The ULTIMATE strategy/RPG game out there. You can't get better than this...
GRAPHICS
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Very nice, the isometric views give a much better playfield than normal RPG games offer. Although there are no 3D models used in the animations, that's what makes this game such a very good one. All the sprites, backgrounds, magic, characters, are all in 2D. It's just very interesting to make a 2D game that looks so complex when you are in battle. Plus, the detailed character icons are beautifully detailed to give each character a unique face, expression, and attitude. I also like the details of the creatures you can either buy or bring with you. And if you can manage to find them, I ultimately love having the LICH and PUMPKIN in the party as well. The magic animation is pretty basic stuff, but fits well with the 2D style art.
CONTROL
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Controls are a little funny at first, but once you get the hang of it, you get to know the game a lot more and are able to play your strategies out perfectly. The battle system is very different than normal RPG's, mainly just because you now have to place your characters carefully on the field and know where you need to be when you are attacked or attacking. Strategy is the main key to winning battles and knowing what every character is capable of doing. I also like the idea of being able to buy monsters to come with you on your journey. The only trouble you have to deal with is the fact that building up your stats requires you to find stat cards during battle and that character has to be the one to pick up that card that they need, before combat ends. Items on the other hand do not require you to get while in battle, they are gained when you win combat and as long as the enemy didn't pick up the item. One thing you will also enjoy is that even if you have a lot of characters at lv 99 early in the game, random combat monsters will stay at low lvs in the beginning and will gradually get tougher as you progress further into the story line.
OVERALL
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This will be one game you just will not put down. The concept of having the elements of RPG mixed with the gameplay of Strategy is the ultimate mix of fun and replay value in my book. The only real learning curve is knowing your strategies against certain monsters and enemies, and slightly learning the controls to know what you need to do. Other than that, this is a very enjoyable game that you will have hours of fun playing. IMHO, I believe this Playstation version a lot better than the GAMEBOY ADVANCE version. Mainly because there is a lot more to do and a lot more places to explore and tons more stuff you can get. This is not to say that the GAMEBOY ADVANCE version is terrible, but the Playstation version offers more variety and quantity. If you love a good strategy game, this is one game you need to get and you enjoy it for a long time.