Product Description

Fast. Essential. Take care of yourself with the card for PlayStation 2 that can save game positions, various controller settings, high scores and much more. A handy carrying case will keep the gunk and junk off the card. The Memory Card is thinking when you're not. ... Read more

Features

• Platform: PlayStation 2

Reviews (223)

You need one.
A must have for anyone who owns a PS2, with this you can save your game files so you can continue playing. They are compact and strong. Highly recommended.

Building another Terminator
Using the technology from this 8MB Memory Card (left over from the dead Terminator), you should be able to construct another Terminator robot and send it through time.

If you create a bad Terminator robot, you should definitely soup it up like the A-Team van, with some crazy special powers that will help it destroy mankind.If you create a good Terminator robot, just make it like normal (and P.S. thanks for saving mankind).

good, not great
The official 8MB PS2 memory card is good if you have only a couple of games.otherwise you need to buy more than one.It is said that it runs 200 times faster, which isn't entirely accurate (usually about 185 times, but 200 is supposed to be the max).I bought this thing used for $17 dollars.That's expensive.If you have an oldr model of Playstation, it would be better to shell out $100 for Final Fantasy 11/hard drive bundle.The hard drive is 40 gigs, which is 5,120 times larger than this memory card.If you have a slim ps2, you can't use the hard drive.In that case, buy the 2 pack memory cards from Sony. It runs from $32 to $40, so get that package.Overall, a fast, reliable card, but Sony needs to produce larger cards.

be aware
ill tell you it is a good memory card but over time it will erase everything if you action replay max and if you use it on the getaway game it will erase every thing so if you have it just to let you know that

THIS IS A GOOD MEMORY CARD
MEMORY cards are quite dear and hold 8 blocks of Memory,games like The Sims ect. take up alot of Memory space so saving other games are more difficult to save,i do Prefer The GameCube memory cards b-cs they have more space so ide often have to delete memory from Magic Gate 8MB(8 Memory Blocks) to save my newer games.The PS2 is backWards Compatible with its predcessor`s games,PS ONE wich is very useful but PS2 is a different console and PS2`s Memory Card`s can`t save any PS ONE game(and PS1 Mem. Cards can not save PS2 games)So ide recommend that if you are buying PSX games for a PS2 to buy/Make-sure you have a PS ONE memory card if you i am concidering getting a PlayStation 1 Memory Card for my PS2 so i can save these PS1 games ime concidering buying;WWF In Your House,WWF WarZone,WWF SmackDown! 1,WWF SmackDown 2:Know Your Role!(I am a WWF/WWE fan),GTA1,GTA2,Driver 1 and Driver 2 and all of these games are popular and very fun to play thats Y ime gettin a PS1 Memory Card and And these games though PS2 games are more Fun now and better graphix.Only get a 8MB card if you have&play 8 games.JOHN CENA AND RANDY ORTON are the best WWE superstasrs!!!!1 ... Read more

Features

• Play with a team of up to six characters, each with unique skills and powers
• Strong 2-D graphics
• For 1 player
• RPG fantasy adventure
• Collect the 108 stars of destiny to defeat the evil prince

Reviews (73)

251.51 for a cd?
I think Suidoken is great game, i highly reccomend all their work, but unless they plan on delivering the cd via viking boat themselves, the price is a bit too steep.

I'll assume the price is a error, and this is my half-assed attempts at humor.

So, once it's fixed do yourself a favor and order it.

A great game but.......
Suikoden 2 is a great game, and I'm glad I grabbed a copy way back with the guide, maybe I should sell my copy and take a tropical vacation. Seems that these rare games are developing into collectors items more than games now. If you really want to spend $100+ on a game your bordering on nuts,but buy suikoden part 1 cause its vital to fully enjoy this game. However this game is beautiful, deep, and captivating. I have played it thru several times, you can even load your original suikoden data if you gathered the 108 stars in that game to add storyline and events to this title. Greatest Rpg series ever a must for a true rpg fan/collector.

New type of RPG
I ran across this game (...)right when it first came out, and I picked it up more as a fluke than for any other reason.I am glad I did.Graphically this game is in 2D, but it is done very well.Each person is easily recognizable, and there expressions come across quite clearly (with emotions appearing above the characters heads in little bubbles!).

As far as normal random battles goes, suikoden is fairly straight forward.6 people can join in fights, with a front line and a back line.Different people have different weapons that have different attacking abilities.Ie. weapons like bows can attack the enemies from the front and back row, staffs can attack only the front line of enemies, but they can be positioned in either your front or back row, and swords/axes can only hit the front line of the enemy, and only from the front line of your ranks.

One nice ability for later on is the option to choose 'let go'.If your party is crossing an area of the world map, or if you are re-exploring a dungeon from much earlier in the game, the option to 'run' is taken away, and the option 'let go' is placed there instead.Basically it is a means to escape the tedium of random battles that wouldn't provide enough experience of money to make the time of fighting it worthwhile.Plus it works 100% of the time. :)

The most interesting part of the game though is that fact that it incorporates more than just standard random battles, it also has full army battles that involve most of your fighting party members broken up into groups of 3.Each group has its own attack, defence, and special abilitys.Most of the time the battles are very enjoyable, however there are a few battles that rely on luck, so you just have to keep plugging away at them for a while until you finally manage to beat the enemy.

Also the game features a third battle system called duels, which are (just as the name emplys....) 1 on 1 duels.There aren't that many duels during the course of the game, and they are conducted in a rock paper scissors manner.

The best part of the game though is just playing through the story and becoming the hero of legend.Nothing is quite as satisfing as walking through your castle (which starts out run down and dilapidated and ends up quite spectacular) and talking to all the various people that have come to live there because of their firm (and very vocalized) belief that YOU are the one person capable of being a hero.

Suikoden may have a funny name, but it is a game that you would be a fool to bypass.

MUST PLAY
Betrayal between a country and its armed forces. loytalty between two friends, cant overcome ones loyalty to his country. This is Suikoden II. One of the all time great playstation games. the story line is basic just as the first one is. but there is more to do here in the land of highlands than in the scarlet moon empire. the castle really takes form and you can have cook offs and also fish with yam koo and tai ho (yep they are back). with many characters from the first suikoden included you will have hours of fun in this game. also yuber makes another mysterious appearance in another installment. this is a must play and its worth the $100 dollars you are going to spend to get it.

Final Fantasy???Suikoden!!!
I have to count myself as one of the skeptics when it came to an RPG with 108+ characters.And I definitely never thought an RPG series could ever hold ranks with Final Fantasy.But the moment I finished the first Suikoden I was a believer that there could actually be an RPG that surpasses Final Fantasy--at least in some aspects.

Okay, so the graphics are 2D, but it was back in the PS1 days.But the graphics are NOT what makes this game so amazing--It's the story.The STORY, because it's worth repeating.

The Story (Repeated for the Third time) deals with familiar themes of family, friendship, loyalty, etc...But it's the level in which they are handled, and the skill at which they are portrayed that makes this game really special.Who can forget the final scene, the duel between the Hero and Jowy.I don't even want to say much more because I'll ruin it for those who haven't played it.

You just won't get the opportunity to play another game like this, and for those who haven't bought this title already, good luck.It's expensive, because it's EXTREMELY rare.If I didn't own it already, I would gladly pay the $99 asking price though, because it's the story you will want to experience OVER and OVER and OVER again.It takes what I LOVE about the first Suikoden and brings it all to something even better in Suikoden II.

Oh, and this is worth mentioning.The whole Luca Blight Battle Sequence had to be my most favorite RPG moment in both story, scene progression, and battle play.It was SO AWESOME!Just remember to level up good before it and use the power of the "Tank" characters.

I'm just a really big fan of this series (can you tell?) and I could go on all day about how good this game is, and how it's worth playing, but I won't.I'll leave it up to you.But in my opinion, it's worth the money, BUY IT NOW!That is, of course if you can open your mind to 2D graphics, and throw away your old Final Fantasy ways (The Magic System is Totally different--No Lit3 or Cure4's here).(LoL) ... Read more

Reviews (622)

Open Mind
Hey guys.I love this game, flat out.It has great characters, a good plot, a good system, and fantastic music.A lot of people think that the game is boring, or maybe they don't like the plot, but I think that those people need to just give it a chance.This was the 7th Final Fantasy I have beaten, and now I have finished 1-9, and this game is in my top four.

There are some problems with this game, but I don't think they are very critical.Most of them affect the first couple hours, but they are nothing toreally have too big a problem with.First of all, the begining is slow.There are about 4 battles in the first hour, and you finish only about 20-50 in the first few hours.Also it takes a little getting used to to get into the gameplay.Characters gain magic and abilities based on what equipment they have on.

Anyways, I put this in my top list of games, which are in order of which is most important to play

Final Fantasy VI
Chrono Trigger
Final Fantasy VII
Earthbound
Final Fantasy IX
Chrono Cross
Xenogears

Play those RPG's and you will have experienced the best games ever made.

This is to the people
Look, I realize you are entitled to your opinions, as am I.So, let me get my two cents in.This is to the people who do not like FF( because only mages can use magic(like cure, fire, etc.).Stop complaining!Not only can Garnet and Eiko cure, but Amarant uses Chakra to cure, Freya uses a skill to cure, and so can Quina.This game DOES return to the roots which has only certain characters use magic.It makes it harder.Now, to those who claim this game is childish because of certain things.I am twenty-four years old, and I like this game a lot.My friends like this game.Even my twenty-eight year old brother likes this game.None of us think it is too childish.
To those who complain about the storyline, claiming a thirteen year old could do better.I've read the fan fictions people of such age write about the Final Fantasies; trust me, they ARE NOT BETTER.If you think you could do better, try it.By the RPG Maker, and DO IT!Betcha can't, though.If thirteen year olds COULD do better plots, you would think that such companies as Square Enix would hire them.Duh.

Great Game, despite all other opinions
First of all, I'd like to point out that I haven't played many other Final Fantasy Games, so I'm not going to compare them.

On to my thoughts about FFIX. It was the first real RPG Playstation game that I ever bought and it's the one that got made me love the genre.
Plot: 4/5 Great plot, however they fail to really explain some crucial details (for example: why does Zidane sees Garnet's memory?). A little more explanations would be nice for my lack of brain cells.
Characters: 5/5 You really do get attached to Zidane and Garnet, you laugh at Amarant's oblivious and cynical nature, and just want to shoot Thorn and Zorn. The point is, the characters are interesting and have a personality.
Gameplay: 4/5 At first it's hard to understand how to train the characters and use different accessories to learn attacks. However, once that is settled, the gameplay is great. Also, it took me forever to realize that pressing Select on the world screen brings up a map: VERY USEFUL! You'll get lost if you don't use it. Other than that, good gameplay.
Graphics: 6/5 :) Gotta love the grahics. Squaresoft created different cultures/architectures for each different country. Gaia is absolutely gorgeous. The FMVs are amazing. Two thumbs way way up for the graphics.

Overall: Though it required a lot of time training to beat Kuja and the final bosses, the game is really fun. The minigames range from "fun-for-two-seconds" (Jumprope Vivi) and "takes-forever-but-gotta-love-it" (Chocobo Hot and Cold) and the game itself is great, long and never boring. Five stars out of five it is, then. Great way to get yourself in the world of Final Fantasy.

Possibly the greatest game of all time.
Yes, i admit that I have taken risks in writing the title of this review sincem after all the title was highly opinionated, but here me out. Ill look at it from a reasonable angle.

When Final Fantasy IX (FF9) was released, it was very differant than it's predecessors, Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII. It had gone from a harsh 'sci-fi' feel to a soft 'fantasy' feel. The main character was not a silent and melencholy introvert. And overall, the game had a very prelavent tone of charm and whimsy, whereas VII and VIII had, for the most part, more depressing tones. Like I said, very differant from its predecessors.

For anyone who doesnt like simple RPGs, this isnt for you. Everything in this game has been made slightly more simple. No Junction or Materia systems here. Every character has unique abilities that only he/she/it can learn. While I enjoyed VII and VIII's systems, XI's felt more believable. Believe it or not, this simplification adds some serious challenge to the game. Because not everyone can learn 'cure' or 'revive' you will have to be careful on forming your groups. and since you can't junction switch at all, you'll find that keeping all of your characters at high levels is a good idea. You cant simply put 'curaga' on someones hp and have it skyrocket. youll have to do alot of levelling up. This doesnt mean that Final Fantasy IX is impossibly hard. In factm if I were to rate its difficulty level, I would say it was 60%.

these differances in abilities add to the very well written characters. Each character feels alive, and you believe what it says. In past final fantasies some characters, although important to the story line, just didnt feel real (Cait sith, anyone?) but in Final Fantasy IX, each character seems 100% believable. Their dialoge matches their personalities seamlessly. some scenes which have no importance to the story are written in just to make you 'feel' the character. Such as when Eiko scolds Vivi for looking the wrong way and vivi says "I was just looking at the mountains".

And then you have the games visuals. Are the graphics breakthrough? no. What you have in Final fantasy IXs visuals is emotion. For example, when playing Final fantasy VIII and you look at a floor tile, it just looks like some-old floor tile. But in Final fantasy IX when you look at a floor-tile,you feel a story behind it. It looks unique to each culture's lifestyles and beliefs. You feel a bit of what the "tile maker" felt when creating it. Yes, every blade of grass in Final Fantasy IX is a work of beauriful art.

One mustn't forget the music. Final Fantasy IX lives up to the high standard of its predecessors when it comes to music. Each song is beautifully well written and perfectly placed. Cooky and silly songs play where there is a village of quirky dwarves, sullen and sad music plays in a destroyed city, and so on. Some people (myself included) would get tired of certain songs after awhile in the past final fantasies. For instance, in FFVII when I was in the gold Saucer, although the music was good, it did get tiresome and I muted the volume. Same with Finl Fantasy VIII in Balamb garden. But with Final Fantasy IX i would often just sit and listen to songs re-loop so that I coud hear and feel them again.

The storyline in Final Fantasy IX is beautiful. I wont say anything to ruin it, but trust me. Its amazing.

Out of all this, why do I say that it is possibly the greates game of all time? Well, i'll explain myself.

Does anybody remember Halo? No no, not Halo2. Halo. just plain Halo. It was revolutionary. I remember that everyone played it. everyone who had an XBOX owned Halo. (partially because after awhile XBOXs started coming with a copy of Halo, but still) it was a great game. But now, with the arrival of Halo2, it has just faded out. Even big fans of the origional have said 'Man, there really isnt any reason to play the first halo anymore." Sadly, this is how it is with alot of games. Beautiful and wonderful games slowly fade out when shiny sequals come out. Yes, Final fantasy IX felt some of this when Final Fantasy X came out, but still many many fans play final fantasy IX because of its greatness. In other words, Final fantasy has lived on despite the release of more advanced graphics and things like that.

So, I urge you,(haha, I sound so devoted) if you havent played Final Fantasy IX before, play it. Make sure you buy it, because Ive been noticing that its harder to find at Game stores than it used to be.

Finally, ill leave you with one thing. You may hate this game despite everything i've said. Guess what, people are differant. If you try this game and for some unearthly reason you loathe every second of it, well then at least you gave it a shot.

Not a masterpiece, but still a great game...
I wouldntgo as far as to say FF9 is as good as the recent FF games,or most of the games for that matter, but it is still a great game. The atmosphere of this game is a far cry from FF8's romantic, adult atmosphere. Everything is more comedic and cartoonish, but the graphics are still up to par with recent RPGs, but not very innovative. (They basically look the same as FF7 or FF8). Anyway, I'll break this review down...

Graphics- 9/10 Like I said, they are up to par with games of its time, but are not very innovative. Then again, the Playstation is very limited graphics-wise. But that's what I love about the Playstation one, the games were not all about graphics, unlike the PS2(I am not a fan of PS2 at all, or the recent FF titles.)Anyway, the character designs are a lot more old-school, especially the black mage which looks pretty cool.

Sound- 7/10 This is one of the low-points of this game, the sound isn't that amazing. FF4, 6, tactics, 7, and 8 all have amazing soundtracks, not to mention 5 as well, but this one just doesn't amaze me. After playing through this game several times and mastering it several times, I still don't really remember any tracks in the game. FF8's soundtrack blew me away, so I was hoping for the same here. The only highlights for music are on the start screen, and the world music is pretty good, as well as the battle music.

Gameplay- 10/10The setup is pretty good, making you choose abilities from items that are equipped and learn them. The junction system in FF8 was in my opinion, one of the most innovative systems ever for a video games. This games isn't very innovative, but it's still a great idea that is fun to do. Also, there's synthesis shops now, where you combine items to make armor. (much like FF8s weapon system, except now you can also buy weapons and armor as well.) Overall, this game has a great system that is a lot of fun. The card game isn't nearly as fun as FF8's in my opinion, though. In ff8, you collected cards and then could card mod them, which was also an amazing idea, but in this game the cards seem to do absolutely nothing for the player, other than giving them knowledge that they completed the game 100%, and achieved the highest card collecting level, which is also pointless. Overall, the card game is just a lame re-hash of FF8's Triad game, so dont expect a blast playing cards here, look to ff8 for that.

Controls-10/10 Basically the same controls as in every other ff game. Now there's an exclamation mark which appears over Zidanes head if you are near an item, which was a pretty good idea.

Story- 6/10 This is the games biggest weak point. In my opinion, FF9 has the most forgettable story out of any FF game. Sure, it has its high points( The idea of having summons attack the town was a great idea,and was pretty sweet to watch) But other than that, it didn't leave me feeling amazed. FF4, 6, 7, 8, tactics and heck they all had great storylines, but FF9's is pretty lame. You go after some little guy wearing a thong, and thats about it, it isnt deep like the other titles, although at times it may appear that way. It wasnt the worst storyline, but definitely not up to par.

Overall- 8/10 I have spent a good deal of my life playing this game, since it took a while to master my characters levels and find all the items, and it was definitely worth it. This is a wonderful game that all RPG fans should play. ... Read more

Product Description

Get connected to the game with this handy, hands-free headset. ... Read more

Features

• 10-foot cord for greater freedom of movement
• USB headset for use with PlayStation2
• Supports voice over IP enabled (VoIP) and voice recognition games
• Noise canceling mic with adjustable boom minimizes outside interferences
• Mute button prevents others from listening in on private conversations

Reviews (32)

Piece of junk..
Sony must be trying to suck up some cash from people, and they are doing that from me. These things are 30 bucks and I have bought 4 of these and they are just breaking like crazy. I guess it's a good thing i live in a family with money.. but this thing is just a cheap piece of junk that needs some improving..

Too small for adults
I have a normal sized adult head, but the mic boom is far too short for me.Apparently only intended for kids.I have to shout to control the game.Tried it with SOCOM and Ghost Recon.

Is this a Headset? or a Money Vaccuum
This headseet is a good accessory for going online on popular games such as Socom, Madden and Ratchet and Clank. It feels like a lazy way 4 Sony to make some extra money. Compared 2 the XBOX 1 it is a P.O.S the first time i bought this thing it looked gay so i threw it down in disgust. And it broke so i had to buy a new 1. I barely play with it because i fear i might break it. Hey Sony, heres a tip in the next PS REINFORCE THE STUPID THING WITH FRIGGIN METAL!!!!!!!! Dont just make it a plastic P.O.S!!! Sorry im such a grouch i ve had a long, horrible day and i feel like s#!t Im gonna go play some Halo now on a good headset to relax.-Forwardhaloman "This PS2 extra cheap third-party s#!t is getting pretty old. Seriously."-Forwardhaloman

Highly Recommended!!!
Must admit, when I first saw this headset - I thought... these are going to suck. My friend purchased one to play SOCOM 2 online. Kept telling me how cool it was so I decided to buy it.Wow, was I impressed! Communication over the Playstation 2 was excellent! (For those of you who don't know much about technology, voice over ip has always sucked because of loud noise and constant echoing with mics - very annoying! ) This is not the case with this product.

Furthermore, I use this headset to chat online on my personal computer via usb port. The Logitech PS2 headset is the best mic I have ever owned for PC use! I develop my own Flash Communication programs for online video and audio streaming and these are unbelievable.I chat with family and friends over my cable high speed connection using this product and they all hear me perfectly with very little delays or echoing.

I rated this product a 4 for durability because the headset could of been made a bit more stronger. However, they are affordable and very functional! So.. I give it a 5 star rating overall.


NOTE.

THE RED LIGHT MEANS THE MIC IS MUTED, CLICK THE BUTTON AND MAKE SURE THE BLUE LIGHT IS ON FIRST BEFORE YOU TRY CHATTING!

THIS APPLIES TO BOTH THE PLAYSTATION 2 AND USING THE HEADSET WITH YOUR HOME COMPUTER TO CHAT ONLINE. :-)

FOR SOCOM NEWBIES, IN ORDER FOR OTHERS TO HEAR YOU IN THE CHATROOM YOU HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE CIRCLE BUTTON ON YOUR CONTROLLER UNTIL YOU HEAR A FEW BEEPS ON YOUR HEADSET. ONCE YOU HEAR THE BEEPS KEEP HOLDING DOWN THE BUTTON AND TALK ( IT WILL ALLOW YOU TO CHAT FOR 10 SECONDS BEFORE ENDING TRANSMISSION )THIS IS TO ALLOW EVERYONE A CHANCE TO TALK IN THE SOCOM CHAT ROOM.

YOU CAN ONLY CHAT WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE PROPER CONTROLLER BUTTON. AFTER SOMEONE ELSE TALKS PRESS DOWN THE BUTTON AGAIN UNTIL YOU HEAR THE BEEPS AGAIN THEN YOU HAVE ANOTHER 10 SECONDS TO CHAT .....

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR CONTROLLER SETTINGS THEN YOU MAY HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE SQUARE BUTTON AND NOT THE CIRCLE BUTTON TO CHAT.( ON A HOME COMPUTER YOU JUST CLICK TALK ON THE APPLICATION YOU ARE USING OR HANDS FREE TO CHAT WITH PEOPLE ONLINE )

SEE YA :-)

You may have plugged it in wrong
Listen to the title. The headset plugs into the BOTTOM part of the blue section in front of the PS2. I plugged it in on top once and got nothing. Then I plugged it in to the bottom and it worked fine. If you want your headset to last longer, I suggest putting it out of reach. That way no one can step on it, throw it, and hit it. You will need this when playing SOCOM II. ... Read more

Features

• 2-D vampire-fighting action game
• Non-linear adventure
• Lots of weapons and secrets allow for great replayability
• Spooky soundtrack adds atmosphere
• For 1 player

Reviews (96)

Best castlevania ever!
Not much to say, but that this is one of the greatest playstation games ever made.And like the title said it is the best castlevania game!

PERFECT.
this game is perfect.i have not a single complaint.take the classic castlevania formula, infuse it with metroid-esque exploration, add upgradable weapons and items, throw in an experience/leveling up system, and you have the pinnicle of side-scrolling action-RPG goodness.this game just drools cool.konami shot itself in the foot a little, because this game is a lot for them them to live up to for future iterations of the franchise

freakin' best Castlevania (and I would know, too)
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the best castlevanias i have played before, aside from lament of innocence; this is a side-scroller (dont be put off by that), but the gothic backgrounds, the subtle shadows, the intricate detail, is just the tip of the fang. the novel spell- casting system is relatively simple, and you can learn them by randomly holding buttons and/or buying the guide. the alternate endings for this game just give you a huge new thing to do; the enemies lack in intelligence, but they make up for it in numbers, so you are almost constatly fighting, or risking your life, making it an energetic, high-strung game. then, there is the music. oh. my. god! it is absolutely perfect for the game !! beit the place, or fight, the music is gorgeous(get the soundtrack to prove me right)who cares if it is synthesized or not!?! its BEAUTIFUL!!!! a must buy for castlevanians

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Quite simply this is quite possibly the best game ever made, period. By taking the standard formula which Super Metroid perfected on the Super Nintendo, of finding items and opening up new areas, Castlevania Symphony of the Night excels on every level to combine and create the most significant game accomplishment, in my opinion ever made. By using the standard side scrolling elements of the classic games from the 8 bit days and combining them with some of the lushest and most breathtaking visuals and special effects, the hand drawn effect that this game creates rivals almost any game on the original Playststion. The music is etheral accomplishment and ranks at the top of my best soundtracks for a game ever, joining the ranks of Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Silent Hill 2 as some of the most noticeable and well done music to ever pass through the gaming world. The music combines orchestra type composure in a rock opera vibe that fits every single enviroment so well that you will never dread entering any area, in fact you wil even find yourself backtracking to previous areas just to hear this music again (By the way I own the soundtrack, thats how damn good this games music is.) The gameplay is some of the best ever in a game, incorporating all the classic elements of the Castlevania series, and combining them with experience and equipping items from Role Playing Games to form a natural bond that still makes me wonder why more developers have not tried to make a game like this (probably due to the fact that few could accomplish what Konami has done with this game). The only weak part of this game is the voice acting which literally sucks (pun intended) it seems like they picked people who were overly ambitious in their voice acting skills, and I'm sure the dialogue was bad because of the Japanes to English translation when it was brought stateside. Beyond that though if you buy this game I can guarantee you will not be dissappointed. Every boss fight, every encounter, everything about this game pushes it leaps and bounds ahead of the competion. No 3dimensional game I have ever played can crete the sheer passion and joy of controlling Alucard; his movements and actions are graceful and even just picking up the HP max ups is a chilling experience. This game cannot be missed, and I guarantee that I will still play this game when I am like 50 years old and wondering what in the hell happenned to the artistry and pure skill that a two dimensional "old-school" game can pull off and achieve so well.

This is the best game for the Playstation!
I think that this is the best game ever. The replay value is amazing due to the multiple endings. Most people would play this game more than once. Looking for all of the easter eggs and glitches will keep you busy fo a while. Especially the *keep your equipment at the beginning of the game* easter egg. Not to mention the hundreds of weapons. They also have 140 enemies, all of which can be killed with all of Alucard's spells. The only problem with this game is that it is now hard to find. Especially if you want the original version (not the greatest hits). If you have never played this game........BUY IT! This game is too good for a rental. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Showcasing enhanced versions of the Super Nintendo classics FinalFantasy IV and Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy Chronicles is amust-have "retro" bundle for the serious role-playing game fan.

Originallyreleased in the U.S. in 1991 as Final Fantasy II, the groundbreakingFinal Fantasy IV introduced the "Active Time Battle" combat system thathas since become a staple in the series. In addition to new computer animationsequences and minor gameplay enhancements, this reissue sports a new dialoguetranslation that is more faithful to the Japanese version and fleshes out thepreviously pared-down story of a conflicted knight and his quest forredemption.

Although not as well known as Final Fantasy IV--and noteven part of the Final Fantasy series, for that matter--1995's ChronoTrigger is a nonlinear adventure game where players must travel across timeto save a princess (and the world in the process). New Japanese cartooncutscenes from animator Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragonball Z) gracethe updated Chrono Trigger, and an extras mode (filled with game-relatedgoodies that must be unlocked) has been added, increasing the already highreplay value of this title with multiple endings.

Admittedly, the games'two-dimensional graphics and simplistic sounds are quite "lastgeneration," which may turn off some younger gamers and recent converts to thegenre, but their solid gameplay, deep storyline, and memorable characters arestill first-rate by today's standards. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Brings together two classic Super Nintendo role-playing games
• Retranslated text of Final Fantasy IV more faithful
• Extras mode increases Chrono Trigger's replay value
• New animated "movie" sequences

• In-game graphics and sounds are quite dated

Reviews (139)

The Best Role-Player AND How To Fix the Load Time Problem
I've noticed a couple people complain about the load times (especially during battles).There's a quick and easy fix for PS2 owners: In the main menu under the PS1 Driver, there's a setup option for "Fast Loading".When you turn that on, the game will load as fast as the original cartridge did.Problem solved.

.

And now for the game: Chrono Trigger is one of, perhaps even *the best*, role-playing game ever made.Final Fantasy 6 is my favorite in that series, but Chrono Trigger has a stronger appeal for me, personally, because of the time travel/sci-fi theme.You and your characters travel across several thousand years (from medieval times to a distant, robotic future), in your quest to beat back the bad guys.The battle system allows you to chain your characters together for extra-powerful attacks, which is a unique innovation.Finally, how the game ends is never the same.Like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure, the ending varies depending upon how you play the game.Chrono Triggers offers lots of replayability, and is a true masterpiece.


As for FF4, the game is somewhat weak.Many call FF4 their favorite final fantasy, but I was not too impressed.I'd put it somewhere in the middle.It was originally designed to run on the 1980's 8-bit Nintendo, but at the last minute FF4 was upgraded to run on the just-released 16-bit Super Nintendo, and it comes across as primitive, both in graphics and story.Not as good as what came later (FF anthology).


Bottom Line: Buy Final Fantasy 4/Chrono Trigger right now... mainly for Chrono Trigger, but also to satisfy your curiosity about FF4.If you're like me, you'll cherish it forever.

2 for the price of 1. YEAH BABY! (Long, but worth reading)
Final Fantasy Chronicles is such a great game, I don't Know where to start.(!Attention!, If you have a Super Nintendo and have Final Fantasy 4 and Chrono Trigger you don't really have to bother buying this game, unless you want to check out the added features).FF4 is just like the SNES version only its been enhanced with new magic, monsters,items, and CG(computer generated)cinemas and more stuff. I might be wrong, but I heard somewhere that the Playstation version is much harder than the SNES version. This game is quite entertaining, and the storyline is was one of the best I've seen. In my opinion, I thought Final Fantasy 7 was better in every way. Even though FF7 is better than 4. 4 is still a pretty good game. that's about it for FF4.
If you liked Dragonball Z, then your gonna LOVE Chrono Trigger cause it's made by the "Great" Akira Toriyama (you know the guy who made the characters from DBZ).I thought Chrono Trigger was better than FF4 in terms of gamplay,and graphcs. In my opinion, it ties between FF7.(only FF7 has better graphics). Chrono Trigger is the prequel to Chrono Cross. I thought Chrono Trigger was better than Chrono Cross.(Chrono Cross's graphics were much better).Chrono Trigger has VERY little to do with Chrono Cross. Chrono Trigger is about a red haired boy named Crono(NOT CHRONO), that travels through time along with his friends to save the world.
The only thing bad about these two games is that the graphics are quite dated and that it takes a long time to load in Chrono Trigger when you pull out the menu sceen. I don't think Graphics that are a decade old shouldn't bother most gamers. If it does, then I'll beat you up. This game cost less right now than any of those two games did when they where brand new, especailly now in 2005. Chrono Trigger was a rare, hard to find game at that time that usually sold somewhere around $60. right now, it doesn't cost more than $20. To me, FF4 is like an added bonus to Chrono Trigger in the final fantasy chronicles package. It would take a lot more to fully describe this game. I hope this review was helpful to you

P.S. Get Final Fantast 7 while you're at it.

Final Fantasy Chronicles
Even though that most people will overlook this game because it's a PlayStation game that's a re-release of a 16-bit game during a time when we've already moved on to the 128-bit generation, if you're an RPG fan that has yet to play either of these classics, it's a must-have title. With the multiple endings and fantastical game design and lovable characters, Chrono Trigger alone is worth the full price of admission. Add in Final Fantasy IV and you have an astonishing deal that you simply shouldn't pass up.

Chrono Trigger Yesss
I remember as a kid (not that long ago) and playing Chrono Trigger on my friends Super NES and how friggin awesome it was. When I found out that it was later released for the playstation I wasted no time in ordering it and popping it into my PS2. (Note you MUST have a PS1 memory card in order to save) Other than this there is no problem in the translation of this game to the Playstaion. Also added to the Playstation version are amazing new cut sequences.

I have yet to play the FFIV but I will eventually. These games are both classics and a must have for all seriouse RPGers.

A welcome, but slightly flawed, re-release collection
I love it when companies re-release classic games on newer systems for those of us who grew up with them and like to walk down memory lane, and FF Chronicles collects 2 great games in one. I have many blissful memories of playing FF 4 (2 at the time) when I was much younger and it was newly released. My obsession with Final Fantasy started with number 1, and was established without doubt after playing 2. It is a phenomenal, albeit very dated game. The characters and storyline are among the best in FF history, and the gameplay (though straightforward) remains very fun. The graphics and sound of the game were top notch when released. The graphics remain very colorful and appealing even now, and the music is good if rather "cheap" sounding compared to modern games. I sometimes wish they would have spiffed these games up a bit (improving the instrumentation of the music, adding some bonus features, etc.), but I can also respect getting the games in their original form without alteration (except for the CG scenes, of course).
That is one area of major disappointment for me, the CG movies they added to FF 4. They exhibit the worst graphics I have ever seen on the PS1. A big disappointment, especially coming from the masters at Square. It looks like someone with no experience just threw them together at the last minute. I would rather they just not added them. Furthermore, I wish they could have maybe spliced them into the game instead of just having them at the beginning and end. That really misled me.
Still, a great, faithful remake of a wonderful game from the days of old.

I never played Chrono Trigger on the SNES, so it was a new experience for me, and I did wish once playing it that I had played it in my youth, as it is a phenomenal game that, although I enjoyed it, I would have appreciated much more when I was younger. Great graphics for the time, and about the best music I've ever heard in a video game. The story and game play really pull you in, and the world is one, like any great fictional place, where you find yourself wishing you could just become part of it.
Also, in contrast to FF 4, I really enjoyed the CG movies they added. They are in the anime style by the guy who did Dragonball Z, are spliced into the game at the appropriate parts,and are really very good.
I am disappointed however, as many others on here have stated, that this game has painfully long load times that really decreased my enjoyment of the game. Every time you get into a battle or bring up the status screen, there is about a 3-5 second wait, which may not seem like a big deal, but believe me, it gets annoying real fast. Still, if you're patient, it is a good game.

I find myself wishing that they had released FF 3 on this compilation instead of Chrono Trigger, though. I mean, it is FF Chronicles. If they had put 3 on here, we could have had the entire FF series on the PS. As it is, 3 will likely never be available in a form I'm willing to acquire and play, and thus it will eternally remain a hole in my FF experience. If they had put FF 3 on here, maybe they could have done another 2 disc compilation with Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana. Now that would have been awesome.

Sadly, I can only give this 4 stars overall, and thats me being realistic as opposed to overly nostalgic. They are both great, classic games, and I'm glad to have them, and I did enjoy them. But, this collection is flawed in several ways that just a little bit more work from Square could have prevented, and made this truly worthy of 5 stars. ... Read more

Features

• Futuristic role playing game
• Fight your opponents either bare handed or in giant robots
• Full 3D environment
• Innovative battle system and immersive storyline
• For 1 player

Reviews (247)

Best game of all time
This is by far my favorite game ever. It has an incedbly deep storyline focusing on religion, but having many other elements as well. The character development was phenominal, better than any other RPG I've played(I have played many). However, this game is not for everyone. It is very, very long (it took me 80 hours on my first playthrough), and a lot of that time is spent reading cutscenes. If you do not have patience this game is not for you.

a timeless story of fighting for what is right (and love)
After playing Xenosaga, I was quite eager to pick this game up in some way.Unfortunately, somehow Crash Bandicoot made the greatest hits collection, and great games like Xenogears are forgotten, but I was fortunate enough to drop the name near a kid who had a cousin who had a copy, which I was glad to purchase, since the cousin didn't like it.

I must admit, I was somewhat disappointed with the battle system.Although it can be fun at times, it lacked the luster that the Materia and Sphere Grid systems had in the world of Final Fantasy, simply making battles mediocre button pushing.The slightly dull combat system wouldn't have been so bad if battles had taken any strategy, but, for the most part and with a few exceptions near the very end, battles are mostly just using your strongest combo and healing yourself when necessary.Once you get Billy in your party, you become practically invincible, since he is able to heal the entire party for more than 300 HP for a paltry 4 EP.The best aspect of the game's combat system, however, would be the gear system.Although not used as well as in Xenosaga, Xenogears makes gear combat fun by separating it from the status of the characters, but also giving the gears abilities based on the abilities of the character riding them.Fighting in gears, however, is always done in a way that you can't win without them, or you can't use them.The only times you'll have access to your gears is on the world map and in places with large enemies that would crush a party on foot.This is once again a place where SquareSoft could have added strategic elements (benefits of battling in gear Vs. on foot, an element used brilliantly in Xenosaga), yet decided to opt for simpler battles for a more complex story line.

The music in Xenogears, composed by the brilliant Yasunori Mitsuda of Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross fame, was terrific for it's time, but with the quality sound that the PS2 is able to put out, Xenogears music will just get dull, especially to the ear of one who has played Xenosaga.Also, like in many other RPGs, Xenogears music is extremely repetitive, especially during the second disc.The theme song for this game was done by Joanne Hogg, and is very
similar to the theme songs from Xenosaga, using the exact same instrumentation and style, yet Hogg's voice just has that enchanting quality which I haven't yet tired of.

Xenogears' story is where it shines, and earns its entire five stars.Xenogears takes elements of religion, fantasy, and sci-fi and mixes them to create the uplifting, suspenseful story of young
Fei's search for the truth (and escape from it) in a world of lies.Enter the character of Elhaym, the beautiful soldier who happens to stand at odds with Fei due to her birth and origin, who changes Fei forever by showing him the joy of love.Each character has his or her individual motive, from the villains to the heroes, each trying to find what they most desire.Some wish for power, others for love, and others simply answers to life's most difficult questions.From the beginning of the first disc, you are propelled from Fei's quiet existence in a small village in the woods toward the flying cities of Shevat and Solaris to the paradise Mahanon.The second disc, unfortunately, falters, as the action is greatly reduced, and the game becomes almost a series of monologues telling us what happened and how.For a good example, imagine if the scene where
Luke and Han rescue Princes Leia in Star Wars were replaced with Luke and/or Han sitting in a chair saying, "We then traveled to the Death Star to save the Princes.We found out that she was being held in a certain cell and saved her, but on the way out, we encountered some guards (picture in background of the heroes and storm troopers engaged in fighting), we only survived by jumping down a hole into a trash compactor..." etc.This gets somewhat obnoxious, but I'm sure that this was only done to save space and avoid the obvious irritation of having a third disc for the end movies.If you're completely into the game's story, you won't mind the dialogue bits too much, since they allow you to skip over some annoying bits that would keep you from getting to the incredible conclusion.

For those Xenosaga Fans out there, this game will make a great hold over until Feb. 15, when Episode 2 comes out.I know I'm going to be at Wal-Mart at opening to get my copy.

Amazing Story and Great Game Play
This RPG has one of the most intricate and interesting storylines I have ever played.You are introduced to a number of characters with complex storylines and realistic emotions.I would go into more detail, but i don't want to give any away.But let's just say that it involves warring nations, genetic engineering, and the destruction of GOD.One of the interesting aspects of the game, however, is the fighting style.Unlike the Final Fantasy Games, or Star Ocean types, this fighting style involves three types of attacks: strong medium and weak.Through combinations of attacks, you can create special moves that deal extra damage.Also, fighting occurs either in hand to hand combat or in gears, which are giant fighting machines that have limited fuel.I don't know what else to say, but trust me that you will not regret playing this game.Also, this game takes awhile, but it's a blast.The unique fighting style also adds a lot to the game and the animated sequences enrich the story.

My favorite RPG of all time
Xenogears is one of the best RPG that I have ever played. The unique use of anime, romance, tragedy, and music all come together to create a great gaming experience. This story has a lot of plot twists and every time that you think that you might have discovered some truth in the game, you get surprised when you find out more details that you were not previously aware of.

The music is great and I enjoyed it so much that I got the soundtrack. All the main characters in the game have their unique histories and perspectives that keep the story going. Expect to spend about 80 to 100 hours to complete this one.

My favorite videogame of all time
I'm at the point of my life where videogames are becoming more and more pointless.The golden age of turning onto entertainment is changing for me.If there is one videogame that stands as best videogame of all time goes, for me this is the one including Chrono Trigger. ... Read more

Product Description

Four nameless warriors are out to save the world as evil gathers across the land. ... Read more

Features

• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Genre: Action/Adventure
• Mission: Save the world Old School-style with Final Fantasy Origins

Reviews (64)

A Weak Fantasy AND How To Fix the Load Time Problem
I've noticed a couple people complain about the load times (especially during battles).There's a quick and easy fix for PS2 owners: In the main menu under the PS1 Driver, there's a setup option for "Fast Loading".When you turn that on, the game will load as fast as the original cartridge did.Problem solved.

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And now for the games:I wasn't too impressed.Technically, FF1 and FF2 are good games.The graphics were upgraded from the 1980's 8-bit Nintendo to 16-bit Wonderswan graphics (think portable Super Nintendo).You choose your characters, and then you go out and fight monsters, again and again (random battles).And so the games, technically, are well-made.


But that alone is not enough for me.I play mainly for the story, and I need a good solid story to make all those random battles worthwhile, but both FF1 & 2 are extremely sparse on story.You spend 5 hours of game, for about 5 minutes of story.Sparse.


I finished both games, but there came a certain point where I was bored, no longer having fun, and playing just to finish the game.A chore.I can think of better 8-bit RPG/Adventure games I'd rather play & better recommend: Atari's Adventure, Activison's Pitfall, Activision's Hero, Sid Meier's Pirates, (all available in various retro-compilations).


I kept FF Anthology and FF Chronicles, but sold FF Origins.It just didn't impress me.Interesting history lesson, but not worth keeping.

Final Fantasy origins warning
Overall the game is a tad boring, and it takes a long time for stuff to really happen in FF1.
...

The games that launched an empire....
It pains me. Only when all nine planets are in perfect alignment is it possible for me to hate a Square-Enix game. For the game to come from the much-loved Final Fantasy franchise, there has to be a lunar and solar eclipse at the same time. Anyone's heard the story right? Square was a struggling developer back in the eighties facing bankrupty. They made a RPG styled after Dragon Quest, Japan's top-selling RPG, which turned into a mega-hit, saving the company and launching one of the most revered videogame series ever.
It's strange that I never played Final Fantasy when it first came out on NES. I know that my family owned the cartridge, but I'd never played it. I figured that the first game would be something special. Final Fantasy to me has always been the epic stories, the memorable characters, and the solid gameplay mechanics. Those were the qualities that just enthralled me when I became hooked on Final Fantasy II (the 4th one really) for the SNES. Unfortunately, the story is barely there and the characterization is nil. You are a band of heroes that is plopped down in a medival fantasy world and given the task of restoring the four crystals which will save the world. That's it. Most of the time you are wandering about aimlessly, trying to figure out where you are supposed to go. The method of exploration is go into cave, if monsters kill you in one hit, leave cave and find another. There are some towns you can visit and be treated to wonderful dialogue like "Bless the Crystal!" only thing half the idiots in this world say.
If that weren't frustrating enough, this is a really hard game. Unfortunately, the difficulty feels like it comes from poor game design than actually being meant to challenge you. Perpare to spend tons of time leveling up. You'll be attacked often, after one or two steps sometimes, the monsters appear in droves, and your attacks will miss as much as they hit. In dungeons, there are no save points for you to save and restore your health with a tent. The healing items and magic is woefully inadequate most of the time. The magic system is also messed up. Instead of having magic points to use as you please, Magic is divided into 8 levels and you can buy 3 spells from each level. You can only use magic from each level a certain number of time. This annoying because by the time you reach level ten most of the low level spells are practically obsolete but you'll have tons of them and few higher level spells. There are also no items to revive fallen party members, so you have to leave the dungeon, track back to town, and get a priest to revive you. This is really annoying when the town doesn't have a priest and you have to go halfway around the world to find one.
I managed to play for 10 hours before I could stand no more. Final Fantasy II is a little better. You play as a group of youths fighting for a rebel resistance movement. The characters have personalities and the game actually gives you missions to accomplish. However, I didn't like the leveling system. Depending on how you fight, your stats increase and decrease accordingly. You'd think that would have the characters highly customizable? Wrong! The characters are still inclined towards certain jobs and weapon types. Maria has low HP and can't hit the broad side of a barn, so she has to be a mage. Give her a javeline instead of her bow and arrow and some animals will have gone extinct before she lands another hit. It takes forever to get the stats to increase.
The presentation of the games are pretty good. The graphics and spell effects are bright and attractive. The music is still exceptional. If you loved Final Fantasy I when it first came out and have been itching to play it again, ignore this review and buy this right away. These games have never looked better and they come will a host of unlockable extras. For everyone else looking to play the RPGs are yesteryear, get Final Fantasy Chronicles or Anthology, as Square has perfected the formula for RPGs by then.
Final Fantasy Origins is a relic of a long-ago era in gaming that has aged like Buddy Hackette. It's a definitely a historic benchmark for the industry, but for me it's only novelty is that it shows that "You've come along way, Baby!"

The origin of Square Enix
A great collection of the games that started THE greatest video game series of all time. The first chapter in the series is a great game but still not as great as the second which is a lot more story involved. I loved them both they show that they are the games that defined the roll playing genre. Loaded with special fetures, there really is no reason not to buy this collection of RPG greatness.

The Best Game
I personally think that the first one is a bit over rated, but number two really is the best.With the blood swords to the numerous amount of characters and magic.I recommend this to any true ff gamer. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

he its cool
Hey karl jorden u are right arc the lad collections is the bombardi but it did not come out for snes my cousin got this the day it cam eout and sold it when the last disk messed up on him at eb games retailersi automatically jumped to disk 2... when istarted playing mind you. but i know how are looks but it was not n snes it proves i am right go to gamespot and see its original released date, back in the day japan.. did not get mad when underpar games went on the systems i means ony did not care..but i know a lot of developers whom wanted to develope stuff for psx and ps2 when psx was almst done and ps2 is now in 2004.. i read that they said.. that they do not want no more little kid game son the system lol not like that.. i mean no more graphics like shining force.. it was a game they wanted on ps2 shingi force or to move subpar grpahic remakes to ps2 and psx in tis dying days was rejected.. iread it some where... so you can say they were invisiably fired...

but people here it is http://www.gamespot.com/finder/findgames.html

it was not on snes..rbably was going to it and got postponed for psx i guess over there theres my proof.

i ad not seen it in 3 ears this game iw a snot far in part 2 my cosin ticke dme off... heard es buyin it agian though...

cannot give it a solid like rating..

Awesome collection of strategy/RPG's...
Arc the Lad 1-3 was originally released by Sony. Arc 1 was released when the PS One first came out, in 1996/1997. About a year later, Arc 2 came out, then Arc 3 followed in 1999. The problem? They were never released out of Japan. Luckily, Working Designs, the company responsible for bringing out Lunar and Lunar 2 with great extras, has brought all 3 of these games out of Japan, with great packaging like the Lunar series.

Arc 1 is pretty short. You could finish it in about 10-15 hours (20+ if you do all the side quests), but it's still a lot of fun. Arc 2 continues the great story, and is a whole lot longer. You could spend anywhere from 50-100 hours on Arc 2. And finally, Arc 3. They took the job system from Arc 2 and made it the main part of Arc 3. Although not as serious, and more lighthearted, than the other games in the series, Arc 3 is still pretty fun. My favorite is Arc 2, then 1, and finally 3, but they all provide hours of fun and entertainment.

Also included is Arc Arena, which allows you to fight other monsters with monsters you capture in Arc 2. This was kind of fun, but I didn't really get into it.

The packaging comes with a hardcover instruction booklet (over 100 pages), a memory card holder, a "Making of Arc the Lad Collection" cd, and more. If you're a fan of strategy/rpg's, don't miss out!

Something that's fun again
I'm only about 1/2 to 2/3 done (I think)with the second game, and I already feel that I've more than got my money's worth.It's not terribly complicated, I've gotten a lot of amusement out of strange things, like looking at the bathtubs with different caracters, the game play is FUN. You don't have to be an ace player, mastering obscure button patterns, and there isn't too much conversation or graphics, JUST GAME!

Arc the Genius, sayeth the Genius...
Arc the Lad isn't a game that everyone will like because there isn't very much exploration. You don't control your character very much at all outside of battles and you have to get caught up in the dialogue in order to enjoy the story and the game. Arc the Lad's best feature is the battle system. The battle system is defiantly unique, of course there are a number of games that use a system that is similar but Arc the Lad came out before those games, it was an SNES game when it first came out in Japan mind you. As soon as I fought my first battle I loved this game and it reminded me of Shining Force, and once I met Tosh I was sold. Great start off to the series even though the last boss is extremely easy.

Arc The Lad II is better than Arc the Lad, and yes I have beaten it (for that reviewer who claimed not very many people have beaten it). The spells look better than Arc the Lad and you get to capture monsters and have them join your team. A complaint I have about the monsters is they cannot equip armor and so cannot keep up with your human party members. But with monster Arena you can fight with your friends (assuming you don't spend all your time on Amazon and do have friends) with your monster and so still keeping them up on levels is pretty important. This game is tougher than the first, it has more puzzles and tougher enemies plus the level you can level up to is insane (I have no idea what the max is but it is over 150). This game introduces the Hunter's Guild to Arc the Lad lovers where you take up jobs and go after wanted monsters all for money. Most of the cast from Arc the Lad joins up with your party and you can fight with them, if you've beaten Arc the Lad you can use convert and your characters from Arc the Lad will be at the same level with the same weapons you last left them at. The transition between games is extremely smooth thumbs up to this game! Sometimes the battles do get annoying but bare with it man... it's a good game, now shut your complaining.

I must admit I haven't beaten Arc the Lad III , so I think I'm entitled to my opinion about this one. Man I love the character Lutz but everyone is so mean to him, Alec (the hero) is suppose to be his best friend and yet he joins the others in picking on him they should realize that Lutz kicks all their [butts] and they should shut up cause he's the best character... Ahhh that felt sooo good Ok. enough about my Lutz raving. The game is better than the other ones. You meet a lot of the cast from the first and second game but it's rare for you to fight along side them, none of them join your party. But that's ok cause you fight with Tosh for a while (he's not at the same level I left him on GRRRRRRR) The plot revolves more around the Hunter's Guild than the second one and you're introduced to other Guilds.... Not sure if I like the other guilds or not I rarely use them but hey if you like that type of thing I guess. The magic looks good and now instead of capturing monsters you turn them into cards where they'll do one move and disappear, hey I'm not complaining I think it looks pretty cool myself. Anyways this game is awesome with the awesome battle system all the Arc the Lads have... So great stuff here... Did I mention Lutz is awesome?

Overall Arc the Lad satisfied me especially its battle system. The Arc the Lad series (though I haven't played the fourth one) flows together better than any video game series I've ever played.

Hmmm, overated, and not joking
Alright this review is going to reveal the truth about arc the lad. No there isn't any spoilers, but I will spill out the real details.

Arc the Lad 1: Great game. Really short. But really fun, after you play it once it isn't as great, but still I loved the battles and the 2d graphics worked great.

Arc the Lad 2: Ok its got alot more in it. You can change your weapons, more spells, tons of characters, monsters to control, yet sadly fails. The reason being? Noone actually plays to the end. Most of these people reviewing probably haven't gotten to the second half of the game. The first part is great. Then the battles start to get more frequent. The third part is enormously filled with meaningless battles, one after another. Then we reach the final areas. Tons of battles in which the reward is a new plot twist, you now must go to some random town and enter a doom tower filled with 30 levels of battling fun! Ok so you beat the tower, then split up in some ice area, 2 groups, thousands of battles. So you reach the final dungeon(s). Ok you walk up some stone blocks... now your going to HAVE to fight 5 consecutive battles in a row. Then go into this place and search for like 5 switches or something, it wasn't clear. I fought 4 battles going into a house and coming out, then realized there was nothing in there. I walked up to it, entered battle, went inside and battled, entered a room to find nothing, left the room and battled, went outside and battled. In these battles you are outnumbered. You just use your magic and take them down in about 3 hits. The magic starts to get real annoying after you see it thousands of times. Ok so you find the switches, guess what, you have to go into this creepy lair and fight some bosses, great. Overall the game really slumps. Most of the reviews here just say that arc the lad 2 has more then arc the lad 1 and is better. Sure arc the lad 2 starts great, but I am WARNING you, you will probably just stop caring by the end.

Arc the Lad 3: I got to the final dungeon and quit in arc the lad 2, then arc the lad 3 was popped in. I did not load my data because, well, I never finished arc2 to the dead end. So you basically are a hunter. The Cast seems dry compared to the original. Still the 3d seems appropriate, because most games are 3d now. It isn't better then what you can find anywhere else. Just go play a game like final fantasy 7 or legend of dragoon and you will be more satisfied. But arc the lad 3 seems kind of a blend of arc1 and arc2, with some today standards thrown in.

Arc the Lad Monster Arena: Pointless, you load in some monsters from arc the lad 2. I used a monster throught the whole game in arc2, yet the monster was still 10 levels behind all my other characters. Monsters are pointless, you have like 30 different good characters to choose from. This game just has some battles, and buying of stuff. Don't worry about it.

Extra: The book is kinda cool, considering its hardback. The little stand things are not really needed. The memory card holder will probably never be used. But the analog covers seems kinda okay, but feel weird. The making of the games is not really a blast either, its just showing you how they do stuff that you will never be able to do.

Overall the games are not that satisfying. If arc1 was released alone for like 15 dollars I would get it. But it is really short. So do not spend your money on this product. Borrow it from a friend, play arc1, then return it. ... Read more

Product Description

In an interesting mix of side-scrolling action and role-playing games, Valkyrie Profile will have you scouring the ranks of the dead in search of suitable warriors for Odin, the Norse god of gods.But before these dearly departed can be entered into Odin'seinherjar, or heavenly army, you've got to train them in the right battle skills. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

PERFECT....
Is she not perfection... this game was amazing. GREAT STORY, good game play, interesting combo attack system. Maybe the most enjoyable game I have ever played.Several endings based on how and when you do events. Very expensive now but if your up to spending for these overpriced playstation games this is the one to get.

Love the ending
I just completed this game, I played it twice because ending B left me longing for more so I tried for the A ending, and wow I'm surprised, so much drama I loved it. Hoping for a sequel, if you read the reviews on this site you will notice how different this game is, I wish I would have bought this game when it came out in 2000, it's 2005 now, I truly regret not buying it, this game is amazing, so amazing I rank it up there in my list 1.Xenogears 2.Final Fantasy Tactics(tie)Valkyrie Profile 3.Chrono Cross. If your tired of the same boring stuff like the Final Fantasy Series I suggest you get this game, it has a good storyline which the FFS (except FF3)lack. Like Xenogears this game will become an underground classic beloved by those who have it and played it.

Who needs Final Fantasy when you can have the real deal?
Much like one of the lost souls in this game that are recruited and trained, Valkyrie Profile has been given a chance for life again in the secondary market.Although it was hugely successful in Japan, this American version bombed stateside.It is only now that the game has faded into oblivion that gamers have caught on to the charm and appeal that it offers.Valkyrie Profile will surely go down in the annals of video-gaming history as one of the best (and best-loved) RPG's ever to hit the market.

I can't remember much hype surrounding the release of this title, as it came out in the wake of the genre-redefining Final Fantasy VII and its sequels.And that is such a shame, because there are so many positive things to say about this game.Although it is billed as an RPG (role-playing game), Valkyrie Profile effortlessly combines elements of the best side-scroller, action, and adventure games that even the most casual of gamers will recognize.

In the tradition of the Final Fantasy series, Valkyrie Profile creates a cohesive and compelling storyline that pulls you in and keeps you there until the final credit has faded.It has characters that you literally grow to love as you, as the eponymous Lenneth Valkyrie, gather and train lost human souls to fight as Odin's einherjar at Ragnarok, the cataclysmic battle at the end of time.

The segments of the game where you control your character and roam around complex, confusing dungeons are reminiscent of the ever-popular Super Mario games.These side-scrolling adventures are the meat of the game; in them you encounter not only monsters to engage in battle but also characters that become your party, and ultimately, the einherjar.When you initially encounter each character, a flashback sequence kicks in and tells you how and why that character died.Then your job as Odin's army recruiter begins and you convince them to join your party.From then on it's off to run into monsters and level up!

Like Diablo and its sequel Diablo II, how you equip the members in your party determines how powerful they are and how quickly they level up.As Valkyrie, it is also your job to make sure each member is adequately equipped with armor, weapons, and accessories.You choose three einherjar to fight by your side at any given time.If you have more than three einherjar, you are given the choice of whom to put in your party.And this is where Valkyrie Profile sets itself apart from other RPG's:not only is it important about whom you put into your party, but it is also important where you place them in your attack formation and when you have each character attack the enemy!Given all these options in battle, it is no wonder playing this game is so much fun!

The game's visuals are just stunning and the sounds are music to your ears.You have about 15 minutes to look and listen to the first cinematic sequence that opens the game.In this time you can soak in the majesty of the images that were used to illustrate the story and its characters, and you can lie back and hear the carefully composed instrumentals that emphasize the mood of each scene.(Incidentally, you can even buy the soundtrack to this beautiful game!)

Obviously, a lot of time and thought went into the making of this game; do yourself a favor and experience it.The secondary-market prices may be a bit steep, but they're a testament to the complexity and replayability this game offers.So, pick up this title that fell by the wayside, give it a good working-over, and make it a prized part of your video game collection--before Ragnarok comes!

Eternal Shine
When I bought this title a few years ago, I really didn't expect anything overly special. This is one of the few times I will gladly report that I was dead wrong. I am not a big gamer, but this is the only RPG I have played where you fully control your own destiny. Not only are there three main ways to play (easy, medium, hard), but every thing you do and every decision you make counts for something here. The designers did themselves and everyone else the greatest of favors by paying attention to the slightest details, in the gameplay and in the graphics. Overall, a wonderful experience that won't lose it's shine no matter how many times you play.

Man! Some games really cost big bucks!!!
This one is worth it, though! I was lucky; I got mine for twenty bucks from a Walmart a few years back. An interesting and unique title which I still put in and play today, Valkyrie Profile will disappoint you if you can get a hold of it. Personally, I wouldn't let my COMPLETE, MINT game go for less than two hundred, though (that is to say, you ain't gettin' it!).

Valkyrie Profile follows the last days before ragnarok, the end of the world. You play as Lenneth, one of three valkyries who must gather the souls of the powerful slain to fight for the Aesir in their final struggle against the Vanir (yeah, I know, they were SUPPOSED to fight the giants, but give 'em a break). Along the way, however, you may uncover clues to your own clouded existence (the choices are up to you), and in any case, you will meet many reprehensible characters who will fight by your side.

The games development system mirrors that of Star Ocean 2 (another fine game from the same makers), and the combat is incredible. Unbelievably enough, an RPG finally understood that yes, combat and levelling up COULD be interesting. In fact, no part of this game is boring. Strategic combat, good storyline (the intro is a little lengthy, however), multiple endings, choice-driven role-playing - what more could anyone ask?

But apparently, many people DID want more. This game bombed over here (unfortunate, since obviously the makers had sequel in mind, judging from the endings), but you would be very lucky to play this now. So let me say: Should this game ever find its way into your local used game store, snap it up! You'll be quite happy you did. ... Read more

Features

• Turn-based fantasy strategy game
• Introducing the unique "Job" system, allowing characters to train in different character classes
• Over 40 different monsters to encounter
• Incredibly detailed and complex storyline
• For 1 player

Reviews (125)

Another FF classic
This is not your average Final Fantasy game, but still an enjoyable one. This is more of a strategy game than an RPG. It is a four-chapter game. The first chapter is learning the basics, the second and third chapters are a little bit harder, and the last chapter is medium and then gets extremely easy once you get Orlandu. There are many differents monster and/or human enemies you must deal with in battles. If you lose a major battle, this means that you must train your men a bit before re-entering. I have beaten this several times and guarantee that you, the viewer/customer, will enjoy it also.

A Timeless Classic--Still Addictive after Seven Years
Strengths: Involved and complex story, addictive gameplay, beautiful graphics

Weakenesses: Poor camera control, dead-end savepoints

Final Fantasy Tactics is one of those rare console games that you can return to again and again and yet always find it to be enjoyable, immersive, and incredibly addictive. For a seven-year-old game that will take most gamers over fifty (that's right, five-zero) hours to complete, this is quite an accomplishment.

FF Tactics' two most brilliant virtues are its intricate plot and a unique gameplay experience which is the result of a nearly perfect integration of three-dimensional, turn-based combat and the familiar RPG strategy of guiding the advancement of the characters in your party through various jobs and skills. The elegant and involved gameplay element of FF Tactics is ultimately it's love-it-or-hate-it attribute. In addition to developing characters in between battle sequences (by upgrading abilities, purchasing new weapons and armor, sending characters on adventures, etc.), you also command parties of up to five characters in 3-D battles by maneuvering to gain tactical advantage (attacking from the sides and behind is always more effective) and executing attacks or other actions.

Gameplay is quite complicated and, as a result, the learning curve for FF Tactics is relatively high. Square (the game's publisher) graciously includes a tutorial mode (accessible via the game's main menu) that provides newcomers to the game a firm foundation upon which to begin experiencing the game. Be warned, however: it will take you one to two hours to progress through all of the included tutorials. Despite this significant time requirement, I would highly recommend that gamers who are not familiar with similar games (such as Vandal Hearts for the PSX) take the time to look at some of the tutorials.

The story is even more enveloping than the gameplay. The carefully-written plot will always leave you in suspense, anxiously looking forward to the next twist or turn in the storyline. The events of the story are subtly (sometimes ambiguously) unveiled with an elegance that is rarely found in literature and film, let alone in video games. As with gameplay, however, the complexity of the plot can sometimes work against itself. I will frequently find myself having to go back several cutscenes to try to piece together what's going on. Fortunately, Square planned for this as well: you have access from within the game itself to every cutscene that you have viewed as well as summaries of all the characters (even minor ones) and their involvement with the plot thus far (yes, these summaries are updated as the game progresses).

The graphics are another of the game's many virtues; they are beautiful and have worn quite well considering the age of the game. You won't find any flashy 3-D effects (the landscapes are colorful and attractive--although low-resolution--3-D models while the characters are 2-D animated sprites), but the artwork present throughout the game--from battles, to cutscenes, to menus--is just that: artwork.

Despite its excellent gameplay, plot, and graphics, however, FF Tactics does have its share of weaknesses. Most frequently annoying are the camera angles that are available in the battle sequences. More often than not, the 3-D landscapes obstruct your view of the characters and action, and the limited camera control makes it difficult to find a good angle from which to view most of the action. The result is a lot of switching from view to view throughout the course of a battle (or even throughout a single turn). Occasionally, this makes it virtually impossible to even see a particular character, but this is admittedly rare.

A less-frequently occurring but even more frustrating element of the game are the opportunities it provides to paint oneself into the proverbial corner. There are several points in the game (usually at the end of each chapter) where you will play through several battles back-to-back, with no time in between to develop your characters. Since battles can last as long as 30 minutes (sometimes more), the game provides you with the opportunity to save your game in between these battles. Good, right? Not necessarily. The problem with this setup is that if your characters aren't adequately prepared for the subsequent battle(s), then you may get stuck in a