I'll Avoid the Obvious Pun

Shiren finally meandered his way into stores a couple of days ago, but my online order from Game Stop arrived, trumping the completion of my quest to find that game at retail. Atlus has yet to give me an explanation or apology.

The game itself is fine. It feels more akin to playing a really pretty SNES game rather than a mediocre-looking Wii game. I'm never inclined to comment on the graphical prowess of a game, mostly because my system of choice is the underpowered console of the lot. However, the game feels and plays 16-bit, which is very appealing to a old man like me.

It is difficult to qualify what I mean by "feels and plays 16-bit". I can only say that there is a beauty to the simplicity of gameplay and a complexity available for those looking for it. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction from mastering them intricacies of these games.

The game could be played successfully without ever really diving into the depth of battle system. But for those of the more daring gamers, depth can be found by switching between full controlled allies and customizable commands for the computer controlled allies; in customizing weapons and trying to decide whether or not to take your strongest into battle, for if you fall in combat, your weapons are lost; and in managing an inventory full of spells, items and weapons you find in randomly generated dungeons and deciding what is worthy of coming with you on your quest and what must remain on the dungeon floors.

The game is long and challenging. If you are looking for a long epic tale, then this is the one for you. Fear not, for when you die, and die you shall, you will lose your weapons, but keep your hard-earned levels. Take heart, because conquering dungeons gives a big sense of accomplishment.