Well, I just finished my first play through of Radiata Stories for the PlayStation 2. This game has quickly became one of my favorites. The simple and cheerful world looks beautiful and is really appealing to me. The combat is enjoyable, one of my favorites. I'm starting to enjoy to more real time combat systems (such as the Tales of.. games) in my RPG's versus the more traditional turn based (Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy). But I'll definitely keep turn based combat for my strategy RPG's though (like Fire Emblem).

I usually prefer more substantial side characters, but the recruitment system really adds some fun game play here. There are a lot of characters in the world, and you can get most of them to join you so you can choose them for your battle party. You only control the main character, Jack Russell, as the other party members are AI controlled, although you are able to learn commands you can give out to have them do what you need or want them to instead.

So, as I said, I just finished my first play through of the game. Which, implies there will be a second play through. And, yes, I have just started my second play through. See, there is a major decision you have to make about half way through the game, and so there are basically two separate games from that point on. I did one option the first time around, and had made an extra save spot so I could go back to play the other option right from there. However, once I finished the first play though, I opted to just start all the way over the the New Game+ feature which lets me keep some items, money, and skills from the first play through.

I put around 40 hours into the fist play though, but did so in under a week. Which is very quick for me, but makes since this game really drew me in with its charm and fun game play. I look forward to recruiting more friends and seeing another side of the story.