I want to start off by emphasizing that, despite my title, I don't hate this game. It's not a bad game, but I have played a JRPG or two and frankly, there's nothing new here. First of all it's very short so don't pay full price. Gameplay: You walk around getting clues about where to go, fight monsters, level up, buy new equipment and watch some plot here and there. Basically like every other JRPG style game. Combat: Fairly simple which is good and bad I suppose. If you're new to the genre it's a good one to cut your teeth on but veterans will get bored pretty quickly. Story: One of the better aspects of the game, it's well written if not particularly original. Be prepared for an abrupt and unsatisfying ending, though. Characters: The gang's all here. There's the brash meathead, the sheltered one, the one that has something to prove to their father or uncle or someone, etc. Again, well written enough but it's nothing we haven't seen before. Graphics: Graphics do not a good RPG make but they don't hurt either. This game actually looks very nice with its hand drawn art style, so while I wasn't exactly engrossed in the so so plot I did get to see some well drawn locations as it unfolded. Conclusion: I got it on sale for a couple dollars (3 or 4 I think) and it was worth that. Honestly, the game gives me an unfinished vibe what with the short play time and odd ending. I feel like it would be a pretty good beginner's RPG but there just isn't a ton here to keep someone with a few games under their belt interested. Then again, the brevity of the game might make it a good choice for someone that doesn't have a lot of free time but wants a 'quick fix'. Give it a whirl, but don't expect much.
