Game Details

ESRB Rating: 

T (Teen (13+))

Number of Players: 

1-2

Which is more important in a game, play mechanics or graphic quality? The Final Fantasy series has excelled since Final Fantasy VII in graphics that push each successive console's capabilities, especially in its cutscenes, but Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers breaks through the weakness of its predecessors by merging the beauty of its cutscenes with the game engine, creating a completely seamless game play experience.

The game begins with a typical Final Fantasy cutscene, with slightly effeminate men, flying ships, and giant attacking birds. Without warning, a Wiimote appears on the screen, instructing the player to shoot at the giant birds. That follows with more cutscene, after which the title screen finally appears. Yes, all that excitement and gaming occurs before the opening menu.

The entire games flows like this, moving seamlessly from cutscene to action, alerting players of the time to react and how to do so, but at no time in this game did I ever see a load screen or have to wait for the next phase to load. Seriously. Playing this game is like controlling an actor in a strange and beautiful movie that combines fantasy and steampunk elements. When moving through various areas, the local populace continues on with their lives, playing arguing with each other, and not just standing around like in many RPG's, using a communication system similar to that of The Sims, expressing themselves via floating symbols. Like an actor, players have little control over the plot or direction of the story and basically just follow orders, but each combat and travel sequence allows players to unlock secrets, discover plot twists, and participate in unique combat using telekinesis as the primary weapon and using the Wiimote as it was intended.

Certain recurring Final Fantasy elements return in Crystal Bearers, like the chocobos (giant chicken steeds) and mogs (think "Hello Kitty" with power and attitude), but at the same time, this title presents a completely unique chapter in the Final Fantasy series, offering a vast variety of locales, enemies, and NPC's.

The game includes an auto-save feature, so players won't have to go back far in case of a failed mission. That said, this game, while it increases in difficulty over time, isn't all that difficult.

The game also includes a limited multiplayer option, allowing a second player to use a separate telekinesis control simultaneously with the first player. While this will help the first player, the second cannot control a second character, so it's a very limited role, although a great option for a slightly younger child who wants to "help" a parent or older sibling. The game is beautiful enouigh that the second player may not mind just watching much of the time.

Parents will note that players must steal as part of the game, so this may be a good chance to talk to your kids about such issues. Clothing on some characters can be somewhat immodest for some parents' taste, but not bad for a fantasy video game.

Some players just don't like long cutscenes. If you don't, you'll hate this game. But if you appreciate digital art and a good story in your game and want something different from the standard RPG, you'll really enjoy this one, one of my favorite RPG's ever. I recommend it, based on difficulty and content, for ages 11 to adult.