Sunday 2 March, 2008

After playing for another hour I found the game to be just as exciting as when I first played it. I recruited a few new allies and leveled my characters up a lot. I also completed some sidequests and that made everything more worthwhile.

Design:
The challenges of the game almost lie completely with the enemies you face. Just like you they also level up as the game progresses which can make them a lot more difficult if you are a low level but that is where leveling up comes in. If you are at a higher level the enemies the battles become much easier. Other than that there aren't really any other challenges in the game but they're not needed because it is a strategy game after all.

There is one other minor challenge and that is a system which is unique to the game as far as I know. The game uses an "Action Point" or AP system. Every action you take in the battle requires AP and you only have 100 AP during each of your turns. This doesn't seem so original but you can alter how much AP is taken for each of your actions. The lighter the equipment you wear the less AP you spend but the more open your defense is. It takes time to balance but it is definitely worth the wait.

The level design is interesting but it is not the key element of the game. They are just grids some of which have obstacles like stairs and boxes but the levels aren't gigantic which is a very good thing. It's hard enough fighting the enemies but running all across the map would just be too difficult. The reward structure of the game is also fairly minor. You receive items and money after battles and quests are over but there is nothing more than that.

You don't really have a second gameplay section.
-Chris Ward (grader)