This is one of those packages that classic gamers will love. SquareSoft has
given us Chrono Trigger and FFIV together and let me tell you now, it is
amazing. The games both have there own merits and deserve separate reviews. With
that being said, lets begin.
Chrono Trigger
When I first
played Chrono Trigger on the Super Nintendo, I realized how amazing an RPG could
be. This game went beyond the traditional RPG and became one of the best games I
have ever played. This is truly an experience that shouldn't be missed. Now that
it is on the playstation, the game gives you the opportunity to experience its
greatness again or for the first time.
The game is a port straight from
the snes, the quality is the same and this may be the only real downside. I will
say it right now the graphics are bad (well if you played it back when it was
released on the Super Nintendo they were amazing, but the game doesn't even come
close to realizing the full potential of the psx). However, the hand drawn
portion is still something that makes will amaze you of how much time and effort
was put into the game. The other aspect is the slow load times. Yes, they are
present but nothing that will make you pull your hair out. The graphics and load
times are the only things that keep this game from a perfect score.
Now
it is time for why this game should be in your play station consoles right now.
Gameplay! Need me to say it one more time? Gameplay! This game's battle system,
story and design are just like they were before and this is a good thing,
believe me. If you are new to Chrono Trigger enemies encounters are visible on
the screen, an idea that absolutely blew me away when I first so it on the snes.
You know what this means right? No random encounters! You will
absolutely love this, dodging monsters when you are not in the mood to fight;
it makes the game that much better. Then there is the problem of battles being
so addicting. The battle system is truly awesome your characters can do double
or triple techs that will totally destroy all competition, but be careful not to
abuse it too much!
Nobou Uematsu shines yet again; the game produces some
of the best music from any console. All the tracks have there own unique feel to
it, nothing seems to be recycled. Effort is something this game never lacked
from the get go. The story is also something special, it really broke what a
traditional RPG was supposed to be back then (the love story, tragedy, dying
etc.). Chrono Trigger's story is one that should not be took lightly though,
those pixilated characters will you give you an emotional trip that you will not
forget for a long time to come.
This game is a test for true gamers. The
one's that will take game play over graphics any day. I really enjoyed the game
although some of it made me think of how far we have come in the gaming world
^_^. If you even remotely like RPGs this should be necessary own, no doubt about
it. If you aren't, well maybe it's time to see what you have been missing
because this is as good as it gets game play
wise.
RatingsGameplay - 10 Chrono Trigger is a great
game, nothing more to say, this game is the definition of what an RPG should
be.
Sound - 10 This is Nobou Uematsu at his best; do not feel
dumb if you have your own play list for this game because I sure don't. You
might even want to get the soundtrack, money well spent.
Graphics
- 4 Yeah you should know by now, this game isn't much too look at. The anime
cut scene's are nice for those playing it again. This should not stop you from
buying this game!
Story - 9 If this game does not move you then
I think it is time to cool down on the action flicks. The story has so many
twists and turns and when it is all over, you will know why people give this
game so much praise.
Overall Rating - 9 (not an average) Final Fantasy IV
It's not over yet! I have to say
this now; I bought the package for Chrono Trigger. But don't be fooled this is
damn good game. FFIV is one of those games that that have nothing but good to
say about it. You could probably find hundreds of other reviewers that would
agree with me saying this is one of the best Final Fantasies ever made. But
enough chitchat, let us get down to why this game gets the praise it
does.
Like Chrono Trigger the game is a direct port from the Super
Nintendo. Bad Graphics Blah Blah, you know the deal. When you put a 16 bit game
on a 128 bit console, your going to notice a difference. Although my love for
pixilated characters will never die ~_~. The game has new cut scenes that are
just thrown in at very odd parts, but still I enjoyed them. Although there is
some very nice 2D work for you people that must have their dose of nice
graphics. Nobuo is at it again with some very fine music; don't be scared if you
get lost in the music. These two games are really some of his best
work.
FFIV is filled with random battles, I don't enjoy them but you get
used to it after playing so many RPG's. The battles are the usual Final Fantasy
style and there are some boss battles you will be talking about for a long time
to come (you find out yourself!). Something unique to FFIV is the 5-person party
in battle. You must constantly have you make new strategies for your team. The
characters each have their own specific roles making what you do vital to a
battle.
FFIV is great for this reason. It has an incredible story. It is
filled with so much drama, action, suspense, love; it really took you through
every emotion possible. Plus it's pretty much guaranteed you will fall in love
with the leading lady ^_^. The game has not escaped from loading times,
sometimes they can get on your nerves but really, it's a small price to pay
for to relive this classic.
There is not much more I can say about the
game. FFIV is really a masterpiece and is one of Squaresoft's best works.
Remember, this is for gamers that are about game play and story. If you need
graphics then maybe you should go look elsewhere. However, you will be missing
one of the true gems in the games that are out there. FFIV isn't talked about so
highly for any reason, you will only get this chance
once.
RatingsGameplay - 8 The load times and
battle's can sometimes get you a little impatient. Nevertheless, the
story, unique characters and sometimes-intense boss battles make it all
up.
Sound - 10 The music rivals anything out right now, the
songs on this game are classic.
Graphics - 4 Again it has some
nice 2D work and cut scenes, but you should not expect much in this
area.
Story - 10 The story will take you on a roller coaster of
emotions that you will want to ride repeatedly!
Overall Rating -
8 (not an average even though it turned out to be in the end >_<)
Final Fantasy Insider
Coverage