Final Fantasy Adventure Game by Squaresoft Reviewed by The Avardancer Size: 2 Megabits Save: Battery, 2 slots Released: 1991 Works with: Any version of Game Boy Reccomended SGB Pallette: 4B Reccomended CGB Pallette: Default. (Right + A) Players: One player. **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Secret of Mana is considered to be one of the "Greater Video Game series" of all time. What? You say there's only one?! Well, I'll just "clue" you in on this game's lineage now. This game is really "Secret of Mana: Episode 1" (I have to sneak in a Star Wars reference.) The series is called: "Seiken Densetsu" in Japan. This is the first of the series and has to do with the Mana Tree before Seiken Densetsu 2. (Or Secret of Mana.) A little confused, I reckon? Hmm. It's not that confusing. It's named: "Final Fantasy Adventure"; because people know that name and would buy it because of that name. Although, the Final Fantasy series has been over-hyped and a few lack-luster games have been tacked with that name in an attempt to make them sell. I can name a few of those... but some kid who's never played Final Fantasy 1, 2, or 3 is going to sit back and yell: "But it's the greatest RPG ever made! You suck!" Oh, well. No rest for the Old School Game Wizards. The game is a true classic and is considered to be most excellent according to many reviewers. How does it stack up against this reviewer? We will see, oh yes, we will see. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: The game plays like Secret of Mana and looks a bit like the Final Fantasy Legend games. But it feels like a Legend of Zelda game as the gameplay consists of a whirlwind story that seems to follow a linear path toward its conclusion. The game has a LOT of puzzles, the dungeon levels are mazes that you could be lost forever in. (ALWAYS carry at least FOUR extra keys.) The story is really a bit tragic and there's a LOT of death in it. I mean, first five minutes in the game; and someone dies. There's some nice items and magic spells to find; you need to level up your character to be able to last through some of the dungeons. (And to beef up your power, defense, etc.) You will spend a bit of time fighting; and there are lots of enemies to fight. There are literally tons of different bosses; some are easy; some are not. The game is incredibly fun. It gives me the feeling I got playing the original Legend of Zelda on the NES. The game even has a few sections where you must just watch as events unfold before you. (Kind of like in Final Fantasy 6. Final Fantasy 6 is Final Fantasy 3 in the US.) There are a lot of neat twists and plot diversions in the game. Oh, and many Final Fantasy regulars make an appearence. Like Dwarves and Chocobos. (And of course; someone is named: "Cid".) The gameplay also features several new types of ideas. The bosses are frequent, and you won't be left guessing your objectives. The game is about 10 to 12 hours long; but it will take a normal player a good 20+ hours to see the end of this game. It's not too long and it's not too short. Liked: The game is an awesome mix of story and game play. More games should have this much depth. Many Final Fantasy faves appear. (Old school Final Fantasy guys.) Lots of big bosses, interesting weapons and spells. Nasty puzzles that will make you actually think. :) When you think that it is over, it isn't. An emotional story. Hated: The over-emphasis on death. Why did >Insert character name< have to die? That's just too sad, I liked that character! My Game Boy Color has been worn smooth in spots and I blame this game and that Pokémon game. The ending is a bit vague......... but you don't need to care about that for now. You can only name your character with FOUR letters. :( Too bad, I named the main character Phil and the girl Amy. (Sorry, Janna.) **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: Looks like Final Fantasy 4 (Final Fantasy 2 in the US.) does on the SNES; just black and white with a few minor losses of detail. Very nice for a Game Boy game. The game ALSO features distinct looks for your friends and foes. Some of the enemies in the game got made-over in Secret of Mana for the SNES. Everything looks great. The game looks fantastic on an Game Boy. :) Very well done. Bravo Square. Some of the text is a bit cheesy, though. The animation for some of your moves is a bit rough; but crisp. Nice animation on some of the moves. ;) The characters are distinct. Moogles, Chocobos, Elves, and more show up! Some of the characters look like people from Final Fantasy 2 (FF4 in Japan.) Julius looks a bit like Baigen from Final Fantasy 2. Hmm. Amanda looks a bit like a character from Final Fantasy 5 that I can not seem to recall the name of. The graphics do the trick and create a fantasy world that is both simple; yet believable enough to immerse you in it. Liked: MOOGLES! CHOCOBO! Excellent graphics! Is that "Lester guy spoony too?" Hated: Text is a bit iffy. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Sound effects are key in some spots. (You can tell when some walls can be destroyed and when you actually connected a hit on an enemy. Chocobos seem to have a distinct sound. Over all the sound part of the game is very nicely done. Pretty good job, Square. Keep the volume up. Some of the dungeon tunes can annoy you after a while; but most of the tunes are nice, deep, and melodic tunes that enchance the mood and themes of the game. Some of the tunes are memorable and make it a real shame that it's near impossible to find a CD with the music. :( Anyways, some of the music is very melodramatic. There's nice upbeat music like the Chocobo theme. :) Good stuff here! Liked: Great variety of sounds and music. Well composed pieces with little to no sense of repetition. Hated: Lots of sad music? **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: The game uses a real-time battle system. You select a weapon for each button and duke it out with your character. No menus to select your attacks here. The Game Engine is similar to the Legend of Zelda series here. :) The game has a few menus and a fair amount of text; but none of those features ever get boring or annoying. The game is story driven and, therefore, it is linear. Which isn't bad. The story moves the game along and is coupled with gameplay that is proven to work. The game has some good puzzles and has maze-like levels. ALWAYS carry at least 4 keys or be lost for always and eternity. Liked: Excellent design in the game. Nice story. Good control. Hated: Getting lost and wandering mazes.... **************************************************************************** Improve: Hmm. Color. Yes, definately make it color. RIYL: Rolan's Curse, Legend of Zelda, Secret of Mana **************************************************************************** Final Words: This game should be a must have for any Game Boy RPGamer. You all know who you are.... Anyways, the game is good and very well made. It is both immersive and entertaining. It is one of those games that tries it's hardest to suspend disbelief. The game lives up to its lineage and does an excellent job. A worthy best-seller and a good way to spend your money. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: ***** Sound/Music: ***** Play Control/Game Design: ***** Personal Opinion: ***** Total: 25 out of 25 Final Score: 100% (A perfect score.) **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: None. Just ALWAYS carry at least four keys.