Having not enjoyed the first Crystal Chronicles for the Gamecube (at all), I approached this release with a cautious eye. After about a half-hour, I came to realize that my suspicions were both well founded and at the same time not so much. If that means anything to you. At the very least the game was worth a closer look. A fun game to be sure although I have a feeling that it would have been more enjoyable with the other three players via Wi-Fi connection. But alas, I have no internet connection at this time. “But Schwinghammer,” you ask. “How are you writing this DS review in the first place?” “Mind your own damn business and read the review!” Would be my response. So do it already.
I do have to say that most of the time SquareEnix is superb at creating a game that pulls you through an involved storyline until the end credits. And although Echoes of Time has a decent story (and by decent I mean scant but what is there is good), it is unabashedly a hack -n- slash, which is always fun when no real story is present. A shorter game compared to some with an initial play-through of about seventeen hours or so, but seeing as how you can keep going and continue to build your character is a welcome facet and something that more games of the genre should do.
Everything you would expect is here: Save the world – check. Responsive and interesting battle/magic system – check. Various creatures to kill in various dungeons – check. Leveling system – check.
What I’m saying is that Echoes of Time doesn’t break any new ground, but then again it’s not trying to. It simply offers you what it has knowing you’ll more than likely enjoy it. You have four tribes, two genders, six standard magic types with the ability to combine types to form more powerful spells. A simple setup done well. Your characters level up frequently which, let’s face it, is why we play these game in the first place. Altogether it’s a damn fun package. I love it and so will you. Huzzah!
All that being said, the one thing that drags to game down is the barrage of tedious, simple and annoying puzzles the game tosses at you. It seems like a small thing I know, but the frequency of these occurrences is mind boggling, especially when you find yourself going through said puzzles more than once. I’m not talking the same puzzle in a different area – the same friggin’ puzzle in the same area. How that seemed like a good idea to the folks over at Square Enix is beyond me. It’s not quite to the level of rage-inducement, but it brings the pace of the game down to a crawl at any given time. And it will drive more than a few of you nuts. So prepare yourself for that.
Well, the slow pacing notwithstanding, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is still a great hack -n- slash dungeon crawler that is brought down by a few shortcomings. But overall, it’s still an enjoyable experience that any fan of the genre should be able to sink their teeth into until the end. So if this review is a deciding factor, let it be said that you should go on and pick this one up. I’m glad I took the ride.
