System: PSP
Dev: Global A Entertainment
Pub: XSEED Games
Release: June 19, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Review by Jonathan Marx

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

You will feel a sense of accomplishment if you stick with the game. It will drag on at times and sometimes it will even be difficult to pick back up due to the increased size of your dungeon. Other times, you won't be able to put it down, and will be very happy with the world you create. If you persevere, you will be intrigued by the title and be ready for the sequel. This is due to the nice graphics and the unlockable content such as unique tiles and textures. The game is nice looking. The menus and the characters around town are well designed and drawn. PSP titles are usually easy on the eyes, and this game is no exception. The only graphic problem I noticed was during the battles with the monsters. All of the critters are really small and can be difficult to distinguish. They are not nearly as detailed as the enemies you'll encounter in other PSP RPGs. Better sprites would have made the game look better, but all in all the developers did a nice job.

As I mentioned previously, at the beginning of the game you will have a paucity of tools to start your dungeon building adventure. This is somewhat ameliorated by the unlocking of the supplies as the game goes on. However, you're going to have to do with what you have at your disposal and this will probably frustrate you. If you can get through the initial frustration then the unlocking of materials will fuel the sense of accomplishment you get from the game.

The controls are decent, but not exceptional. The game doesn't feel broken by any means, but it isn't a joy either. All actions are really easy to execute. This is both good and bad. Ease of control is important, but the sheer simplicity also leads to boredom. I can't help but think the game would have been better served by being released on the DS rather than the PSP. Dungeon building and combat situations would have been a lot more complex. As it is, it is essentially a mediocre button masher with some unsophisticated design elements.

The sound quality of the game is crisp, but not great. Theme music and combat sounds are standard. They don't do much to enhance the gaming experience, nor will they hinder it. You could certainly get as much enjoyment out of the title with the sound turned off as you could with the ear buds in place and the volume cranked.

Overall, this is a good game. I think most people will be bored by it, but RPG lovers will get a kick out of it. If you are someone who enjoys classic fantasy or the often tedious task of creating dungeons, you will probably enjoy this game as I did. This is not for everyone, however. If you've read the entire review of the game though, then you may be a candidate for its purchase. Give the game a chance and stick with it. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a unique title that will only get better if a sequel is released.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Freelance Writer

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