RoxyRox
1995
This is my favorite game ever.
It's an untouchable classic that serves as the pinnacle of the JRPGs of old. Fights that rely on strategy in positioning and different party combinations, with never a single character feeling pointless or wasted. Breakneck pacing that never wastes time on pointless tasks. A charming and lively aesthetic that is unforgettable, designed with the delightfully vibrant and cartoonist flourish of Akira Toriyama. A diverse cast representing various eras across time that, while not necessarily complex, positively radiate with personality. Choices that can actually permanently affect the plot. Side quests that only serve to enrich the cast and rewards you generously (as well as serving a much greater purpose in the end ;) ).
It's a rare breed of JRPG that is easily digestible and can keep you replaying it countless times.
And just when you think you're done with it and unlock New Game+, please go and give it another go around. ❤️
(As far as to which port to play: The SNES version is what I grew up with and is most nostalgic to me. However, the DS port is nearly perfect with an improved localization, all the additions of the PS port, and a couple extra fun features. And as far as I last recall, the PC port used to be really bad but has been massively improved.)
It's an untouchable classic that serves as the pinnacle of the JRPGs of old. Fights that rely on strategy in positioning and different party combinations, with never a single character feeling pointless or wasted. Breakneck pacing that never wastes time on pointless tasks. A charming and lively aesthetic that is unforgettable, designed with the delightfully vibrant and cartoonist flourish of Akira Toriyama. A diverse cast representing various eras across time that, while not necessarily complex, positively radiate with personality. Choices that can actually permanently affect the plot. Side quests that only serve to enrich the cast and rewards you generously (as well as serving a much greater purpose in the end ;) ).
It's a rare breed of JRPG that is easily digestible and can keep you replaying it countless times.
And just when you think you're done with it and unlock New Game+, please go and give it another go around. ❤️
(As far as to which port to play: The SNES version is what I grew up with and is most nostalgic to me. However, the DS port is nearly perfect with an improved localization, all the additions of the PS port, and a couple extra fun features. And as far as I last recall, the PC port used to be really bad but has been massively improved.)
2010
It's hard for me to put into words everything I adore in this game. It was a world I could immerse myself in and find respite, during a time in my life where I felt lost and hopeless. I finished it right before a whole new chapter began. Would that mean a heavily detailed review would come with bias? Absolutely! But it has clearly left a profound impact in the many others who have also played. It's a fantastic game that fans of JRPGs should absolutely play. So I'll keep it simple:
The goods: Simple but engaging gameplay, a cast of characters that come from different walks of life, music made by legendary composers through JRPGs of old, a world the size of two literal titans the likes of which you'll never see anywhere else, a traversable environment that constantly invites you to explore every crevice of its twisting landscape, and a damn good story that continues to unfold in ways that keep you wanting to uncover the history of this mysterious world. And it's all somehow on the Wii.
Some bads: The textures on the characters models on the Wii are not...good. You get used to it, but it's not the prettiest first impression. Item sorting is downright terrible. The arrow that leads you to your next objective does not take into account the layers of elevation on some parts of the map and will get you lost. Team A.I. is helpful in parts, but bad when doing some things you need it to do. And 1 or 2 boss battles are straight up broken.
HOWEVER.
These issues were all fixed in the Definitive Edition for Switch. Clamorous fights with the casts' nonstop dialogue are still an issue and it unironically has become a trademark of the series (whether we like it or not). Anyway, please play that version instead if at all possible.
The goods: Simple but engaging gameplay, a cast of characters that come from different walks of life, music made by legendary composers through JRPGs of old, a world the size of two literal titans the likes of which you'll never see anywhere else, a traversable environment that constantly invites you to explore every crevice of its twisting landscape, and a damn good story that continues to unfold in ways that keep you wanting to uncover the history of this mysterious world. And it's all somehow on the Wii.
Some bads: The textures on the characters models on the Wii are not...good. You get used to it, but it's not the prettiest first impression. Item sorting is downright terrible. The arrow that leads you to your next objective does not take into account the layers of elevation on some parts of the map and will get you lost. Team A.I. is helpful in parts, but bad when doing some things you need it to do. And 1 or 2 boss battles are straight up broken.
HOWEVER.
These issues were all fixed in the Definitive Edition for Switch. Clamorous fights with the casts' nonstop dialogue are still an issue and it unironically has become a trademark of the series (whether we like it or not). Anyway, please play that version instead if at all possible.