On one hand, the DS-adapted Ring of Fates succeeded where Crystal Chronicles had failed - to say the least, i.e. offer an accessible co-op experience. In doing so - however, the cyclical world and nuanced combat of the first was replaced by a simple, generic mash-friendly action-RPG. The overall gameplay is therefore more mind-numbing than entertaining, although its fixation with storytelling (in single-player mode), action-adventure (pairing Mana's A.I. party and swapping with Breath of Fire's unit-specific tools) and platforming unveil new avenues for the series' development.