world with a distinctly Japanese feel to the game. Subtitled Day of the Idea.
Plenty of platform action in this RPG with combat sequences that are very reminiscent of Guardian Heroes in appearance with big, bold and brash protagonists. Very colourful and fast-paced.
Certainly bizarre as players pick a card and go through a sim style battle with a rich wealth of characters that wouldnt look out of place in the mystic field on day three of Glastonbury. Colourful and true to the unusual source material.
Released with the console itself, spooky adventure based in London in a similar mould to “D”. A collectors item as one of the first Dreamcast releases.
Released with the console itself, spooky adventure based in London in a similar mould to “D”. A collectors item as one of the first Dreamcast releases.
Shrunk down sprites in the Final Fantasy style works a treat backed up by some invigorating chip tunes really squeezing the inner orchestra out of the hardware. The quest is a beautiful tapestry as the threads are expertly spun together. Traversing the lands and exploring the towns in this old school RPG.
Similarities to Goemons escapades as players must negotiate the hoards of enemy fighters but then be rewarded for a hard days work with a stay in a traditional Japanese inn. The use of Ninjutsu makes good use of the ninja element to the game and separates it from the fantasy RPG genre with a more traditional, ancient Japanese setting.
Plays like an anime version of The Water Margin, no surprise seeing as the original source material is based on Chinese legend. Action RPG with quick fix combat and very stylised, watercolour characters offering advice with big beards and rotund figures. Highly competent and full of katakana text sound effects making it play like a live manga strip.
Kaijyu are the huge monsters, the likes of which give Godzilla a tough time. And with a title that translates as Monster Story, there are plenty to battle in this action RPG, all very nicely drawn on the fine Famicom.
Enjoy the simple life of living a frugal existence fishing in a small Japanese town. A delightful series which captures the spirit of community in such fishing villages as players battle the elements to bring home a prize fish in time to celebrate another timely arrival in the family. Just make sure you pack enough rice balls for your fishing trip. Mention must go to the fine chip tunes too with traditional roots that sooth your worries away. Known as Legend of the River King 2 in the West.
The frog star manoeuvres around the screen to collect power ups but with the hazard of tiles of the like that slide players in one direction. As such switches have to be tweaked to be able to negotiate the full course and head to the exit. Certainly alot more intuiative to play than we’re making it sound. Known in Japan as Kero Kero Keroppi no Daibouken.
Shaolin style RPG as players journey through ancient China with plenty to chances to kick and punch, as the title translates. Many bouts ensue, however they all start with a bow. Respectful gaming tranquillity in a quiet corner of the Famicom.
A dream collaboration between Squaresoft and Disney as Goofy, Donald Duck et al enter the Final Fantasy style world with production values worthy of Disney’s highest standards.
Such a poignant part of the series it was released as a disk for the PS2 in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix Plus. The dream combi of Square Enix and Disney make for a fabulous RPG and the results look equally stunning on the small screen or on the GBA Player.
A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands with a dream collaboration between Square Enix and Disney. Succinct gameplay and scintillating visuals with delicately balanced mechanics.
A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands with a dream collaboration between Square Enix and Disney. Succinct gameplay and scintillating visuals with delicately balanced mechanics.
An update of Kingdom Hearts II with extra battles, maps and events re-released in Japan for the English voice actors it features along with Japanese subtitles. Comes as a two disk set with the second disk featuring a remake of the GBA title Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories with again a few unexpected extras over the original in the cut scenes and voice acting. A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulent sweet fruit when in the right hands.
An update of Kingdom Hearts II with extra battles, maps and events re-released in Japan for the English voice actors it features along with Japanese subtitles. Comes as a two disk set with the second disk featuring a remake of the GBA title Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories with again a few unexpected extras over the original in the cut scenes and voice acting. A smashing series that shows that big budget collaborations can bare succulently sweet fruit when in the right hands.
Playable as Gash, some familiar faces from the anime series pop up along the way including Megumi and Folgore. Lavishly illustrated as you’d expect from an anime license and suiting the GBA perfectly, Gash can collect bookmark power ups to be used later to battle the big bosses awaiting.
Sacnoth takes on the Silent Hill mantle with a fantasy style exploration through 3D levels to meet some seriously unhinged opponents in the darker and danker corners. Sacnoth’s approach differs from the usual path taken and is intriguing as such.
Remaining firmly rooted in 2D and looking wonderful for it with imaginative gameplay adding the third dimension to proceedings. Aurally maintains the high standards you’d expect from Square. But the real time battles and Zelda overtones make this one for all RPG fans to savour. A true Legend.
A stable with a fine production line of shiny coated thoroughbreds and this particular RPG is as shiny as they come with outlandish graphics. But from such a wise old stable comes the story worthy of the legendary status Nihon Falcom holds in the role playing world. Known in Japan as Nayuta no Kiseikai: Kai.