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

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

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

• Return to the world of Lunar, in the completely reworked 32-bit version of the classic game
• Journey back to a place where dragons yet live, and magic is valued above all else
• Join young adventurer Alex as he tries to save the land from the crushing advance of the Magic Emperor
• Explore dungeons, fight terrifying monsters, and gather information from the locals
• For 1 player

Reviews (108)

A Lost Classic
*Please note I am reviewing Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, they are basically the same games, but just with a few new additions.Thank you*

Every once in a while the classics return updated.Working Designs has done a phenomenal job restoring the classic Lunar: Silver Star onto the Playstation as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete.The game is very enjoyable and while the game is considerably short compared to other RPGs, it works well.The dungeons test the level of your characters but never exhaust them into a need to train excruciatingly to move from place to place which is the type of flow that is much needed to enjoy an RPG rather than just play it.Also the inclusion of ability to use the joy pads makes moving easier than pressing down on the control pad.
The artwork and cut scenes are done beautifully, however the majority of the time the game characters are sprites.The gameplay is enjoyable but if you don't have the patience or want to strategize you will find yourself throwing down your controller, dying, or asleep.The game itself never is frustrating if you take the time to train your team and not just run from every threat.Each boss has strengths and weaknesses and if you take the time to observe them you can defeat them without much of a problem, but not to say they are easy.Though no one boss will kill off your entire party with just one blow.
The writing is some of the best I've ever seen in a game.The sharp wit of the characters and comedic dialogue is balanced so well that it never gets stale or reused.The game can also be very serious to the point you can relate your own emotion to the characters to laugh and even cry with them while playing this game.The cut scenes are something you will look forward to rather than just wish you can skip from the rich opening to the enjoyable ending.
However this game was made back in 1999.While it can be pretty to look at, if you are a fan of rich cell shaded 3-D environments and characters... well lets just say the game never looks better than the animé on Saturday mornings.It also can get tedious, as some dungeons seem to go on and on and on...
Even with some of its shortcomings, RPG veterans and those new to the series should pick up this title for a good time.Lunar: Silver Star Story is the lost classic and sleeper hit of the end of the millennium.I proudly give a game that has become my favorite a perfect score.

A lost classic
*Please note I am reviewing Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, they are basically the same games, but just with a few new additions.Thank you*

Every once in a while the classics return updated.Working Designs has done a phenomenal job restoring the classic Lunar: Silver Star onto the Playstation as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete.The game is very enjoyable and while the game is considerably short compared to other RPGs, it works well.The dungeons test the level of your characters but never exhaust them into a need to train excruciatingly to move from place to place which is the type of flow that is much needed to enjoy an RPG rather than just play it.Also the inclusion of ability to use the joy pads makes moving easier than pressing down on the control pad.
The artwork and cut scenes are done beautifully, however the majority of the time the game characters are sprites.The gameplay is enjoyable but if you don't have the patience or want to strategize you will find yourself throwing down your controller, dying, or asleep.The game itself never is frustrating if you take the time to train your team and not just run from every threat.Each boss has strengths and weaknesses and if you take the time to observe them you can defeat them without much of a problem, but not to say they are easy.Though no one boss will kill off your entire party with just one blow.
The writing is some of the best I've ever seen in a game.The sharp wit of the characters and comedic dialogue is balanced so well that it never gets stale or reused.The game can also be very serious to the point you can relate your own emotion to the characters to laugh and even cry with them while playing this game.The cut scenes are something you will look forward to rather than just wish you can skip from the rich opening to the enjoyable ending.
However this game was made back in 1999.While it can be pretty to look at, if you are a fan of rich cell shaded 3-D environments and characters... well lets just say the game never looks better than the animé on Saturday mornings.It also can get tedious, as some dungeons seem to go on and on and on...
Even with some of its shortcomings, RPG veterans and those new to the series should pick up this title for a good time.Lunar: Silver Star Story is the lost classic and sleeper hit of the end of the millennium.I proudly give a game that has become my favorite a perfect score.

This game is a labor of love!
This game has what I fear RPGs are losing: a true sense of adventure. A true adventure not only changes the world in the game but the characters themselves (one of the greatest examples being Final Fantasy VI). Some games have tried to portray love in a passionate sense, but they really fail to grasp the way people are drawn together and instead the love seems rushed. But not with this game! This game really brings home the point of how powerful a love for someone can be without being too over-dramatic. The charaters are great. They all are more charming and fun than the average RPG. In conclusion if you love RPGs that offer more than just great graphics and complicated features than I really really recommend this to you. Out of the many RPGs I've played including all of the Final Fantasy games, this one is definitely one of my top three, with only Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII being higher. Old-School gamers or gamers who love a good plot should definitely check this out!

Old Fashioned RPG
This is an old fashioned RPG that may not appeal to those who have only known the likes of Final Fantasy X, FFX-2, and Xenosaga.There's not a lot of cutscenes here to help tell the story.No fancy soundtrack.Very little voice acting, which is a shame considering the voice actor for Ghaleon did a wonderful job. There's nothing like an elaborate prologue or ending that you got out of Xenosaga. Instead, gamers will have to depend on lots of reading and playing to make the story unfold.

Battles are quite challenging.Basically, you plan the moves for all of your characters and then turn control over to the battle system.There is also an option to have the battle system fight for you, but this mode is not recommended.

This game's story is very mild and shallow compared to the other RPGs mentioned above.LSSS's strong points are definitely fighting and solving puzzles.The story is a lightweight.And definitely not for those looking for something along the lines of "epic".

The best game ever
Lunar games are the best games ever. They have indepth story lines. There more fun than most PS2 games. Lunar Silver Star is the best game besides Lunar Enternal Blue. It's the best game ever i will play them and beat them and then play them all over again just because they are the best game ever. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue is old-school role-playing goodness at itsvery best. From the story to the simple battle system, it doesn't bore playerswith the details that can make newer role-playing games unbearable. No, Lunar2 won't impress anyone with its likewise old-school graphics, but that's notthe point. This game is fun.

The story in Lunar 2 doesn't take itself as seriously as otherrole-playing games, which contributes to the fun. The game's hero, Hiro, and hissidekick Ruby must help a young girl locate the goddess Althena. The quest turnsout to be long, spanning three disks, most of which hold full-motion videocutscenes.

The video sequences in Lunar 2 are probably the best part. They mixJapanese anime with computer graphics and are completely stunning. The in-gamegraphics, on the other hand, are ported straight from the 16-bit Sega CD, with afew enhancements, so those who like eye candy should consider themselves warned.--Robb Guido

Pros:

• Light and fun
• Super movie sequences that mix anime and computer graphics

• Outdated graphics

Reviews (101)

FLAWLESS!!!!!!!!!!
This game is really something else. the scheme of the battles are quite tactical and where you really have to think whats going on the the game. its amazing how that characters talk during the cut scenes, you really know what is going on. it exceeded past their first game Lunar: Silver Star Story complete. i cant wait to try thw one for the game boy advance!!!!!!!!!!!

FLAWLESS!!!!!!!!!!
This game is really something else. the scheme of the battles are quite tactical and where you really have to think whats going on the the game. its amazing how that characters talk during the cut scenes, you really know what is going on. it exceeded past their first game Lunar: Silver Star Story complete. i cant wait to try thw one for the game boy advance!!!!!!!!!!!

THE GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME
when i first played this game i was amazed even though it was sorta poor graphics not the best graphics but still good onesthis game is a old school rpg i figured out about this game my friend brought it over and he was playing it so after he was done playing i wanted to try it when i first played most of the beginning of the game i was amazed i got pretty far then my friend left after a week or so i bought lunar 2 eternal bule complete i was amazed of the story of the game and how you battledthe key to playing and beating most bosses on lunar 2 is haveing tacticsif u can do that u will have a lot more easy time beating the game well that's all

To be played into the wee hours of the morning.
The games of the past truly are marvelous accomplishments.They know nothing of the modernized games we have today, and their quality is more focused and mature.With the harness of gaming graphics pretty non-existent in Lunar, the game has more power and depth, and certainly more room to grow than recent titles do.With each passing moment, Lunar does not become old and boring, it just becomes more charming and impressive.Lunar is a game that only gets better in time.
Since Lunar is a relatively old game, it was free to run with a complicated story, rather than just display some appealing eye candy as you drag a character through another repetitive task.The fact that Lunar is so different than other games is what really drew me to it.Here you are, in a massive world, with a hole mess of party members, when you realize that you've just embarked on an unforgettable and hilarious adventure that you would be foolish to hope to find in any other game.Lunar's story is touching and it doesn't insult you with the old cliché's and stereotypes.Just when you think it's all over, you always seem to find another important task at hand.When you finally DO finish this game, your left with an indescribable feeling of accomplishment and you finally understand just why everyone loves this 'old-school' game so much.
Lunar's charm washes over you completely from the moment you insert that first disc.It's filled with characters that you just love to interact with.When your away from the battlefield you don't always find yourself worrying about what boss is next, sometimes you just want to talk to the townspeople and see what hilarious thing Ronfar or Ruby or ANY of your party members will say.It's great that there's an rpg out there that's not all 'business', Lunar is just plain FUN!!!
Lunar is a light-hearted, but DEAD serious game, and you can always appreciate what's going on.In one scene you'll be laughing your guts out, then the next second your back to business when something HUGE happens!!!The game is soo exciting, and it's just awesome to play it.
If there is a thing that Lunar lacks, it absolutely makes up with it tenfold with it's laughable dialog, interesting story, and massive amount of extra goodies.Lunar is a game that you'll love forever, and you'll never EVER regret playing it.So, if you haven't already experienced what a true rpg can be, don't waste another precious moment, PLAY LUNAR!!

Great no matter what!
Whether your a long time resident, or a new-commer into the magical world of lunar, you have to admit that it was A LOT more than you expected!LUNAR may bea quite an old game, but that doesn't mean it's charm is in any way outdated.If you ask me this game just gets better with time.
I actually played this game before I played the first one--which is also an awesome game.You can play these games as a set, or idividualy, it makes no difference, you'll love em just the same!!^-^
I won't go into explaining the story, everyone else has already done that for me.You look at all the reviews this game gets and they're all either positive or they're negetive and nobody votes for them!!It's pretty obvious that this game is very crowd pleasing.And with all it's little quirks, it's just a pleasure to own it.
Anyways, I played this game like two years ago now, but i'm still not tired of it, and I don't think I will be any time soon!!Oh and by the way if anyone has information on the infamous "lunar 3" PLEASE PLEASE e-mail me, I'll really apprecieate it!!!

~have fun!!! ^o^ ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

You don't have to be a hard-core gamer to notice that innumerable--not tomention impressive--role-playing games (RPGs) have been released for the SonyPlayStation. Although the fourth installment in the Breath of Fire seriesis a fine RPG, it's doesn't quite hold a flame to the best of the aforementionedalternatives.

Breath of Fire IV is a single-player game that continues the story withthese "dragon people," who gave their lives to eradicate the evil goddess andrestore peace in their world. This time around, battle has broken out betweentwo powerful continents, and the fair Princess Elena has disappeared during atour of the war-torn region. The princess's sister, Nina, who reigns o'er theWindia Kingdom, vows to retrieve her missing sibling. She meets Ryu along theway, who joins the epic quest.

Breath of Fire IV's gameplay is refreshingly simple, with only a fewminor additions to its predecessor's battle system. Most noticeably, a new combosystem lets spells dish out more damage than when cast alone, by working inconjunction with other spells. As before, Ryu can transform into a dragon orhybrid half-human, half-dragon creature to gain special attack powers. The partywill pick up other drifters throughout the game, some of whom have the power totransform.

Each town opens up a new set of subquests and minigames (yup--there's anotherfishing game here, folks), both of which add longevity and replayability toBreath of Fire IV, although not everyone will appreciate the mandatorynature of these diversions.

Like many Japanese-bred RPGs, the musical score and crisp sound effects areexcellent, but there is very little voice talent in the game. In all, Breathof Fire IV is a solid, although not fantastic, RPG. --Todd Mowatt

Pros:

• Solid story
• Effective battle system
• Extraordinary musical score

• Average graphics
• Sometimes-awkward control and camera angles

Features

• Search the war-torn regions to find the princess in this fantasy RPG
• More than 200 spells to learn and master
• Higher resolution characters in a vast 3D world
• Two epic intertwining storylines
• For 1 player

Reviews (33)

A Grave Disapointment
When I bought this game I expected something as good as BOF III or better. Sadly it turns out this game is the Mystic Quest (for those familiar with the Final Fantasy series) of the BOF RPG's. Since I only paid 16 dollars including shipping I don't feel too bad, but I can recomend this game only for completist collectors unless you can get it for what I paid or less. If you have an old Super Nintendo game box and don't have BOF and BOF II, get them first, they're better.

Breath of Fire Review and conclusion (By Steven Lawrie)
For a PS1 game this rules! Graphics are good (For a PS1 game) loads of spells to learn, hundreds of enemies to beat, good storyline, can carry loads of items, lots of possibiltes and the list goes on! Plus the game is long not a puny 5 level game and that's it! this game lasts! A must have!

This is a very fun and cool game...
I'd say that this is a very fun and interesting game. The sidequests are good, because it makes the game even longer. The only thing about this game that many people don't like, is the camera settings. People say that they can be very frustrating. The music for this game is great. The themes for the variety of towns is fantastic! The battle system is pretty good too. You can learn different abilities from enemies by gaurding. If the name of the attack appears in blue, then that means it can be learned, but it may take some time to learn it. All the characters in this game are all skilled fighters, so you might want to rotate which ones you'll use. Also, everyone will get the same amount of experince points (EXP) after a battle. Hope this review helped!

To me, this is one of the best games I have ever played! I hope you buy it, becuase you'll love it!

Improves with Age...
When I bought BOF IV on its release, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the simple plot and rather poor graphics.

However, being (as I am) temporarily broke, with the prospect of any new PS 2 games being but a distant horizon-blip, I decided to give it another go, and I have to say, I am delighted I did.

BOF IV is not a game about technical bedazzlement or complicated quests with much philosophising. It is not a Final Fantasy game! Nor, in fifteen years' time, will it be remembered as a Classic, like the FInal Fantasies. But it's still an excellent homage to the early days of RPGs like Shining Wisdom, the original Zelda, and The Legend of Oasis games.

Briefly, the plot: Cray and Princess Nina are investigating the disappearance of Nina's sister Elina, when they run across Ryu, a strange boy with no past and no direction. Their quest to find Elina and give Ryu a life takes them across several continents, accumulating a cast of memorable characters and unravelling a plot that involves Dragons, Civil War and theological Entities.

What I am most impressed with is the simplicity and clarity with which BOF IV plays. Stylishly retro, the graphics are actually rather good - with more frames of animation and bigger, brighter characters than before - and some lovely spell effects. Everything is drawn in real-time, and the option to rotate the camera a full 360 degrees compensates much for the lousy camera angles one often runs across.

The control system, too, is very easy to get to grips with and user-friendly - spells and abilities are learned and interchangeable - and the Combo system is a nice, innovative touch.

The characters are decent, well-thought out personalities, but lack diversity. So far, so good.

Sadly, BOF IV, like Onimusha after it, is just a little too far entrenched on the side of 'mundane' to be a truly memorable classic. It does take a good three or four hours of play time before the plot and characterisation picks up and by this time, you may well be unable to forgive the game its rather uninspiring opening. Similarly confusing, and dull, are the playable early sections starring Fou-Lu, the Laguna Loire to Ryo's Squall. Like the rest of the game, thankfully, these sections get progressively better, and by the end, you'll have formed an affectionate attachment to BOF IV.

All in all, an excellent little title with one or two sadly fatal flaws that keep it from being a Classic, BOF IV is a definite reccommendation if you can get it cheap...

a cool game
this game is almost like Suikodin in this game you is two different kind of people one of the side are good the other side is evil that's becuase both of them saperate form each other and they both are dragons. ... Read more

Features

• Fight combinations of characters from all over the Marvel and Capcom universes
• Marvel characters include: Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine
• Capcom characters include: Street Fighters Ryu, Chun Li, and Zangief
• Choose from 22 characters
• For 1 or 2 players

Reviews (36)

A Quality Playstation port of the arcade
Don't listen to most bashing this game,most are only doing so because they are trying to compare this title Nose-to-nose with the perfect arcade and dreamcast versions.Indeed this version cannot compete with those but its still a decent conversion and a TRUE feat of the Playstation hardware,considering its limited abilities due to lack of RAM.

Flashback to around 98' with the release of X-Men Vs StreetFighter for the PSOne,indeed it was'ent too great.Nevermind the lack of tag team the characters also had a limited amount of animation and there was slowdown.The title was still very playable but they could've done much better.

Since then Capcom learned their lesson and fine-tuned the PSOne to run such games smoothly.Marvel SuperHeroes Vs StreetFighter was an especially nice port and so is MvC.

The graphics are colorful and flashy with most of the backgrounds and effects during supermoves retaining much of their animation.The characters themselves look great and are also given a nice amount of animation.The gameplay is Fast and fun with little to no slowdown of any kind,even during screen filling supermoves.

Had the game retained true tag-team play this title would definitly be a winner as the graphics and action are all Excellent.But unfortunitly even the best game developers can only do so much with the systems limited RAM.As in Previous Vs games the main battle mode only allows 1-on-1 fighting.Though its still very fun for those who can look past the tagteam gameplay.

However there is crossover mode-Which allows Tagteam gameplay with the only difference being that you have to choose the same two characters as the CPU.It can get old fighting mirror versions of your two fighters but the mode otherwise replicates the Arcade versions gameplay very well.

While its no substitute,this version actually contains features not found in the otherwise Perfect dreamcast version.The PSX port allows you to play as Onslaught in both normal and giant forms! Very cool. The game also lets you save and view character endings for later and there is a section that allows you to view and get a good look at each of the special partner characters like Authur and Unknown Soldier.

Overall Marvel Vs Capcom for the PSOne,is a polished,Nice-Quality port retaining about 85% of the Arcade version.If you have a dreamcast you obviously won't want to bother with this port but if you don't have a DC and own a Playstation/PS2,this game is still a fine substitute.

Awesome
Ok let me tell u now this game is awesome. I played it in a arcade and i got hooked and begged my parents to get me it off the net.And trust me when i got it a year ago rite off amazon it was not cheap (50 bucks!!)anyway this game is alittle different from the arcade because you dont have a team with two people its just another guy that does a little attack every time u call them in.SOme of u might say thats the best part and ur right but its still a great game get this game if u can!

Not all that great
If you've played any of Capcom's 2D fighter CPS2-to-PlayStation conversions lately, then you already know what to expect from the PlayStation version of Marvel vs. Capcom. While the arcade (and, subsequently, the arcade-perfect Dreamcast conversion) supplied a four-fighter tag-team battle, the PlayStation's RAM limitation limits the battle to two fighters. Also, many frames of animation have been chopped out, particularly those for larger characters. Marvel vs. Capcom is the latest incarnation of Capcom's Street Fighter vs. series. But here, instead of limiting the characters to X-Men or Street Fighters, Capcom has taken characters from all over the Marvel and Capcom universes. Marvel is represented by new additions like Venom and Onslaught, as well as fighting-game veterans like Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine. Capcom's lineup includes Street Fighters Ryu, Chun Li, and Zangief, but also nonfighting characters like Captain Commando, Strider Hiryu, and Mega Man. The result is an ultimate (albeit a bit condensed) lineup of fighters from all over the place. This cross section of comic-book heroes and video-game characters gives the game a truly new and diverse feel, even if the gameplay hasn't changed too much since the last Capcom vs. fighting game, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter.
Some remnants of the tag battle remain. You still select a second character, but that character's only influence on the battle is in the form of short, special attacks. The arcade game actually had you select three fighters, one of whom served as a helper character that you could call on at any time for a quick attack. Now, you select your main fighter and then choose if you want one of these helpers, or a second normal fighter that will join up with you and perform team super combos, should you issue the command to do so. To make up for the loss of the tag action, the ability to link multiple super combos has been added. This lets you really rack up the multihit combos and do a lot of damage to your opponent, to boot. Graphically, the game really doesn't look too bad, taking into consideration the limitations of the hardware. The game is colorful, and the backgrounds are nice. New to the PlayStation version is a quick zoom that occurs during throws. This is a little disorienting, and the characters get pretty pixelated up close as well. The audio portion of the game is troublesome. Everything sounds extremely tinny, and the trebley sound and music will get on your nerves almost immediately.If you're looking for the arcade version, you really need to go to an arcade or pick up the Dreamcast version. The PlayStation version may have the same moves as the original game, but the shell surrounding those moves is completely different. Rent this one first.

Old, but awesome
If you're going to waste your life playing 2-d fighting games, and can't find Marvel vs Capcom 2, waste your life on this game.It rocks.

Arcade Style Fighting.
Marvel VS Capcom is an arcade style fighting game featuring some of the biggest names from the worlds of Marvel and Capcom.Everyone from Mega Man to Spiderman.For someone who wants to just sit down and fight it out with some amazing moves, this is the game for you!I will admit that fighting the computer can be difficult at times.The special moves allow some characters to just cream you in 30 seconds or less.Other than that, the graphics are great, the sound is good, and the choice of characters is absolutely amazing.This is a must-have for any Playstation gamer. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Vagrant Story is one of those games that wows you at thestart--a big "WOW!" in this case--but maintains only a tenuous hook inthe long haul. In this mix of action/adventure and fantasy role-playing,players are cast as a Riskbreaker (think one-man army) namedAshley Riot, whose pursuit of a villainous cult leader takes him to themysterious city of Lea Monde.

The highly stylized graphics in Vagrant Story are easily some ofthe best ever seen on the PlayStation, and give the game a gorgeous,distinctive look to match its somber tone. Cinematic story sequencesblend in almost seamlessly with gameplay, which takes place in 3-Denvironments (viewed from a third-person perspective) that can berotated to provide the best angle.

Vagrant Story features a rich battle system that's built on bothstrategy and quick reflexes. In addition to character statistics,weapons and armor have detailed numbers of their own and can bedisassembled, assembled, or even combined to create new items. Hand/eyecoordination factors heavily into combat, as Ashley develops offensiveand defensive battle abilities that require perfectly timed buttonpushing in order to be used.

Unfortunately, it's all too easy to get bored with VagrantStory. The painfully linear gameplay here doesn't rise abovekilling enemy after enemy in room after room, and (oh boy!) solvingpuzzles by manipulating boxes. If not for the wholly intriguing (butsparsely littered) plot, one would be strongly tempted just to leaveAshley to rot in the catacombs beneath Lea Monde. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Highly stylized graphics
• Rich battle system
• Intriguing plot

• Shallow, linear gameplay

Features

• Good mix of action/adventure and fantasy role-playing
• Rich battle system
• For 1 player
• You are Ashley Riot, in pursuit of a villainous cult leader
• Highly stylized graphics and cinematic story sequences

Reviews (96)

Best Dungeon Crawler that i've played
If you want to know if this game is good or not without having to read paragraph upon paragraph just read this review. Bottem line is is that if you have some sort of Dungeon crawler fetish this is your thing. It's a dungeon crawler with heavy RPG elements and thats it. So if you like box puzzles (many many) and demons and such (many many). Not to mention that all you ever do is do the to of the above (no mini-games or diversion or nothing!) then this games for you (only one paragraph! ha:)

One of the Greatest Games Ever Made for Fantasy Fans
Recently on G4 Tech TV I was watching "Filter", and they were counting down the top 10 underrated games of all time, and to my amazement and joy, Vagrant Story was rated the #1 most underrated game ever. There could be no title more worthy, and it saddens me that it has a 4 star average here on Amazon, though it's not really suprising.

Vagrant Story was one of the final Square games to come out for the PS1, and went by almost unnoticed. I didn't actually play it until it was a couple of years old. The graphics are without doubt some of the best ever seen on the PS1. I wish we could have had voice overs in this game, but such things were still pretty uncommon on the PS1. The sound is very good, light on music and heavy on creepy, atmospheric sound effects that really enhance the feeling of being lost in the huge mazes of buildings, tunnels, and dungeons.

As it is, the dialogue is absolutely exceptional, and the story is complex, twisting, and really makes you think. Good and evil end up not being quite what you think they are. The story has a heavy emphasis on a religious, crusader/inquisition type group of characters, as well as incorporating sorcery and magic. I could never explain how great the story and characters of this game are...it's just magical. The world just sucks you in.

The entire game takes place in an old abandoned ghost town on an island called Lea Monde. It is one of the most phenomenal environments ever created for a game. Much of the game takes place underground in old tunnels, vaults, caves, storage areas, and a huge variety of buried rooms, but there are also many areas where you emerge and have to explore the city aboveground. The feeling of the game is very lonely, and the old abandoned town of Lea Monde is amazing to explore.

The amount of detail that was put into this game is just incredible, and it is evident at every moment just what a labor of love it was for those who made it. Not only is the game itself exceptional, but the plethora of details they incorporated makes it an all time classic. For example, on the map screen, every single room in the game (and there are a lot) has it's own unique name. There is one dungeon where every room (and there are at least 30) is named after an implement of torture! It's just great.

There is a huge variety of enemies, and an in game encyclopedia that fills up as you encounter them. Combat is very difficult, and it seemed to me at first even too difficult, but once you get the hang of it, this game has one of the most fun, and definitely most unique, combat systems ever devised. With each swing you take, you can choose where to aim on the enemy (left or right arm, legs, body, or head!), and depending on the enemy, armor, and what type of weapon you are using, you will have a different %chance of hit and damage. There are about 6 or 7 types of weapons (blunt, piercing, slashing, etc.) and a HUGE variety of different weapons within these categories. Within this there are different gems that can be attached to your weapons to make them more efficient against certain types of enemies, give them elemental attributes, etc.
Truly, this game has an almost intimidating amount of detail, but that's what makes it so great. You can armor all parts of your body, and every single weapon and every single piece of armor is customizable by combining lesser weapons and armor in workshops that can be found among Lea Monde. Materials range from course materials like wood and iron early in the game to silver and platinum materials later. Weapons have to be created and specialized in for different creature types. For example, I usually had a spear I used against dragons, a holy mace and a holy dagger for undead and zombies, and an axe that was most effiecent against humanoid creatures. Plus, you can actually name every weapon you create, which adds an awesome finishing touch to your arsenal.

There is so much about this game that is great that I could go on for another hour and hardly scratch the surface. This game is thought provoking, its deep, and it is CHALLENGING. Not for wimps! There is so much to explore, so many hidden features, such endless customization, this game just never gets old. And, it has a new game plus feature, so you can replay it with all the skills, equipment, and magic you've acquired. Damn, I didn't even touch on the magic...there is a huge variety of magic spells you can learn as well!
I've played through it probably 3 times over the past few years, and it remains fun every time I play, and I still haven't maxed out Ashley Riots potential.

This game may not be for everyone. It is hard, confusing, and very deep. But for those of you that love fantasy games, a good story, great characters and dialogue, tons of character/equipment customization, and a big challenge, give this game a try. You can get it for cheap now, and even though it's a little dated, it may be one of your best game purchases in quite awhile.

On a final note, I'm thrilled to know that the people who are responsible for this game and for Final Fantasy Tactics are the main creative force working on Final Fantasy XII right now. It should be phenomenal! I can't wait.

Both Good and Bad
I hardly even know where to begin when it comes to an overrated game that turns out to collect dust in my room.I bought Vagrant Story over a year ago.Tried it, like the battle system, and then found myself hating it.

The game play goes as follows: You start in a dungeon...there are cut scenes from time to time, but none of them make any sense...you run around by monsters and fight.You see the monsters as you are fighting them as there are no random battles.A menu pops up after you click near a monster such as, Head: 0, 100%, Right Leg: 2, 85% and so on.From there you choose which part of the body you want to attack.Sometimes you make NO hit points against the monsters because you have to work up your weapons for each type of monster.And it is impossible to make a master weapon against all monsters.More than one weapon has to be leveled up for different monsters, and many times weapons have to be changed in midst battle which is annoying.The other complaint I had in this game is that the only way you can heal yourself is either finding a save point or using a curing item.This doesn't sound so bad, but curing items CANNOT be purchased.Instead they only can be found fighting monsters.I never seemed to have enough curing items.By the end of the game, things still didn't seem to make sense.The conclusions were unsatisfying and overall pain in the neck.

The last complaint I have of this game is the feeling I got from playing it.The color scheme is bad.Everything was shades of brown or blacks and occasional greens and reds.It was a depressing feel to it, and it seemed like I never saw the light in that game.

However, I can still give this game some credit.I believe that it was an attempt of a good thing.There were bad qualities about it that if only fixed a little, this game could've been great.The battle system was actually fun at times, but when things got tough and a new type of monster approached, it took way too long to level up a weapon.
I thought for its time, the cut scenes looked nice.There are no special movies throughout the game, just a short one as an intro before you start your game up.

It is possible to enjoy this game.I found myself struggling through it, but I knew a couple who actually half ways liked it.It isn't a masterpiece in my eyes, but it had potential I think that didn't see the light of day.

Pros:
Innovative battle system
Well done cut scenes for its time
New Game Plus + feature

Cons:
Dull game, hardly any change of scenerybesides dungeons and boxes
Confusing Plot - (yet it was deep)
Bad color scheme: browns, browns, tans, green,and more browns
Annoying weapon level up system

Estimated time to complete game in a quicker runthrough: 20 - 30 hours.
Detailed gameplay estimated time to complete: 30 - 50 hours.

Wonderful story, lots to do and challenges Plus
Vagrant Story is the story of Ashley Riot, a Riskbreaker withsupressed memories.As you progress through this game you acquire memories, not only of battle skills and break arts but of your past.But are those memories of your family reliable?Were they planted, but by whom and why?VS's story will grab you by the throat, twist and turn and still have you wondering what happened at the end.
To some, the idea of making your own armour and weapons sounds tedious, but the reality of it is something else. It's great to see something you've created in action against a knight, a dragon a tough Boss.So take the time to read up on this part of the gameplay.
The graphics, although somewhat dated now, are still excellent.The music is captivating.I would, however, have preferred actors to play the character's voices and thereby imbue them with life rather than having to read every nuance and gasp.
My only negatives of this game are the slot-machine way of increasing skills and the beatability of it. Without a doubt it's the most difficult game I've ever played and, I felt, needlessly so.Don't get me wrong, I like a challenge, but I'm not keen on impossibility, which in all honesty I felt it was -