Superb and memorable battles as the developers are able to throw off the cloak of Final Fantasy and cut loose in terms of gaming style without the pressure of an expectant audience and sequel syndrome. Bringing down the off shore giant particularly sticks in the memory and the combat is quick and intuitive. A superb story backs up the hard work that has gone into its core engine and the presentation is impeccable.
Gorgeous cut scenes as Medieval Europe meets Akiba maid cafe culture, spilling over into the game itself with inappropriate hem lines. But few eyes will be able to wander far as the fluid combat demands full attention with gigantic bosses tossed around the screen effortlessly.
3D RPG allowing you to draw your own characters to play with in game and as such limited only in the scope of your imagination. An innocent theme and colourful, vibrant graphics with some light RPG elements. Also known as Magic Pengel, prequel to Graffiti Kingdom.
Big, bold sprites allow the gender bending Takakhashi manga to come to life on the GameBoy. Plenty of exploring and a dash of fisticuffs in this fine conversion of the intriguing source material.
Dripping with atmosphere: be it the fogged over, damp, mushroom kingdom or the dank depths of underground cavernous warrens lit up by the cosy, warming naked torch. Captures the Japanese spirit of community with its friendly character interactions.
Quite experimental work coming from Sega, but we can’t expect perfection everytime. Certainly has it’s moments to recommend it to RPG fans. The appearance of Crow man ‘Kuroyasha’ being one of Genki’s favourite.
Such a fabulous world lends itself to becoming a role playing game and it looks a treat in cel shaded glory as Megaman whizzes around getting into the turn based battles Genki certainly wouldn’t challenge such a well-equipped character too.
With characters looking like they were inspired by George Lucas blended with a few He Man extras up against the worms from the film Dune, Rogue Galaxy certainly has plenty to offer. The action is very hands on with the space age setting refreshing and adding an element of the unknown to the RPG-esque action.
Explore the alien world in this colourful RPG full of unusual monsters as the Mon Colle Knights try and find the six artefacts to link the alien world to Earth.
The Saga series has a fine, thoroughbred history and the initial Super Famicom instalment sets the tone wonderfully for the development of the open worlds the series encompasses with its refreshing optional tasks. Depending on which tasks a player pursues will go to determining a good or evil end quest with the final boss in waiting. Overall the control given to choose your own destiny gives this an edge over the mass of fine SFC RPGs available.
The final SFC Saga instalment develops Final Fantasy influenced sublime visuals with the series’ freedom to roam and select quests to deliver a highly accomplished example of the depth to Square’s RPG repertoire. The developer demonstrates a firm grasp of the Super Famicom’s architecture in realising a detailed gaming world with an aurally pleasing soundtrack to stir the emotions. Plenty of imagination has gone into the game world too with characters ranging from snowman to pirate via elephant and lobster.
The final SFC Saga instalment develops Final Fantasy influenced sublime visuals with the series’ freedom to roam and select quests to deliver a highly accomplished example of the depth to Square’s RPG repertoire. The developer demonstrates a firm grasp of the Super Famicom’s architecture in realising a detailed gaming world with an aurally pleasing soundtrack to stir the emotions. Plenty of imagination has gone into the game world too with characters ranging from snowman to pirate via elephant and lobster.
The game’s story involves the pursuit of a demon who has kidnapped one of the team’s younger brothers. The team includes bespectacled Westerner Charlie Watts whose dodgy attempts at communication in Japanese far exceed the Genki team’s best efforts!
The ultimate in luxury for the RPG lover: the ability to change the script at various points in the game. So a handy item can be cunningly added, a boss battle for those that like to grind their EP or perhaps even getting whisked away to a different locale?
Build your own RPG with plot twists to put Square to shame. Plenty of options to hone your idea into a model of perfection. All that’s required is imagination and patience.
Secret of Mana inspired RPG with plenty to commend it in its own right such as the action based combat. Unusually allows co-operative two player exploring and the game engine is tailored towards having a partner to battle alongside
Sublime anime intro sets the mood well for this action RPG in the fantasy mode. Players soon find themselves hacking and slashing their way through dimly lit dungeons with pig like beasts vying for the attention of the divine sword. The perspective works well and the slant on action makes for great pacing to the procession through the adventure.
A fine RPG on a system with more than a few role playing medals on its chest. The epic combat is reminiscent of Phantasy Star and the group gameplay keep the action zipping along. Has its own style which works well, especially against such stiff opposition.
Imaginative quest with seven different players selectable, each with their own story intertwined with the others in the cast making for an excellent replay value. Combat is particularly strong with development of a player’s skills possible through practise of the same techniques. A high degree of in game freedom to truly explore the fantasy world.
A more compact quest than the open gaming world featured in the initial instalment with players savouring the action through different time lines that cross each other adding to the replay potential. Painstakingly beautiful gaming world that is full of vibrancy thanks to the 2D graphics. Executed with that distinctive Square class that the developer exudes.
Based on the anime series with loose connections to Greek mythology, this plays a very solid battles in turn based combat with some sparkling visual effects worthy of the over the top specials. Between bouts players explore the platform sections that make up the dual format to the action.
Based on the Journey to the West legend: join Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka on their quest to India to find the Buddhist scriptures. Train up your skills in each town’s Dojo to ensure you’re suitably beefed up to whip the next batch of devils into shape with Monkey’s magical extending pole.
Based on the Journey to the West legend: join Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka on their quest to India to find the Buddhist scriptures. Train up your skills in each town’s Dojo to ensure you’re suitably beefed up to whip the next batch of devils into shape with Monkey’s magical extending pole.
Captures that classic, regal look that screams Super Famicom polish, but has plenty of its own character and non-player characters keeping it interesting and fresh.
A delight from start to finish no matter how many times you savour its entwining story with luscious visuals and recapture the powerful emotions stirred by in game events with a moving musical score. Gameplay is nicely balanced between action and exploration with a solid array of weapons to power up and spells to cast. Best to put everything else on hold before entering this enchanting world. Japanese title Seiken Densetsu 2.
Improves the visuals of Secret of the Mana to an exquisite standard whilst tidying up the AI of party members to make group movement more responsive. And that party can be made up of your standard RPG fare members but may also include imaginative additions such as a werewolf or Amazonian native. Mind you the whole gaming world is teeming with creative creatures and intriguing comrades imploring you to delve deeper and discover more. Thankfully the real time battle system remains firmly intact as it certainly wasn’t broke.
Improves the visuals of Secret of the Mana to an exquisite standard whilst tidying up the AI of party members to make group movement more responsive. And that party can be made up of your standard RPG fare members but may also include imaginative additions such as a werewolf or Amazonian native. Mind you the whole gaming world is teeming with creative creatures and intriguing comrades imploring you to delve deeper and discover more. Thankfully the real time battle system remains firmly intact as it certainly wasn’t broke.
Set years before the third instalment, players build up a merry band of monsters, plenty of tactical nous and a dose of heavy weaponry to take on various missions of real time tactical strategy. The game draws players in to its grasp with compelling gameplay and great use of the touch screen allowing for fast paced stand offs.
Japanese adventure with plenty of unusual supernatural occurrences that seem quite bizarre looking from the occident. Actually, they will undoubtedly seem pretty bizarre looking from the orient.