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45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great game but may disappoint some..., December 29, 2009
Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars
This game is a bit hard to review -- you have to look at it from two angles:
1) If you are looking for a classic RPG Final Fantasy game then you will be disappointed. This is not typical Final Fantasy. Don't buy this game if that is what you want. I'd give it 1-2 stars for a Final Fantasy game... but it should be noted, like all FF games they push the graphics and limits of the console and pay close attention to the story.
2) If you are looking for an action/adventure game in the same spirit as Zelda: Twilight Princess then this is your game. FF: The Crystal Bearers feels like a cousin to Twilight Princess and relies on much of the same strategy/game play/experience. I'd give it a solid 4 stars for a fantasy based adventure game.
If you go into this one with no expectations then you will probably be pleased.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A mixed bag for sure, but all's well that ends well., January 3, 2010
Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars
I originally pre-ordered this game, then watched as numerous negative reviews flooded in when it came out. This worried me, but in the end I kept the order, played the game, and am glad because of it.
The combat takes a bit of getting used to, but eventually ends up being quite different and subsequently, very fun to play around with. You use telekinesis in battle to toss aside, pick up, or throw enemies and objects. You can throw enemies into each other, throw objects at enemies, etc. Experimenting on the best way to damage and destroy enemies is intriguing, and the various objects have different effects (i.e. throwing manure at a beast or throwing a bomb into a goblin for an explosive effect). In a time plagued by games that are essentially visually different concept copies of one another, this introduces something new. A fun little quirk is that your telekinesis also works in towns, so you can try messing around with the unsuspecting townspeople as well. I liked this realism; since Layle isn't exactly the most moral main character, it makes sense that he would not restrict the use of his powers as soon as he enters a town (unlike many other games that prevent you from any such actions within the town/city atmosphere).
I do agree with some of the other criticisms that the controls are hard to grasp at first (especially getting the hang of raising enemies above you), but these difficulties typically disappear and the controls become intuitive after playing for an hour or so. I suspect that those who still have trouble after this time didn't even glance at the manual; I don't normally do this, but the controls in this game are so different that I felt it necessary to do so.
Most of the graphics are simply stunning (take a look at the stylized way Layle's jacket flutters in the wind during the very first sequence of the game proves this beyond a doubt). Many of the villages and towns are well-thought out in terms of visual design, and even the bland, normal sequences in the field look fluid and refined.
The storyline is generally pretty intriguing, and it definitely offers some mysterious aspects that make you want to keep pushing forward. I never played the previous crystal chronicles games, and I wasn't lost at all.
One disappointing aspect was that many of the people in towns literally have nothing to say. You can walk up to them, see their expressions, even bump into them and toss them into the air, but that's about it. Only a few people in each area actually produce thought bubbles that signify that you can talk to them. I would have liked to see more options in this aspect, but if you don't care about the useless chatter of the townspeople (think of all the additional characters in Zelda games who talk about generally non-relevant things), then you might actually like that this game gets straight to the point in terms of dialogue.
The biggest issue was the map system:
*The short range map (when enemies are present) is fine and looks/functions like the "radar map" in many fps. It works well for finding remaining enemies within the field. The overview map, on the other hand, is extremely vague and difficult to follow; it is barely helpful at all in finding your way to the next place you need to go.
*The one inspired part of the travel system is the fact that you can use your telekinesis to rip the arrows off of signs and carry them around with you. This is helpful because no matter where you go or which way you turn, the arrow will always point to its original destination.
Overall, I would recommend this game. Because of some questionable flaws, it's not a five star game, to be sure, but it is a four star game.
RECAP
Pros:
Immediately gets into the story/action
Good storyline
Innovative battle system
All surroundings, including towns, allow for telekinesis interaction
Fluid and meticulous graphics
Inspired sign/guide dynamic
Cons:
Controls take getting used to initially (only one limited option for configuration change)
Poor/useless overview map
Most NPCs have nothing to say (no dialogue)
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A game for open minded FF fans - An unpolished diamond, December 31, 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
First of all, i haven't received my order yet, but i have been playing this game with a friend's copy, and to this point, i think i can give my personal views and impressions on the game.
This game is very hard to review with objectivity, mainly because is a huge letdown to some, a good and fun game to others, and a great hit game, at least for me and a lot of people i know. It just depends on your expectations (mine were none) and your adaptation to change.
Having played almost every FF game released on USA and Japan, with the notable exception of Dirge of Cerberus and Crisis Core, I'm OK with Square-Enix shifting of genres and concepts, and i feel comfortable playing old school RPGs as i feel with playing action games.
This game is on the RPG section. Well, the first thing you have to accept: This game is not an RPG, i never expected an RPG though, Square-Enix never advertised it as a pure-in-spirit role playing game, just as an adventure game, that was OK for me, and that's what i wanted. Genres changed so much since 8-bit generation, so the only thing i expect from a game is fun and enjoyment, and believe me, for this generation of videogames, these are VERY HIGH expectations.
I can classify this game as an RPG flavoured Zelda-like adventure. That doesn't mean you have to lower or raise your standards with respect to other FF games, you just have to accept is DIFFERENT in almost every sense.
The story is like a really deep pond. A thousand of years have passed since the original Crystal Chronicles, Lilties went on a war with Yukes, Yukes went extinct. Magic vanished from the world, and now everything relies on crystal technology. Crystal bearers are people infused with crystal power who can control magic at their will, we'll meet Amidatelion, a hate-filled Yuke, and a lot of characters with a secret agenda. There's nothing more i can say about the history without spoiling it. Why is it like a deep pond? well, the story is great, profound and event charged, but it's a little limited, as there's nothing more before or after it, at least with the released games.
The tale progresses lightly and lineal, making it easy to understand and way more easy to play. It's seamless and simple, as it should be for an adventure game.
On the technical aspects, the game shines on the graphical part, the world is small (but standard for act-adv games), but it seems vast and alive. The sound is great and well made.
Soundtrack is strange and unconventional, ranging from rock, country to world music. I didn't like it a lot, but i have to admit it mixes well with the environment and situations. It's just a matter of taste.
Controls are HARD but simple-arranged, i feel they're OK. Camera movement is way hard if you are accustomed to the auto-camera and simple stick-spinning of previous FF titles. It takes a time to master them.
Navigation: Seamless and without massive charge times. The only issue in this aspect (and major issue of the game for a lot of people) is the map. No minimap, and no exact location pointing. Just a big map pointing where you are. The world feels big, so it's easy to get lost.
Battle system is easy and monotone, you grab enemies/objects with Layle's gravitational powers, and you move/throw them as you wish. Easy and fun to do, but can be a little boring sometimes, and frustrating when battling some bosses. Anyways, it's not a major issue, since game is focused on exploration more than battling.
You can improve Layle's stats with custom objects and changing his jacket graphic, just like you do in Zelda with the new tunics, heart containers and all. Like i said before, it's an RPG flavoured action adventure game, neither much more nor much less.
The world feels relaxed and laid back, there's no urgency to save the world or anything. That's just because of the context. Mini-games are fun, and action-based sequences are better!.
Well, this game is an unpolished diamond, but a gem after all. If you are open minded and prepared to accept that Final Fantasy is just a franchise name, and you like action-adventure games, I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME. If you just can't take it or you don't like action-adventure games, well, rent it, it may be disappointing, but you'll at least feel it for yourself.
Simple to enjoy, simple to play, way hard to rate.
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UPDATE 12/01/10
I received my copy and finished the game, and i have to say i'm pretty impressed and disappointed at the same time.
Crystal Chronicles games always work for me, because they have a deep underlining history, with a simple character history and main background. They don't need plot twists or complex characterisation, as much of our more beloved books of classical literature is lineal and simple, and they're still masterpieces.
For Japanese gamers, this game it's a really mixed bag. It's not the Game of the Year, but surely between the best and far from the worst. For me it's an awesome game.
I have to admit that gameplay is hard and can be frustrating at some points for inexperienced players. But i really don't understand why people complain so much about game mechanics when it's easier than aiming at any Halo game.
The game took me about 25 hours, not too short, not too long, and certainly nice for an adventure game. The game has easy parts, hard parts and frustrating parts, just as an adventure game should be.
Contrary to popular belief, this game is not for everyone, but is really worth completing and analysing. Behind the pseudo-simpleminded character development lies a story waiting for you to unfold.
For every complaint i have about this game, Square-Enix surprises me with something incredible. There's no point in comparing this game with FF VII or any other Final Fantasy, it's just different. After completing my Japanese imported FF XIII and feeling vastly disappointed i needed some refreshment, this game gave me that.
Now, after finishing the game, i can talk about the aspects:
STORY: Deep but limited, this game expands the FFCC universe. Character development is simple, and the story progresses in a linear way. If you are curious about FFCC, this game gives more questions than answers, but story is solid and well developed. 9.5/10
GAMEPLAY/CONTROLS: Hard to get accustomed, not very intuitive, but it becomes self-explicative as the game progresses. Surely not the best, but with some practice is a piece of cake. 8.5/10
FEATURES: First of all, the screenshot feature is superb, especially with the vastness of the game, and the details everywhere. The map is a real issue because it's vague, but you can solve it using the signposts and your ability. The radar works pretty well. Layle's abilities aren't customisable, but you can improve them. This game isn't full of groundbreaking features, but almost all of them work well. 7/10
GRAPHICS/DESIGN: This game has one of the best artistic directions i have seen in a lot of time. Everything is beautifully and meticulously made. The look is not mysterious, it's familiar and warm, but solid and interesting. On the graphic aspect, this game is the proof that the Wii has a lot to offer in the technical aspect, graphics are stunning and fluid at the same time. Even the most simple cutscenes feel polished. Loading time issues? Nay!. 10/10
MUSIC: I'm giving this aspect a 6.5 just because i didn't like the music a lot. Being objective, the musical direction is strange and varied, but just as superb as the art direction and works really well with the environment. I'm kinda tired of the common orchestral approach of this style of games. I wanted to hear something different, this was different enough to turn my ears on again into game music, but i just didn't like the selection. I'm sure much other people will enjoy it. 6.5/10
This is an 8.3~8.5, but really, this game may be anywhere from 4 to 10. Surely not for everyone to enjoy, it's a unpolished diamond, but a diamond after all.
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