Baldur's Gate Original Saga with Tales of the Sword Coast Expansion Pack
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (13 November, 2001)

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Reviews (28)

Still a masterpiece
I will keep this review short and sweet.The game is an absolute masterpiece.The fact that this was only the second attempt by Bioware to make a game (Shattered Steel was their first) is astounding.There isn't a single weak point to be found in the game.Everything, from the music, characters, storyline, to the well-paced action and RPG elements, have made this game a classic.

The reason I am reviewing this game now is because I picked it up again for old times sake.The game is as good as it originally was, if not better, because I am picking up on a bunch of details I missed the first time.The artistic graphics for this game still look fantastic, which is simply amazing when you consider how fast the graphics age for computer games.

In conclusion, Baldur's Gate is my second favorite RPG game of all time.Only the sequel is superior, as it should be (It's like comparing the first 2 Godfather films).If you have not played this game, you are not a fan of RPG games.

I love it
This is by far the best game I've ever played. This was my first rpg and I think it spoiled me. After playing all of the Baldur Gates for computer I looked for more games just like it thinking this was a standard for how rpgs are. This isn't, but should be. This is the kind of game you don't leave the computer for. I stopped eating so I could maintain focus on this game. In the second game I noticed they even tell people to rest a while and go eat. Obviously, I am not an individual in the fact that I stopped eating because I was so engrossed. You have to play this game.

It was the best game back then...and it still is!
I admit, the nowaday's games have impressive graphics, sound and gameplay and all that crap. But BG is still my favourite game all time (BG 2 is great too, although I like the first one more). Alot of people think this game is boring, and bad combats and all. Those people just couldn't beat the game I suppose without using cheats. Most people are in for the combats and the fighting, those are the same people who think this is a boring game. The best thing of this game are the large maps, the beautiful enviroment but especially the dialogues (you schould read them, it adds alot to the game). I also like this game because there is no pressure, you don't get depressed with it. There are no time-limits, you can play the game as long as you want. I did every thing on the game, also did the minor things that have nothing to do with the important things you have to do to finish the game. It took me 2 years (I don't play like 24/7 you know...) to get in Baldur and finish the game. Aftyer that I was hooked on BG 2, wich I almost finished, but I just wasn't skilled enough. To all the spoiled kids, go play your GTA San Andreas and your Halo 2 or other stupid games wich are just to heavy for a normal computer. Play Morrowind if you want the bad version of Baldur's Gate, but this is truhly the best game ever made. Modern games don't even come close. The only that came a little closer then the rest is Unreal Tournement (I know, it's a whole different type of game), but I got to boring after a while. This is a game that's fun because of what it is, not because of the graphics or something else. Although my copy is broken these days and I'm looking for a new one, but I can find one, maybe I schould buy it back on Amazon. ... Read more

Asin: B00005S8J2
Sales Rank: 82
Subjects:  1. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Neverwinter Nights Gold
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (04 November, 2003)
list price: $29.99
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Features

• Access to a thriving player community brimming with content and support
• A captivating Dungeons & Dragons role-playing experience
• Based in the Forgotten Realms, rediscover the magic or explore it anew
• Features Shadows of Undrentide and a number of stand-alone modules
• Includes an 80-hour official campaign, Aurora Toolset, and Dungeon Master client

Reviews (26)

Typical RPG problems, disappointing toolset.
While the game itself is fairly entertaining, it still has those typical design flaws programmers just can't seem to see. Inspite of being told to stay put, characters with you magicly show up next to you as you pass through some doorways, often right into a scene best handled alone. More often, very imaginative strategies will gather fewer experience than rushing blindly into battle. "Scripted events" (where your character is magicly thrown into a new situation or plot line which he or she has the power to control, but can not) can make thinking gamers feel cheated.
The much hyped toolset is a disaster for imaginative Dungeon Masters as the vast majority of "monsters" are of the humanoid type. If as game creator, you don't mind using the same basic type of creaures over and over, the toolset will work for you. Anyone very creative however, will see that most of those fantastic creations from the Monster Manuals can not be included in their game. Professional graphic artists may (in a conciderable amount of time) be able to create unique creatures. Anyone else however, is out of luck. Even if one would be satisfied using the provided monsters, they will be bombarded with the program language "scripting" needed to make events happen within their world. NWN with the expansion contained here had the potential to be great, but falls victim to typical computer RPG problems and unproductive tools for one's own imagination.

Neverwinter Nights Gold
Enter a world of magic and adventure in Neverwinter Nights Gold Edition. This pack includes both the original Neverwinter Nights and the Shadows of Unrentide Expansion. This game is a RPG with both single and multiplayer modes. It is my opinion that this exciting game is well worth your money and time.
The storyline of this game is well-developed and the characters fill their roles well. The campaign also includes many sidequests so you can take a break from the main story. Much freedom is given to how you create your character and how you go along with the storyline. Also, your inventory is easy to use and you are easily able to access anything you carry.
This is a fun and versatile game that is definitely worth playing.

These people are unworldly
Now, first off I'd like to say that this game is too incredible for any non-D&D player to experience. If you don't play D&D, go kill monsters in diablo or something...
I was once told that D&D was created after Diablo. I almost cried in my computer chair...well...not really, but I was getting angry. Now, this game is indeed incredible, and they did indeed do an outstanding job at turning D&D into a computer game. I was satisfied with their skill system, their feat system, the combat system, the controls, the monsters, and the character creation. It felt like I was playing D&D, except that I couldn't roleplay.
Using spells and skills is really easy, and you can assign them to hotkeys which make accessing them much easier. You can attack, use skills, and do many other actions by right-clicking on the target, such as pick-pocketing (Which I thought they did a marvelous job at), and you can even use the Hide in Shadows skill to hide from NPC's, and other players online.
The gameplay is really nice, making everything about the game really fun. They really stayed true to the D&D rules (Which I did NOT expect), monsters, and magic items. Moving around is easy, combat is easy, and everything else is just great. Really the only thing that I could find bad about the game is that everytime you enter a new area you have to wait for it to load.

You start the game by creating a character (and you can customize every bit of it too), and then immediatley entering the game.
The only real downside to the game is that you can only have one character, although you can hire a henchman.

Alright, I know that this review isn't professional, and it wasn't very clear, but what I'm trying to say through it all is-If you are a D&D table-top player, and you're looking for a D&D game, you won't find any better than this.

It'll probably be tricky for Non-D&D players to learn (but you shouldn't be playing this game unless you table top), but if you know the 3rd edition rules, then there's nothing else to know :)

So, once again, if you are a tabler-topper, then this is YOUR game.

ROCK AND ROLL D&D!!!!!!

... Read more

Asin: B00009MGVF
Sales Rank: 1231
Subjects:  1. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Diablo Battle Chest
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $39.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The Diablo Battle Chest is the complete Diablo saga in one box. Itincludes Diablo, Diablo II (the fastest-selling PC game of alltime), the Diablo II: Lord of Destruction expansion pack, and theofficial Diablo II strategy guide from BradyGames. The combined retailvalue of everything in the Diablo Battle Chest is more than $70.

The Diablo Battle Chest makes the perfect gift for someone new to the action-RPGphenomenon, or for the hard-core Diablo fan that wants the complete series inone big collectible box. ... Read more

Reviews (115)

Best Adventure Game Series available.
Highly recommended.

This game is great (Diablo 2 LOD). There is a lot of variety to it and it keeps you interested for a long time. The graphics are excellent and because they are all prerendered sprites (drawn by artists), this game doesn't use polygons and can therfor be played on lower powered computers. I have Diablo LOD installed on a 400 mhz computer with a 16 meg video card and only 230 megs of ram and it plays great.

The game plays great, is highly enjoyable, and offers hours, even days, of play. Its point and click, but it was thought out so that this is adequate control. The game is about tactics more than technique. Your ability to choose so many different characters with unique abilities is great fun. You get to see characters evolve and develop different strengths and abilities. Many of the magic options are very creative.This game was thought out and executed very well.

I miss the days when games had graphics in which the characters were actually drawn by artists and not "generated polygons" shaped like people. Although many games imitate the engine of Diablo, few to none of them use this style of graphics.The graphics of Diablo LOD still stand up to graphics of current games that use polygon based sprites. Would the Mona Lisa look better if it was a generated polygon sprite and not a two dimensional representation of a three dimensional object? Of course the graphics of Diablo are on a three dimensional plane, but the sprites are prerendered art none-the-less.

My only gripe about Battle Chest is that it does not include the add-on for the original Diablo, called Hellfire. Hellfire improves the original Diablo game considerably and adds more play value to it. I don't see why Blizzard didn't just buy the rights from Sierra for the game. (Seirra, not Blizzard, designed Hellfire).

Another problem with this game is that often you get a disc that is not compatible with WindowsXP unless you install the patch. There are roughly 10 revisions of Diablo 2. I bought it and my Diablo 2 discs were version 1.0 and I flipped out when they wouldn't play. Finally, I did some research on the net and solved the problem with the patch at the Blizzard site. All of the games really should be playable right out of the box on XP without having to search for a patch.

Minor shortcomings aside, this is a great game that I highly recommend because of its playability, challenge, beautiful graphics, and low system requirments.

A+

When do we get Diablo 3?

One of the few and proud, "Best games". Ever.
Maybe I haven't experienced other RPGs, and that is the reason this one, my first RPG experience, is so relished. Maybe it is the epic proportions of the game, with massive battles raging across a unique fantasy planet. Maybe it's the appeal of a classic, good vs evil quest, and the journey that you make in the game to become a hero.

I'm not quite sure what it is, but this game is a MUST OWN.

If you haven't played this thing, and are just now reading this review, I pity you. You are really missing out on a gem! This game, I could review it for hours, but just let me say pick it up NOW. Get the battlechest, like I did, it is by far a superb deal. Even when it was $50 early on, it was a steal. And trust me, you'll get wrapped up in it too.

Sure, the story is dark, and a little creepy if you get too into the background story itself. I mean, it is called Diablo, and that right there might make some hesitate. But this isn't some dark and dank dungeon game, (at leaste Diablo 2 and the Expansion - the first Diablo was not a good game IMO) , but an epic struggle of good conquering evil. That's how I see it. And if you look at it that way, it's great.

This game has so much, it's scary. The graphics are the only downfall, but the fact that it is an areal view helps set it apart from its era and it really is pretty timeless. I'd enjoy playing it today, but my computer's pretty bogged down and the final levels start getting choppy. Put it on a system better than mine (I have a system running Windows 98) and you'd be in gaming bliss. So don't hesitate if you're thinking it's "outdated". This game is as timeless as Solitare.

As for quick highlights of the best parts of the game, all I can say is this thing is massive. Massive on quests, on land area, on character developement, and weapons...but it's all fairly easy to get into. Trust me, you get the basics down early on, and you're whipping out terms like "Druid" and "Tomes" and "Mana Recharge Shrines" just as you would make comments about your Uncle Fred, a travel map, or multivitamins. It's all really absorbing. I got into it, and I'm about as mindless for gaming knowledge as they come. My brother even got into it, once I finally persuaded him to play. This game will have you hooked.

My only complaints: 1. Graphics are slightly fuzzy, but still highly acceptable even in 2005
2. Size of game (Windows 98 users, you may want to put it on a newer system. By the time you get to the end of the game, things may get choppy). This, however, shouldn't cause problems for anyone today, as most own newer and better systems.
3. Time consumption. This game will have you hooked, yes, HOOKED. And on a bogged down, dated computer, you spend more time!
4. Saving. Waypoints are the only way to save, making you play longer than you want at times (or your previous progress means nothing). This is the biggest flaw, and takes away that much more of your free time!
5. Act III. Anyone who plays it knows: this is the puberty level of the game. It's just one of those points you gotta get through, but don't really love to look back on. This is the worst part of the game, navigating those jungles...ugh.

Hopefully my rambling is decipherable enough to help those interested in this slightly aged but timeless classic. My complaints above are only minor, and to list all the benefits here would not only prove how much they outweigh the bad but also take up waay too much space! So, with that, I'll just say quit reading these reviews NOW and BUY THE GAME!

Peace out, courtesy of Who from Home.

PS - rated Mature. Violence, dark story. 'Nuff said.

Diablo/Diablo II - best RPG ever!!!
The first time I was introduced to Diablo, somebody I knew loaned me a copy to try, along with another RPG similar to it(I forgot the name). I tried the other game. It was OK, but clumsy (you were controlling a moderate size group). I figured Diablo would be similar (OK but clumsy). It took me a bit to figure everything out, but when I did...I was hooked!! I played it on and off for years after that. I was surprised at the difficulty curve (how hard it gets on upper settings) but that's to be expected.
I hesitated at getting Diablo 2 until a friend of mine got a copy and highly recommended it. I checked out his gameplay and knew I wanted it. I finally got it and noticed that the gameplay was even better, except for one thing. I couldn't save anywhere I wanted, I had to find a marker for each level and activate it. That kind of sucks. You didn't have that in Diablo I (you just saved anywhere you wanted). However, the upside is that you can go back and clear any level you want, if you're having trouble progressing forward.
All in all, I HIGHLY recommend both Diablo (especially the Hellfire expansion) and Diablo II (again especially with LOD expansion). I normally don't care much for RPG (Role-Playing), but this one's a keeper!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005N6K3
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Collections (Collections)    3. Bundle (Bundles)    4. Macintosh (Machintosh)    5. Mac    6. Apple    7. Collections (Collection)    8. Adventure    9. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, crpg, crpgs, rpg, rpgs)    10. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)    11. Havas   

Arcanum: of Steamworks & Magick Obscura
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (22 August, 2001)
list price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Most role-playing games are set in a fantasy world, and if they're notdirectly related to Dungeons & Dragons, they at least follow the blueprint ofthe D&D rules. Not so with Arcanum. Set in the world of steampunk--agenre of fiction that puts forth the idea that computers and other advancedtechnology existed back in the late 1800s--Arcanum's world is fantasticand instantly recognizable at the same time. The game begins with the crash ofthe L.F.S. Zephyr, which you were aboard. Things go from bad to worse asassassins try to kill you. Meanwhile, you struggle to understand why peoplethink you are the reincarnation of "The Living One."

Developed by Troika Games--which is staffed by many of the people who createdthe excellent Fallout games--Arcanum takes the conventions of the RPGgenre and turns them on their head. Instead of binding players to a specificcharacter class, such as Paladin or Barbarian, Arcanum lets you create acompletely unique character. Experience points can be distributed in any area,so you can create a character that's a thief, magic user, and gunslinger all inone. In addition, you can specialize in either magic or technology, which willimpact how the other characters in the game deal with you.

The world of Arcanum is simply massive, and the story is extremelydetailed. The main plot will provide you with 30 to 40 hours of gameplay, andthe side quests will add another 10 to 20 hours to that figure. The quests runthe gambit from fetching items to finding a cure for lycanthropy, and they'reall well designed.

Arcanum is viewed from a third-person isometric view--similar toDiablo II and Baldur's Gate II--and the graphics easily comparewith any other RPG on the market. The characters are modeled nicely, and thebackgrounds and structures are very detailed and really add substance to thegame. Unfortunately, even on a high-end system such as an Athlon 1.33 GHz, thegame suffers from long loading times, and will occasionally slow down duringcombat.

Those minor problems aside, Arcanum is a sensational game. The open-endednature of the character-creation system guarantees replayability, and thesetting and story will offer relief for anyone tired of Diablo II'sdungeon crawls. --Kilmic Robbins

Pros:

• Great story
• Numerous quests
• Ability to completely customize character

Cons:

• Long loading times
• Interface can be overwhelming at times

... Read more

Features

• Character Creation: No More Character Classes. Arcanum uses a classless, point-based system where players use points to "buy" attributes. You're only limited by your own creativity in guiding your character's development.
• Complex Stat-Driven System: Take charge or your own growth in the game environment. A deep and complex statistical system underlies every event that takes place within Arcanum. These include:
• 8 basic stats (including Strength and Charisma), and more than a dozen derived stat (such as Poison Resistance and Character Speed)
• 16 primary skills (such as Gambling, Healing, and Lock-Picking)
• 80 spells within 16 colleges

Reviews (122)

Sail On Software - Dishonest Company
We ordered a DVD through Amazon via Sail On Software. They sent us a used DVD (no packaging), which did not work. After stringing us along, we returned the DVD and were promised a replacement or refund. Needless to say, they have avoided our e-mails since. I would recommend NOT dealing with Sail On Software.

Involved Gaming - complex ? ... worth the learning curve !
I don't want to rehash what everyone else said. I agree with their reviews. This is a wonderful game. Can be a bit overwhelming, but with patience, you will "enjoy the ride".
I wanted to inform those looking to purchase this fine game, you can find the game/new at eBay, fifty% cheaper(...I paid twelve bucks) than what the new marketplace sellers are requesting. If you need a manual, you can download a .pdf version some 100+ pages long. Do due dilligence and you won't regret it.

A nice refreshing break from hack and slash RPG's.
First things first, I LOVED ARCANUM. Man it was so nice to have a decent RPG come out that was not centered around hack and slash. Not to bash Diablo or anything but the repetive hacking can get old and with a background story that does not care what you do leaves me wanting just a little bit more. Thats where Aracnum comes in. It basically takes the best of Fallout and puts it into a richly detailed and unique fantasy world. The beginning of the game was very good and had some nice hooks to draw me in. And then after that it didn't let up and I had to keep playing to figure out more of the cool story, complete all the cool quests and see the new areas. I absolutely loved the alternate situations throughout the game. I believe that is one of the biggest things that made the Arcanum game stand out from all its predecessors. And another cool thing was that if you beat the game with one character you could replay it with another character and have a brand new experience. The only drawback I had with the game was the level limit. I reached level 50 way before the end of the game and found myself running from almost every random encounter because I could not reach a higher level and it was getting real boring beating up every monster that came after you. And another drawback I found was the ease with which the end guy could be beaten. I expected a very tough enemy, but it only took me two tries to beat him down. The first so I could see what he was all about and the second to counteract all his moves and put the smackdown on him. But those are very minor details and the overall game was a satisfying RPG experience. I hope to see more types of these RPG's in the future and less action oriented RPG's. Sorry action fans, RPG does stand for Role Playing Game which means playing a role not clicking a mouse button as fast as you can. Maybe they should come out with a new genre Hack and Slash and keep it seperated from RPG. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TTHT
Subjects:  1. Fantasy (FRPG)    2. Steampunk    3. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)    4. Havas   

Might and Magic Compilation
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

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Editorial Review

The Ultimate Might and Magic Archives brings together the first five games of the award-winning Might and Magic series--from Secret of the Inner Sanctum to Darkside of Xeen (also includes Swords of Xeen and World of Xeen). This is a definite must-have for RPG veterans and novices alike.Might and Magic: Secret of the Inner Sanctum. Find the secret of the Inner Sanctum. Cross oceans, climb mountains, search castles and dungeons, all in 3-D color perspective. Use 94 different spells and over 250 magic items to deal with over 200 monsters of various descriptions and personality profiles.Might and Magic 2: Gates to Another World. Embark on a glorious journey, then save the world of CRON and yourself. Hundreds of quests matched to your personal proficiency will test your ingenuity, and over 250 animated monsters will contest your might in an advanced combat system; 96 spells, more than 250 weapons and items, two new character classes, hirelings, and 15 secondary skills will aid your cause.Might and Magic 3: Isles of Terra. Terra awaits you. Prepare to be charmed by its magic and tested by its mighty power. Lead a party of adventurers to rendezvous with the legendary wizard, Corak. From dark moldy dungeons, through corridors of hewn stone and timber, and onward to the lofty frozen peaks of Terra, you will uncover the mysteries that surround the exotic islands in the Great Sea. Bizarre and intriguing creatures will challenge you along the way and in the many towns and castles that dot your path.Might and Magic 4: Clouds of Xeen. Explore the Land of Xeen--a world that has fallen under the iron grip of a diabolical overlord. Create a party of adventurers and journey to the four corners of your imagination as you strive to complete your mission. Take on fantastic quests, fearsome monsters, and challenges beyond compare. When you are ready, journey to the cloud world and face the ultimate foe: Lord Xeen himself.Might and Magic 5: Darkside of Xeen. The Tyrant Alamar appeared shortly after the Night of the Falling Stars and deposed Queen Kalindra, ruler of the humans. Alamar's army has besieged the Dragon Pharaoh's pyramid, and rebel monsters are ravaging the countryside and destroying the travel pyramids. Humans and their ilk have been confined to the slums of Castleview. And now fate has elected you and your friends to carry a message of vital importance to one of the few people who can still make a difference.Might and Magic: Swords of Xeen. Nothing is known about Havec, the world on the other side of a newly discovered magical pyramid, except that the evil Lord Xeen, who nearly destroyed two worlds, regularly traveled through the pyramid for unknown purposes. Travel from the small city of Greyhaven in the world of Xeen to Havec in this game that reprises the popular game system of World of Xeen in a new and challenging adventure.Install both Clouds of Xeen and Darkside of Xeen on your hard drive to create the World of Xeen. Journey back and forth and solve the multiple crossover quests to experience a special third end game. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

OUTSTANDING
Just one thing to say. There are few game out there that can surpass the Might & Magic series. OUTSTANDING!!!

Livin in Sweden
I just want to say how sad I am that you don`t ship M&M to sweden. I LOOOVVEEE does games and would really want to have the Compilation at home. If someone knows how I can buy the Compilation to Sweden mail to e-mail adress nenadmitrovic@hotmail.com

Wrong Item
The seller of this archive actually sent me the Mandate of Heaven compilation, saying they have not had this item for months.

I am annoyed, and upset, because I cannot find a listing for this item anywhere else. :(

Why don't they just open a listing for the game they are actually selling? :( ... Read more

Asin: B00001QEPG
Subjects:  1. Fantasy (FRPG) 1, 2 3 4 5 I II III IV V One two three four five    2. Secret of Inner Sanctum, Gates to another world    3. Isles Terra, Clouds Darkside Sword World Xeen    4. Computer Games    5. Collections (Collections)    6. Bundle (Bundles)    7. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Might and Magic 6: Mandate of Heaven
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

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Editorial Review

The Ironfist Dynasty is tottering on the brink of ruin. As endless calamities plague the kingdom of Enroth, evil doomsday cultists plan to overthrow child Prince Nicolai and claim the throne for their charismatic leader. Fear grips the land and the people wonder if their sovereign has lost the Mandate of Heaven--the divine right to rule. The enemies of reason are at the gate and only extraordinary heroes can stem the tide of darkness. Will you answer the call?

From the depths of the deepest dungeons to the intrigues of the royal court, you lead a band of adventurers on a dangerous journey of amazing depth and intelligence. With a completely new 3-D graphics engine and a sophisticated nonlinear adventure system, Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven brings to life an intense role-playing experience. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

MM6 is my favorite Role-Playing Game
I love this game, way more than I liked newer games with better graphics, like Diablo or Baldur's Gate (even though I did like Diablo and Baldur's Gate). What's so special about it?

1) In other games, I sometimes felt as if I were slogging through a level. In MM6, something is always happening. One goes up in level quite often, so there are new spells or better skills or new weapons or more armor or some goodie or the other every time you turn around. Most of the monsters have a least a couple of goldpieces, so nearly every critter killed gives you something. This makes the game very addictive -- just get one more level, and you can get that skill you want; just kill five more monsters and you can afford that armor. What? It's 4 a.m.?

2) One can play battles in real time or in turn-based mode. I have truly miserable hand-eye coordination, and many video games are simply too hard for me and thus not fun. This game lets the dexterous play in real time, but the turn-based option lets those of us who are nondexterous play, too. I wish every game had a turn-based option! Also in this vein, you use your characters' skills to attack monsters, not your own, so you don't have to line up a blow with a sword or an arrow from a bow or a fireball from a wizard -- you just tell your charcters whom you want them to attack, and they figure it out. You figure the strategy; your characters handle the hand-eye coordination. That's why they're the adventurers, and you're sitting at a computer. :-)

3) The party is large enough that one gets to take advantage of several different types of skills -- you can have a fighter, a mage, a cleric, AND an archer -- but they move as a unit, so the game doesn't descend into the chaos that some other RPG's do.

4) Many recent RPG's seem to be so concerned with realism that they've sacrificed gameplay -- just as one example, I've played RPG's where archers are always having to run back to town to buy more arrows, even if they buy 500 at a time. In MM6, there's some concern with realism but more concern with gameplay. If you have a bow, it's assumed that you have arrows to go with it -- you never have to buy any. There are some space limitations, but no weight limitations, so if it fits in your space allotment, you can carry it.

5) The Mandate Mania website (run by a fan, not the official site) is one of the most helpful game websites I've ever seen. They give LOTS of information, and it's very well organized.

6) I could go on and on, but this is long enough. :-) The game is fun and charming, reasonably easy without being dull, and has lots of skills, quests, places, and items.

Best RPG ever :)
This is the best RPG I have played so far. Graphics may not be up to todays standard, but the gameplay surpasses anything that is out there. There are so many little touches that make it stand out.

Things I like about the game:

- freedom to move where I want at any time, doing quests in any order I want, the way quests are executed, and the layout of the quest dungeons, making potions, concepts like reputation, fame, skills, aging, teachers, expert/master grade, guild memberships, day/night cycle, many specialized stores, possibility to fight at the Arena when I'm stuck in a quest, and so on.

I guess many games contain some of these, but I don't know of any game where all of this have been executed so close to perfection.

Highly recommended!

And it works perfectly on XP too! ;)

Help
Looks like a good game but does it run on windows XP to? ... Read more

Asin: B00002S82C
Subjects:  1. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Might and Magic 7: For Blood & Honor
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

The Might & Magic series of role-playing games has beenaround for a long time with good reason--they are extremely addictive. Few othergames in this crowded genre give players so much to do at all times, and it isthis never-ending saga of questing that has always let players forgive theseries' repetitive gameplay and drab graphics.

Might & Magic VII: For Blood and Honor unfortunately suffers fromboth of those faults, but that's almost to be expected given the game's enormousscope, vast environments, and dozens of miniquests. The entire game world isrendered in 3-D, giving players hills to climb (or eventually fly over), valleysto cross, and canyons full of traps to traverse. Combat can be a little boring,consisting mainly of shooting enemies or casting spells from a distance, but inthe end the richness of the game universe won us over. We sat mesmerized forweeks, looking for new weapons, searching for better spells, or just seeing howpowerful our characters could get. We even spent countless hours in the game'smany taverns playing ArcoMage, a card battle game where the object is to use theabilities of your cards to destroy your opponent's tower.

ArcoMage is like a microcosm of Might & Magic VII in that you sitthere bleary eyed at 4 a.m. wondering how something with such simplisticgameplay mechanics could possibly be so addictive. We don't care how they didit; all we know is that we have to get back to Might & Magic VII fora few more hours of exploration, questing, and unadulterated role-playing fun.--T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Enormous game world to explore
• Hundreds of items, spells, and weapons to collect and compare
• The ArcoMage minigame is a nice addition to an already compelling game

Cons:

• Shallow, repetitive gameplay (especially the combat)
• Bad graphics

... Read more

Reviews (23)

Shadow of a great past
It's sad. I always liked the Might and Magic (MM) series. It was fairly simple but the built-in journaling and mapping tools made it less of a pain than other RPGs. Unfortunately MM seems to be frozen in time and this version doesn't appear to have any changes from previous one. There is a new storyline, or more precisely, a new variation of a Might and Magic storyline but graphics, sound, monsters, spells, skills and interface at all the same. I couldn't get the game run with DirectX under Windows 2000, software mode only, although the game is listed as NT-compatible. Keyboard shortcuts would stop working and occasional clipping problems got me stuck and forced a reload to get out. The sound is what really drove me crazy. The character voices can be cut off but not the NPCs. I'll have 'Have a pleasant evening!" ringing in my head for years.

For die-hard Might and Magic fanboys only.

AWSOMe
I didn't buy the game but one of my brothers friends had the mellinum edition and gave it to me and i enjoyed the game because it was easy and yet challenging at the same time but it was still fun and was creative.

great game but not supported by XP
I played this game on windows 98, and (as the other reviewers said) it was a wonderful game.Unfortunately, the following is very important:

IT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY WINDOWS XP.Some have had succcess getting it to work many cannot.Including myself (sadly).

Other then that, i highly reccomend this game. ... Read more

Asin: B00001ZT7T
Subjects:  1. Fantasy (FRPG)    2. Seven (VII)    3. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Might and Magic 8: Day of the Destroyer
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (01 March, 2000)
list price: $49.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Might and Magic VIII is a first-person role-playing game in the best sword-and-sorcery tradition. Built on the bedrock foundation of earlier games in the series (particularly MM VI and MM VII,) Might and Magic VIII brings back many story lines and features that made its predecessors so enjoyable.

This is a game for hard-core role-players, those who like lots of customization options for their heroic personas. Players are not restricted to merely playing a male or female human--minotaurs, vampires, and dark elves are up for grabs, too. Hero characteristics are under player control, and you can even select your voice. Then, once the character is created, you are off to the first village, a settlement of lizard people on a small island besieged by pirates. Quests are plentiful and battles are easy to find. Players can also recruit other warriors to join their cause--a good idea, because battles have an awesome scope and hundreds of combatants. Going it alone is just asking for trouble.

Might and Magic VIII has been designed to look and run much like the earlier games in the series, and as a result, it has the look of a program several years older than it is. Players looking for the newest in graphic design and game engines will probably dislike the retro feel of this game. For everyone else--those who enjoyed the earlier games or anyone with a serious thirst for quests and combat--Might and Magic VIII is definitely a top choice. --Alyx Dellamonica

Pros:

• Returns to old Might and Magic games, where you can play nonhuman heroes
• Huge, fabulous battles
• Players can make their own notes on highly detailed maps
• Antagonistic monsters often fight amongst themselves

Cons:

• No multiplayer support
• Game engine dates to circa 1998
• Interface and combat system are clunky compared to similar games

... Read more

Reviews (21)

Best in the series and yes a 5-star review
This is one of few games that are really worth playing. I played mm 6 and mm7 and this one really is the best in the series. Not only the graphs (although it's a dated engine used)are better and improved but it's also the first might & magic whith a really good and exciting storyline, it always gives you the feeling you're getting somewhere... Mm6 was very good with the best musical score of any game I ever heard (mm8 music is also quite good), I disliked might and magic 7 (the worst of the series, bad music ridiculous storyline and ugly -really ugly- maps and towns...), but I never expected that MM 8 would be that damn great. Although not every town looks as beautiful as New Sorpigal (MM6, still my favourite map)this world is really intruiging. What I like the most in MM8 is that you begin with only one character and can play with lots of non-human creatures.
Worth your money, I guess

Exeptional
Yes, five stars. I've played the last three Might & Magic games and I think that this is the best. I would like to give a piece of advice to new players. Dont spend your time with elves, clerics, warriors and trols, my party was composed by: I, a minotaur, two lichs and two dragons. Pure firepower

Still One of the Finest Games of its Genre
Look, take it from someone who spent hours playing the first King's Quest on a PCjr, the Might and Magic series is still going strong! I hadn't played the series since the Xeen days, and picked up VII at a store one day for kicks. I was blown away with where they had taken the game. It didn't take me long to track down a copy of VIII. The engine may "seem a little dated" but I feel it's the best tool for the job, and the graphics are still very nice and clean. The "movies" in the game are well done and many other little details like change-of-day and light sources makes it all the better.

Everything you want from a RPG and more; little inside jokes for past MM players and great story lines. If you're looking for hours (perhaps weeks depending on your devotion) of non-stop slashing and casting and stealing and adventuring, look no further. ... Read more

Asin: B00004OCXR
Subjects:  1. MM (M&M 8)    2. MM8 (M&M8)    3. Eight (VIII)    4. Fantasy (FRPG)    5. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Might and Magic 9
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (29 March, 2002)
list price: $39.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Explore an all-new 3-D universe filled with richly detailed castles, dark foreboding dungeons, lush outdoor environments, and more. Create a party of four main characters, and hire nonplayer characters to aid you in your quest to save your home, the peaceful land of Chedian, from the bloodthirsty Beldonian Horde.

... Read more

Features

Reviews (35)

What an Amazing Game!
Unlike most people on this site I think that MM9 is the best RPG I have ever played.The reason I think there are a lot of bad reviews is because it is very different from the other versions of Might and Magic and the long time players of might and magic are too lazy to get use to the new game.I admit, at first I didn't like this game very much, but then after a month a played it again and kept playing until I beat it. The graphics are not the best, but they're not bad.What makes the game great though is the quests.They are so fun to do, much funner than other RPGs (i.e. Morrowind).So, in conclusion, I would strongly recommend this game to anyone with enough patience to really get into this game.

Huge Disappointment
I bought this game over a year ago, and was very much looking forward to it.I loved Might and Magic 6-8 and played each one all the way through (some more than once).I liked the gameplay, the graphics were (at the time at least) pretty good, and most of all they had good stories to them.I had been hearing how 3DO was planning major improvements for MM9, so I had high hopes for this one too.Then I played it, and what a let down.I really tried to like this game, but just couldn't.I played it on and off for a little less than a month and have not bothered with it since.The graphics, even though there is a new engine, are really quite bad compared to other games in its class (things are much to angular).The NPC's are downright aweful looking.The story did not intitally make a lot of sense to me and didn't seem at all compelling or interesting (and I think this is really key to a good RPG).In my humble opinion, this is the worst of the Might and Magic lot (at least since 6 came out).I'd avoid this one.Go pick up Neverwinter Nights if you want a really interesting PC RPG.If you're looking a good console RPG try Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits for Playstation 2.

Might & Magic IX. . .
Facing the facts, 3DO should have switched to a full 3-D engine long ago where its �Might & Magic� RPG franchise is concerned, but, for some reason, that didn�t happen until 2002�s �Might & Magic IX.� The game�s new facelift, though, is anything but pretty, and you�ll immediately feel like you just entered the magical world of Polygon. That�s not to say the graphics don�t have their moments (certain environments look better than others, and certain NPCs or enemies do likewise), but it all looks very much like something you could have been playing in 1998. But, of course, graphics don�t make the game, and for those who can look past the graphical problems of IX, there�s some decent adventuring to be done � primarily if you�re a fan of the past few �Might & Magic� games (which all have a distinctive style of gameplay, for better or worse).

The storyline in IX is a bit on the soft and ridiculous side, but it works, and at least it�s not as cut-and-dry as �kill the Dark Lord, save the universe.� It is your job to unite the six clans of the realm in order to face the looming threat imposed by an Attila-like figure who seeks to conquer the land. Odd twists of fate abound, uniting you with your enemies, and ultimately pit you against the gods themselves. To win the day, you must assemble a party of four adventurers (picking from only two initial classes � warrior or magician), and venture into the fantasy landscape.

Customizing your party isn�t half as fun as it was in earlier incarnations of �Might & Magic,� and gives you far fewer options than the last installment in the series � which poses the obvious question: shouldn�t a sequel outdo its forebears? Only four races are available to you (human, elf, dwarf, or half-orc), and the portrait selection is limited to two generic faces per race, and two more per sex. You can customize your character�s voice, but that ultimately boils down to choosing the voiceover that least annoys you. And, of course, you tweak a few stats and traits, but they too are few. Don�t expect the kind of roleplaying you�d get from �Icewind Dale� or �Morrowind� here.

When you have assembled your party, the story begins. The game plays essentially the same as previous entries in the series: combat is an optional real-time or turn-based affair, and you visit various provinces and cities seeking quests that can transform your humble fighter into a crusader, or your magician into a lich. Wandering the countryside is somewhat gratifying despite the blocky landscapes, because you often run into things you weren�t expecting, or bump into quests that boost your experience. Unfortunately, monster encounters aren�t very intense, primarily because only two or three different breeds of monsters seem capable of stalking any one given province, and most of them look pretty ridiculous. Combat isn�t very exciting either, since you can�t really even tell when your blows are connecting against your opponent unless you read the scrolling text at the bottom of the screen. Only archery reveals sound cues and splashes of blood (even from skeletons and the like who should obviously not bleed when hit).

The more time you spend with the game, the more it will grow on you, and the more addicted you may even become, but it still feels like you�re playing an early beta of what could have been a far superior game. Outdoor and indoor environments all suffer from a lack of detail that makes them feel mostly generic. This pervading lack of polish makes it very hard to suspend disbelief, since you rarely (if ever) feel like you�re in a living, breathing world. There are graphical glitches to further hamper your adventures, and you can sometimes clip into hills or embankments and become stuck in them. Scenery pop-in often raises its ugly head, and you�ll marvel at how an outdoor fog can follow you indoors as well, graying up whatever castle or keep you have entered.

The game�s scripting can also be broken. For example: in a dwarven mine, you are supposed to break through a wall that, for some reason, the dwarves couldn�t penetrate. Behind the wall is a demoness that is freed by your incursion � unless of course you don�t break down every piece of the wall. Break only a section of it, walk into the room, and find that nothing happens until you go back and shatter the rest. Then, and only then, you find yourself in a cut-scene, since you�ve only now triggered it. This is why games are playtested rigorously before release, 3DO!

The list of complaints that can be leveled against IX is pretty lengthy indeed. Many of the game�s quests are tepid and tedious and require too much walking across open country that you�ve already cleared of foes; the inventory and outfitting screen is unintuitive and not half as interesting as that seen in the previous games (why does my female elven warrior have a male dwarf representing her?); the game�s sound effects are sparse and generally grating� All of these flaws make IX a hard game to recommend wholeheartedly, even to fans of the franchise, especially in a year that brought with it great RPGs like �Icewind Dale II,� �Morrowind,� and �Arx Fatalis.� But to those who absolutely adore the unique style of adventure that only �Might & Magic� offers, this should do, provided you brace for some disappointment. I can only hope that 3DO licenses a new engine next time around, and makes sure to take it time polishing up the game before its release. Despite all of the new additions made to IX, it is inferior to its predecessors in almost every respect. This one has all the signs of a game rushed out the door to meet some dreaded deadline � but if you�re a CRPG addict, and have already run through the year�s best, then it�s worth a look (despite the horror stories you may have heard).

Final Score: C ... Read more

Asin: B00005YWFY
Subjects:  1. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Chrono Trigger
Average Customer Review:
Video Game

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (97)

The Diamond of All RPGs!!
Chrono Trigger is, without a doubt, the best RPG ever released on the Super Nintendo and quite possibly, the best one ever made.It is so far above and beyond the norm that to dislike this game would indicate that you have some kind of mental problem.

I will not bother with a plot synopsis since I am sure most of the other reviewers have written one already.There are several things unique about this game that make it outstanding.First of all, this story centers around time travel, which is very unique for an RPG.You can travel to the distant future, or you can travel back as far as 65 million BC to the stone age.Time travel is the heart of the story and is executed incredibly well.It also allows you to meet new characters (Ayla, Frog and Robo) and visit places that existed in the past and the future but not in the present.

Another aspect that Square added to this game is the Tech skill.This feature is fantastic!Each character is able to learn special techniques that he or she can use in battle.Some are physical attacks, others are magic attacks.But the special quality here is that you can use those special abilities in combination with one or two other characters.When used with 1 other character it is called a Double Tech.With 2 other characters it is a Triple Tech.The triple tech's are very powerful, but can only be used if Crono is in the party.

The music in Chrono Trigger is excellent and very memorable.I have never heard such a great soundtrack in any game before.The other sounds in the game were great and realistic.The graphics were beautiful.And unlike other RPG's the characters are all full-sized instead of sprite-sized.You can actually make out the characters' faces and clothes in this game.

The characters are wonderful, with no annoying cliches (Except maybe Marle, the princess) or personalities.Each one is distinct and has his or her own role in the story.The development of each character is very well done.You will not be left wondering about anyone's past or anything like that.It is all incredibly well thought out and executed.

I can't say enough about Chrono Trigger.I first played it almost 10 years ago on the SNES, and now I have it on Playstation (Part of a collection released as Final Fantasy Chronicles along with another classic game, Final Fantasy IV).This game is gaming at it's best!If it has any flaws, I can't think of any right now.It is challenging, interesting and visually superb.If you have never played this game before, you are really missing out on something special.And for those of you who own this game already, don't be stupid and sell it.This is one of the best games ever made on any platform, and in any genre.My advice:Hang on to this title and treasure it, because there may not be another like it for a long, long time.

Without a doubt the best video game ever made
This game is unbelieveably good.I really cant stress ehough how wonderful this game is.For its time it was Fantastic, and compared to the RPG's of today it is still right toward the top.The compelling story line, the wonderful characters and the music...the music in this game is so rich that you can really listen to the songs over and over and not get sick of them.The gameplay is fantastic.I cant stress enough how wonderful a game this really is.If you have a PS, PS2 or were smart enough to hang on to your SNES it is absolutly worth the price.This game will leave you wanting to play it again and again.

Overhyped? NOPE...
For a game with so many five star reviews one might think it is overrated, but if you haven't played it , get that thought out of your head immediatly! I'll tell you why this game is one of the greatest games games ever made...

Graphics-10/10 graphically, this game is amazing. I've seen games for playstation that have worse graphics than this. The characters and backrounds are extremely detailed in lush color. Some SNES games have a tendency to have rather boring colored backrounds, but not this game. Also, the techniques used during battle look great. There isn't much else to say other than amazing.

Music-10/10 WOW...the music is nothing short of miraculous. This game has got to have some of the best music I have ever heard in any video game, especially in the Zeal section. The music is close to the calibur of Super Metroid, which in my opinion has the greatest music for a video game. It is at the same calibur as Final Fantasy 6, tactics, 8,7 and besides those it may be the greatest soundtrack for a RPG ever made. I might think this game has THE greatest soundtrack ever made, but to be honest I didn't actually play this game till 2 and a half or so years ago, so I didn't have any memories of the game tied in with the music, and games I played when I was a kid seem to touch me in a stronger way. No complaints what so ever here.

Storyline- 10/10 The idea that things done in a different time period effects the future is not only brilliant, but it is revolutionary. You will really start to feel for the characters here, and the stroyline will grip you into the game.

Entertainment/gameplay- 20/10 Yep, 20/10, there are so many side quests to accomplish here, and every one of them is fantastic. You never know what you might unlock if you do something in a different time period. This game is pretty short, only maybe 20 hours the first time through, but if you go through and level up your characters to the max and complete all the sidequests, your looking at easily 40 hours.

Overall- 100/10. Yep, you read it right. 10/10 isn't enough for this gem, so I upgraded it to 100/10. Like I said earlier, I didn't first play this game until 2 and a half years ago, and I still loved it, prooving how great this game is. If you are into old- school RPGs then you will probably already have this game, but anyone else will love it too. I think it is innovative and up-to-date enough to satisfy even PS2 fans.
....Just get it if you can find it...! ... Read more

Asin: B000035Y6N
Sales Rank: 1787
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Super Nintendo (SNES)    3. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)   

Final Fantasy VII
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (27 March, 2000)
list price: $19.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Long recognized as role-playing games par excellence, the FinalFantasy series gets a technological makeover in this installment (and seriesdebut on the PlayStation). Shedding the two-dimensional graphics and limitedsound capabilities of its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII features lush3-D graphics, beautifully animated "movie" sequences, and soundtrack-qualitymusic. Coupled with the game's intricate storyline, endearing characters, andimmense yet highly imaginative world, these new advancements make for a quite anengrossing experience.

The story of Final Fantasy VII centers around a solider named CloudStrife, who joins forces with Avalanche, a group of resistance fighters, to takedown an evil mega-corporation known as Shinra. (The fate of the world hangs inthe balance, of course.) Truly epic in scope, this four-disc game requires aconsiderable amount of time to complete---this reviewer gladly gave up over 80hours of his life to finish it. But it's definitely a rewarding adventure thatevery PlayStation owner should consider undertaking, especially since it's nowone of the low-priced "Greatest Hits" titles. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Intricate and absorbing storyline with endearing characters
• Immense and highly imaginative game world
• Special battle system
• Beautifully animated movie sequences

Cons:

• Your friends and family may feel neglected

... Read more

Features

• Join AVALANCHE, an organization sworn to put an end to Shinra corporation's destructive practices
• Move around the world using flying vehicles, submarines, and Chocobos
• Fill the Limit gauge to perform each character's special attack
• Play 7 mini-games, from arcade-type to betting
• For 1 player

Reviews (1073)

Not as top notch as the other FF's!
To sum things up, FF VII is a good game, but I find it is overrated.When it was released in the late 1990's it set the standard for graphics not only for RPG's, but for all video games from there on out.But in terms of the game itself, it leaves some things to be desired.

The characters for example, were not as well developed as they should have been.The lead character, Cloud, got about 80% of the character development, while the others only small bits are known about them.But I will say that each character does have his or her own unique personality so this area may not bother players too much.

The music in FF VII unfortunately, was horrible in my opinion.Especially when compared to other Square titles such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and even Final Fantasy IV (which is well over 10 years old).The battle music was good, but the rest was flat and uncreative, especially the music on the world map.Those of us who are familliar with the work of Square had expected much better in this department.

The game play was good.The materia system was a nice touch that added variety to the basic magic-using RPG.Basically, every character in the game can use spells, but they have to equip a materia onto their armor or weapon, and gain points through battles to learn each spell the materia has to offer.The only downside is that once the materia has been unequiped, the spell(s) go with it.But nonetheless, the materia system had breathed new life into the RPG world of magic-using.

You also have side quests, secret/hidden items and weapons, and secret characters just like most RPG's.The graphics are good, although the characters look very polygonized in their smaller forms.The CG scenes are beautiful.This is one area Square always dominates.They did a great job with those in FF VII.

It saddens me to give this game only 3 out of 5, but I must be honest.I love RPG's, especially the classics from Square, but I just don't think that FF VII deserves to be up there with CT, FF IV, and FF VI.Even the ending of FF VII was disappointing, because they did no follow-up on the characters.It's a good game overall, but it had the potential to be great.

:)
best characters and storyline iv ever played....plot twists..great character development..this game does everything right.. Cloud:the main character is a bad ass, manley man..despite the fatc it probaly takes him 3 hours in the morning to do his hair..but hes cool none the less..barret: a black guy who is also manley and has a really bad temper...tifa:huge boobies, wears short shorts and is probaly really pretty if the graphics were better..oh and shes nice and obviously wants to get into clouds pants...aeris: a good girl who probaly shouldnt stand under balconys or anything somebody can jump on top of her... cid: foulmouth badass...this game has a lot of bad asses...red XIII: plays the role of the wise old man...though hes not a man and techinically in his years hes onky a teenager

GET THIS GAME...ull love it...if u like rpgs ull love this game and follow it like a religion

"I don't care where, Cloud, Just stop it!"
I love this game. It is absolutely THE BEST vg i have ever played.

Follow the life of Cloud Strife, an ex-soldier who joins AVALANCHE, a club who is full of crime fighting agents such as Tifa, Barret and Yuffie. One time on a dangerous mission, he meets Aeris, a flower girl from the slums.they THEN set out on an adventure to defeat Shinra! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JRSB
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Role Playing Games    3. Fantasy    4. Sony Playstation (Play station)    5. PSX (PS1 PSOne PS (1 one I)    6. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)    7. Adventure   

Final Fantasy X
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (21 December, 2001)
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $19.88
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Each installment of the Final Fantasy series has featured strongstorytelling, characterization, and strategic combat, fun minigames, and hoursupon hours of captivating gameplay. The 10th title in the series is noexception. This is the first time a Final Fantasy game has appeared on thePlayStation2, and it takes full advantage of the increased technicalcapabilities.

The story this time concerns Tidus, a blond-haired star of a sport calledBlitzball. While he is playing in a match, Tidus's city is attacked by an evilforce called Sin, and everything is destroyed save Tidus and his guardian Auran.The adventure begins as the pair are somehow transported to another world. Fromhere on, it's standard Final Fantasy gameplay: fight battles, manage experiencepoints, learn new powers, and recruit a motley crew of nonplayer characters tojoin your quest.

The graphics, however, take things to a new level. They are amazing not only fortheir realism, but also for their imaginative art design. The world these heroesinhabit is breathtakingly beautiful, flowing, and full of inventive surprises.You haven't lived until you've surfed cables high in the air, or ridden agraceful airship through the clouds. The stunning effects are on display whenyou use magic in combat, summon gigantic monsters, and use fire columns todevastate your foes.

One new element is voice acting. The innovation yields predictably mixedresults: it's wonderful to hear spoken dialogue rather than read subtitles, butas with most games translated from Japanese, the acting is mediocre andsometimes unintentionally hilarious.

Still, the game's new graphics engine and solid gameplay are sure to please fansof the series waiting to see what Square has in store for them. While FinalFantasy X doesn't offer much innovation, it also doesn't disappoint. Andfortunately, with Final Fantasy XI already in development, the title isstill a misnomer. --Andrew S. Bub

Pros:

• Gorgeous graphics
• Epic story line
• Voice acting

Cons:

• Little innovation
• The voice acting is sometimes laughable

... Read more

Features

• ini-games, such as the underwater sport of blitzball and a monsterarena.
• DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 channel Surround EX compatible.

Reviews (1385)

No, no, no, no, no.....
I played this game for a long, long time (about 35 hours) and quit before beating it. Here's what I think:

First, the pros.

1. The game has good graphics for its time, definitely, although some animations are a little excessive. Backgrounds mix between 3D and pre-rendered, all usually unique and beautiful.

Okay, that about does it for the pros. Now, the cons.

1. The battling is, to put it simply, horrendous. Although the battle system is faster than previous FF games, it is inexcusable to have such a basic battle system in any RPG today. Seriously, its less advanced than many SNES RPG's. No time limits (as in FFVI, FFVII, or Chrono Trigger), no real-time implementation, nothing. Just plain, "select attack and watch" battling. Oh wait, there is one new aspect. During battle, you can switch characters in and out, which does lead to pretty handy healing or power-up situations. I'll admit, that aspect is interesting.

2. When you're not battling, the game is at its worst. It goes like this: first, there is a cutscene, then a long, painfully linear path full of random encounters every 10 seconds, and then a boss. That's it. For 35 hours or so, cutscene, linear path, boss, repeat. It starts out fun (which is why the game recieved such great reviews), but about 15-20 hours into it the fun is gone. At around 30 hours, it starts to get painful.

3. The plot is drab. I hear all these great things about the plot, but I can't agree. The plot, like the rest of the game, is basic and not innovative. It also goes from passable to just plain lame by the end of the game.

4. Audio is also drab. Music is good, but nothing sticks in my mind like Chrono Cross or the SNES RPG's of old. Voice acting starts strong, but all of the voices get very, very annoying later on.

5. Characters. Ugh. All of them are stereotypes. Tidus, the protaganist, is your typical hero with the "let's go get 'em!" attitude. Yuna is your female caster who is quiet and sensitive. Auron is your "cool" character, whose sole purpose is to be cool, and fails miserably. Rikku is the underage female who's your hyper-active and painfully annoying character, designed to test the young male gamer's Photoshopping skills. Lulu and Kimahri have no personality whatsoever. However, Wakka is a very interesting and fresh character, the only interesting one in the game. He has the best voice acting, also.

6. Blitzball. I expected a real time, soccer-like experience, but no. The developers got lazy and made it a simple turn-based borefest.

7. The Sphere Grid. What idiot thought of this idea? The old way of leveling up was fine, but the developers decided to change it for some reason. It's basically a new way of leveling up, but the thing is you level up at such small increments so often (it gets very annoying to go to the Grid after every few battles) that you never feel like you're getting more powerful. It's a perfect example of something that changes a game, but doesn't improve upon it. I definitely prefer the old style of leveling up.

Overall, the game is fun for a while (which is, as I stated before, why it got such good reviews). The whole game just gets worse and worse as time goes on. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

A worthy edition to the Final Fantasy series
It has been a long while since I've played any console game, let alone a console RPG (Role-Playing Game).I started out as a console gamer when I was younger, but for the past several years I've been a die hard PC gamer.However recently I decided to get a PS2 because of its now lower price and absolutely massive game library.As a fan of console RPGs in general, and Final Fantasy games in particular, I just had to play Final Fantasy X when I got my PS2.Having played through Final Fantasy VI (a.k.a. III in North America), VII, and VIII, I wondered how Final Fantasy X would stack up, especially now that I've had a lot of exposure to PC RPGs.Quite simply this game me glad to get a PS2.It's one of the best RPGs I've played in some time for any platform.

Final Fantasy X revolves around a character named Tidus, a smart-aleck athlete who is sent 1000 years into the future to save the world of Spira from an evil creature known as Sin.Throughout this game you will encounter an interesting cast of characters such as Auron, a battle-scarred swordsman; Lulu, an attractive and powerful magic user; Kimahri, a humanoid-lion creature who likes to let his spear do the talking; Wakka, a "blitzball" player who finds a kindred spirit in Tidus; Rikku, a young Al Bhed girl; and Yuna, a summoner who can call forth powerful creatures called "Aeons", and will eventually become Tidus' love interest.Final Fantasy X does a great job of fleshing out these characters' personalities so that you feel more invested in the story's outcome.

The core gameplay of Final Fantasy X is similar to most other console RPGs.Battles consist of random encounters with monsters that your selected party of three must defeat.Each character in this game has their own distinctive attributes.Auron, for example, is a physically tough warrior who can take and dish out a lot of damage, while Lulu is physically weak but makes up for it with strong magic attacks.One of the more original, and admittedly oddest, features of this game is its character advancement system.Unlike pretty much every RPG (both PC and console), Final Fantasy X does not use a simple "level up" system.Instead, when you win a battle against monsters you will gain "spheres", which you use to activate abilities and stats on a character's "sphere grid".It took a little time to get used to it, but this system soon became second nature.

Graphically the game looks phenomenal.The background environments are much richer in detail compared to previous Final Fantasy games.Also, the character models are themselves incredibly detailed, and this is especially noticeable during the in-game cutscenes when the characters talk to each other.And of course, Square's signature computer animated cutscenes look as amazing as ever.Through this I could tell that the makers of this game spent a great deal of time to ensure that Final Fantasy X would be visually stunning, which is a good thing in my books.

Where this game falters a little though is in the sound department.Music wise Final Fantasy X provides a decent selection of music when not engaged in combat, reflecting the different environments you encounter in the game.However, when in combat the game plays the same battle music over and over again, and it only really differs when you fight a boss creature.Eventually the battle music started to get annoying.The voice acting in Final Fantasy X is a first for the Final Fantasy series, and on the whole I thought it was okay, although it isn't going to win any awards.In my opinion the best voice acting job was done by Auron's voice actor who gave him a very strong and somber tone.On a related note, being a fan of Japanese animation and foreign cinema, I would have actually liked the option to choose between having the English audio language, and the Japanese audio language with English subtitles.Although I know this would not be possible due to memory constraints.

However, the main problem with Final Fantasy X (although it's a small one) is the fact that it is a very linear game.Unlike other RPGs such as the Baldur's Gate series (for the PC), or Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Final Fantasy X allows little deviation from the main story of the game.Basically there is only one real way for you to go from the story's start to its finish.But you know what?That's fine with me.One of the main reasons I liked playing the Final Fantasy series is that it always told a compelling story, which Final Fantasy X delivers in spades.

In the end, if you never liked console RPGs or the Final Fantasy series in the first place, Final Fantasy X doesn't really give you any reason to change your mind.But if you ARE a fan like I am, you owe it to yourself to pick this game up!With some good music, fantastic graphics, and an enormously gripping tale, this game has a lot to offer.Final Fantasy X definitely lives up to the legacy of its predecessors, and is a game that shall be remembered for years to come.

My ratings are:
Graphics = 10/10
Sound = 7/10
Gameplay = 8/10
Overall = 9/10

And this is a game, huh?
I will admit - I never played any FF game before, so I bought this from a "competitor" site.... I didn't get the game. This is one of the most boring games I ever played, why do people like this? I mean, you don't get to do anything... 2/3 of your time is spent watching multiple 'cut' scenes, it's like watching an animated movie. Then every now & then you get to fight and move around. Ohhh and the fighting, I guess I'm used to games like Tomb Raider, but you never actually "hit" anyone... it's just a bunch of arrows telling you that you hit someone - no real character interaction! After about a week, I stopped playing and sold it on the same "competitor" site. Only redeaming points are; the graphics are well done and the music is cool. If you like games where the characters actually interact and fight each other, turn and run from this game - pure hogwash. But obviously a lot of people like it... I'm in the minority I guess. Happy Gaming! ... Read more

Asin: B00005TNI6
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Fighting    6. Role Playing Games (rpg, rpgs)    7. Great Deals (Outlet store)   

Earthbound
Average Customer Review:
Video Game

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Editorial Review

This role-playing game is set in the modern world and is filled with irreverent humor. You play as a teenage boy who must save the world from a malevolent alien. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

This is the reason I got a SNES
This is by far my favorite game of all time, I go though and beat it about once every half of a year, I love this game so much. It is about Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo out to save the world from the even doings of Gigus, were you can lear psychic powers and stuff. This is an awesome age I highly recommend it!

EarthBound, The Most Underated RPG To Date and the best game
EarthBound is easily my favorite game. But lets get of my life story and talk about why this game is so under-rated. EarthBound is underrated because it was released in the time when Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy III, The three Kings of the SNES RPGs and when it released RPG gamers just whiffed EarthBound off like that thus nintendo lost a lot of money due to low sales on the game making hard to find like Harvest Moon and Mario RPG. Now thats the history part of the review. Now lets hear why this is my favorite game. First of the controls are simple and you pick them up really fast, the battle system seems similar to Dragon Warrior and Xenosaga, The graphics pretty good but they're no FF3, The sound effects are kinda forgetable but the music is amazing and something you'll remember for a long time (my favorite is the hippie battle music), for an RPG it has a high replay value. Earthbound is one of the best RPGs I've ever played (next to Chrono Trigger,Xenosaga,EarthBound Zero, and Final Fantasy X)and it's my favorite game. I'd give it a 10 out of 10.

This game is sooooo Great!
I've beaten it and loved it all the way through! Its awesome,you start in a small town and you have to go through it fighting The sharks(the local gang)Stray dogs,crows that drop cookies,Ants and slugs! And all this is done with suff you can go to the local stores and get! No not potions but more like Hamburgers and BaseBall bats!

Okay there is an evil alien that takes over the world ten years in the future from the time your in,A metorite hits your town A Bee flies off of it and tells you your the chosen one and you must Go to eight sanctuary spots around the world. Then you chanel your power with the earth then beat Guigas! It's very Fun! ... Read more

Asin: B000035Y63
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Super Nintendo (SNES)    3. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)   

Ultima Online Renaissance
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (12 April, 2000)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

The bestselling role-playing series of all time forges a new age of online gaming again with Ultima Online: Renaissance. Interact with thousands of players simultaneously in this breakthrough Internet fantasy world that is now easier to learn and play than ever. Get online and immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Ultima Online:A role players review
I have played Everquest and Earth and beyond as well as a little know game called Avalon ...Online games, yet, the detail to which Ulima Online creates a world is well beyond any other game, on or off line...Example I have a character that is a tailor.He hunts animals and prepares their hides, then sews their hides into boots,shoes and leather armor to sell....That's not all...he collects cotton from plants, wool from shearing sheep, then spins it on a wheel, uses a loom and makes the thread and yarn into cloth...dyes the cloth and sews clothes to wear or sell, everything from hats to pants to kilts and dresses, includeing cloaks.He regularly rides a horse that requires feeding and needs resting on occasion.His weapons need to be repaired by interaction with Blacksmith characters.He lives in a small tower with furniture and everything.Now thats detail!He is a Paladin and lives by the code.The detailed game play of your fantacy is also enhanced by other roleplayers in the game...such things as greeting courtesies take on a whole new meaning with characters rangeing from paladins to necromancers and the latest in player designed characters.Whether you wish to design your own characters or pick from a selection, I think you will findthis game captivateing...I would, however, caution you to limit your game play...this game can be a little addicting.Enjoy!

UO is a great roleplay!
Ultima Online is a very impressive and immersive game. There are many options available in the huge, diverse online world that this game offers. I found that I was easily able to create a character and become a part of the community with little trouble. Some of the occupations are Tailor, Carpenter, Pure Mage, Animal Tamer, Blacksmith, and many more. Plus, there are thousands of real people online all the time that you can talk to. I think Ultima Online is one of the best role play games that the computer world currently has to offer.

Renaissance ruined the game
Ultima Online Renaissance ruined the original games potential to be a very good multiplayer game. Its no longer worth the time or money to play. ... Read more

Asin: B00004NHFG
Subjects:  1. Massive Massively Multiplayer    2. Fantasy (FRPG)    3. Computer Role Playing Games (Game, rpgs, rpg, crpg, crpgs)   

Quest 64
Average Customer Review:
Game Cartridge
list price: $59.99
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Reviews (48)

The Reason Quest 64 is the BestRpg Game
This game has pretty good graphics and and great spells. The plot (like in most fantasy games) is to save your once-peaceful town from destruction. I would say that overall this game should get a 10 out of 10 (thats amazing for this kind of game I'd say). Don't listen to 1-3 star reviews. Don't waste your money on a game like Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, spend a good $10-15 dollars on this game (if you don't own it already) and get ready to play a game you can't live without. So go ahead and get this game, It's more than worth it!

Bad - but not without merit
Good:

I loved this game in some ways.They really tried.You could tell.The cute village, populated with people.A decent storyline.Beautful graphics, really.The towns.The insides of the buildings - especially the castle - really quite excellent.An outdoors that goes from happy day to scary night.3-D trees and objects outdoors.In particular, I remember an absolutely gorgeous town with a waterfall.The "monsters" - I just love them!What great animations!The wolves just look scary.A decent variety of monsters, each with their own special combat animations.I love the turn-based combat system.Simple and effective.The spells!What a joy.Casting freeze spells, fire balls, etc.Great spell animations.Really, to me, there really is so much going for this game... in a way you had to admire it.

BAD:

But, this game is terrible.It's completely LINEAR.Do you know what I mean?What appears to be a fork in the road (two paths to choose from) is actually a dead-end and the continuation of the path.THERE IS NEVER ANY CHOICE.Second, when outdoors YOU MUST FIGHT MONSTERS EVERY SECOND.Constantly.Third, I finished the game in only about three days.Since it's linear, there's really nothing to figure out, you just keep going Down The Path, mashing buttons (constant combat outdoors) until you reach The End of The Path and win the game.

I must say, I have rarely seen such a cinematic and beautful ending to a video game.It was a lot of button mashing to get there, but, they really tried to make it up to you when you got there!

SUMMARY:

But, overall, I really cannot recommend this awful game.This is probably the best game I cannot recommend, if that makes any sense.So many nice things about it, but it's just terrible.Buy The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time instead.

*sigh*
I felt like doing an old game review just for the hell of it. This just happened to be it. *sigh* this game flat out well sucks... The only thing i like about it is the old school feel i get when playing it. The other this is that the spells look kinda cool. But in reallity the game has no real good plot combat system or even challenge really. If you wanna play this game, rent it, and then return it. Ya i know it was very disapointing huh, oh well not all games can be good. In all of my reviews..... IF you liked this game I laugh at you.... ... Read more

Asin: B00002STGM
Sales Rank: 6556
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo 64 (Nintendo64)    3. N64    4. Role Playing Games (Game, rpg, rpgs)   

Dragon Warrior I & II
Average Customer Review:
Game Cartridge (23 September, 2000)
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

It's hard to believe that these titles are only 10 years old,considering how far role-playing games have come over the years. In fact,Dragon Warrior actually defined the beloved RPG genre for video gameconsoles. It began the whole system of turn-based battles against monsters, landroaming, and building character experience through fighting. And, now, all ofthis is back for younger players to enjoy for the first time, and for olderplayers to relish once again.

It must be stated that these games, while they have been improved, areessentially the same as they were earlier, with these exceptions: names ofpeople and places have been altered--which will disappoint only those who haveplayed the originals--and the graphics are more detailed than before.

The differences between the two titles play almost like a history lesson inRPGs. In the first game, players travel as a single character who's set torescue a princess and slay a dragon. In the second game, players manage a partyof four heroes, each of whom has his or her own unique talents in magic orweaponry (or both). The game pits them against multiple enemies at a time, asopposed to a single foe. Also, the addition of a save-anytime feature eliminatesneedless retread.

Overall, Dragon Warrior I & II is a great value, and perfect foranyone who's interested in taking a trip, whether it be cross-country or downmemory lane. --Robb Guido

Pros:

• Brings back memories of the old days
• Focus is on gameplay

Cons:

• Simplistic by today's standards of graphics and story
• Lots of wandering

... Read more

Reviews (33)

Completely old school.
If you're old enough to remember playing this game on the original NES and getting issues if Nintendo Power in the mail just for the maps, congratulations. This game mostly just follows the monotmous cycle of go to town, kill monsters to get gold to buy better weapon, go to next town, get more gold to buy next better weapon.

This game is from back in the days where you knew how challenging a monster was, based on what color it was (is it a red slime or purple silme?).

Somehow, though the game is still compelling making you want to see just was in that next down, or what might be on the 4th level of that identical level cave.

The scant backstory allows your mind and imagination to fill in the blanks as to the hero's past and the villian's intent. Overall, the game is simple classic fun free from the excess that tends to weight down the modern RPG.

Two classics return!
When it comes to role playing games from the old days, there are two major series of them that stand out in gamers' minds - Squaresoft's Final Fantasy series and Enix's Dragon Warrior series. Although the former is obviously the more popular series in the modern age, the latter was once an equally respected and loved series - just ask anyone who played video games in the early nineties. In recent years, Enix did gamers a huge favor - they rereleased the first two games in the series on the Game Boy Color! Read on for my review of this, a single cartridge containing both Dragon Warrior I and II.

PROS:
-This cartridge contains TWO games, which have been called classic RPGs for years. And now, new gamers will be able to see why.
-The graphics have been cleaned up quite a bit, and the resolution is improved. Battles also include new backgrounds.
-The godawful menu system of the old games was fixed! Now I don't have to select "stairs" from a menu every time I want to climb some! Likewise, I can now talk to people by pushing just one button, and not going through the menus!
-The game adds an animated intro. It's nothing fancy, but it's still a nice touch.
-The game gets a new English translation, truer to the Japanese originals.
-For anyone who doesn't know, these games were co-created by Dragon Ball Z creator Akira Toriyama. The Toriyama name always means quality.

CONS:
-Obviously, these games are MUCH more simplistic than the games that modern gamers tend to desire. The simplicity of the games may turn off potential gamers.
-The cover art is HORRIBLE! Why didn't they just have Akira Toriyama draw up a new cover? He's a great artist!
-If you already mastered the NES versions of these games, you're not going to find anything new here.

OVERALL:
If you're a fan of old-school RPGs, this game is for you! If you're a hardcore gamer of the modern age, you might be disappointed, but regardless of who you are, these are two classic role playing games worth checking out. They stand as solid proof - the Dragon Warrior series is AWESOME.

The return of two amazin classics!!
I would like to fix my previous review and write a more clearer one. So bare with me. Up until last Fall, i've never heard about Dragon Warrior. I know you all think that i'm stupid for missing out on a great RPG like Dragon Warrior, so let me explain. I've been into the video game market for 13 years, since the age of 3. It's been difficult for me to know what games were coming out, when they were coming out and what they were. It wasn't until i got the internet and when i searched on this website did i realize that i missed out on alot of really great games, Dragon Warrior being one of them. Dragon Warrior was the first RPG game ever released in the United States. These two games were released in 1989 back on the Nintendo Entertainment System. They were the first games to pioneer the idea of land roaming, monster battling and building character experience. Enough said. Now to the games.

DRAGON WARRIOR I: Even though this game was short, it was difficult for me. As i've said, i've never played Dragon Warrior before, so it was new to me. You are the descendant of the dead and legendary hero, Loto (formerly known as Erdrick back on the the original Dragon Warrior for the NES). You as one person, set out on a quest to rescue Lady Lora, daughter of King Lars XVI of Alefgard and defeat the evil Dracolord. In this game, there are several towns were there are inns, weapons and armory shops. You will of course need to equip some weapons ad armory to become more powerful. During the course of the game, you will also get the chance of equiping more powerful equipment. You are also supposed to find two things in this game, the rainstaff and the sunstone. Once you obtain the Loto Seal, go to a shrine south of the town of Rimulbar, talk to the elderly man and he w