Crimson Gem Saga had so much potental to be a great game, but some simple core problems kept this game grounded.
Game play is where the problems are in this game; basically the problem is about system balance. Combat is standard turn based but it takes so much magic points to fight the normal monsters that you spend most of your money on recovery potions that you can't afford the expensive weapon and armour upgrades. By the time you do have some money you're to far away from that weapon shop and once you progress to a new game chapter the previous areas are unreachable. Basically in order to do well you have to grind a lot in every new area, the normal battles are very tough and the boss battles are a cake walk.
The skill system however is great, you gain points in combat and you can use the points on which ever character you want. So skill customization is quiet good.
The dungeons can be a bit to maze like but if you're paying attention there are clues to navigating every dungeon well.
The graphics are awesome; this game is very easy to get into just on the looks alone. If you have played Jeanne d'Arc then you will really enjoy the graphics on this game because their just as good.
The sound is good but I had it muted most of the time so I can't really tell you any details. When I play hand held systems I have the stereo or the TV on.
The value isn't really that hi, $40 Canadian for this game and there isn't any good reason to play this game more then once. As rpgs go second play throughs are standard and this game falls short here. So buy it used or when its price drops and then you will be getting a better deal.
Basically this is a good but not great game, I didn't regret buying and playing it but if some game play aspects had been better balanced this would have really scored higher with me.
Game play: 5/10
Graphics: 10/10
Sound: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Overall: 7/10