System: PS2
Dev: NIS America
Pub: Vanillaware
Release: June 26, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Review by Cole Smith

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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

Each battle takes place on a large map. The location of the crystals is evident but you can't see where the enemy is lurking. You'll have to send some of your minions out to collect the crystals but they might get attacked. If you send in a lot, you might be able to overpower the enemy, but at the same time, you might end up losing more soldiers than you can afford. There is probably more guessing in this game than strategy, but that keeps things a little on the lighter side, for better or worse. This isn't a difficult game to learn or play. It's totally accessible for beginners and the tie-in with the storyline makes it unique for hardcores, at least those looking for a slightly different experience.

Cutscenes are very well produced in terms of production value, with the exception of the forced dialogue. The animation is great and the backgrounds are nicely detailed with some nice, warm, neon-style, glowing effects. I was kind of reminded of Castlevania in some of the levels. Keep in mind the graphics are 2D. The characters have visual personality, and look like a cross between anime and Disney art. There is some good music, but the sound effects are little sterile sounding.

A two-player, online component would have really rounded out this title. It's lengthy enough as it is, considering that it can take you months to play, but there is a redundancy to the theme even as you add more spells and soldiers to your arsenal.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

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