Here is my ratings: 1) Graphics: Personally, I don't look at graphics compared to what is happening on all consoles, but rather, I ask myself, "What can this system do and did the developer push the limits." Considering that the NDS is basically an N64 in a small two screen box, and looking at these graphics, they deserve a perfect 5. To be sure, the opening sequence is beautiful and deserves itself, the purchase of the game just to watch that. The redone graphics, completely remade from the super nintendo sprite based 2d model, are colorful and eye catching. They are not picture perfect, but is that really necessary. They are cute and get the point across and bring surprise to an older title. Some of the bosses are beautifully rendered if not surprising in their design. Sometimes human looking bosses from the story turn into massive demon like bosses in the actual fight. Strange but fun. 2) Gameplay: People seem to be complaining that there is considerable slowdown from the 2d sprite version and todays version, especially when walking on maps. Since I've never played the previous version, I don't really care. It moves as it moves and I am fine with that. I've just changed the settings to automatically make me run so I don't have to hold the "b" button down all the time to go everywhere. I especially enjoy the battle system and the dynamics of shuffling your characters. There is a job system (Geomancer, Knight, Summoner, Theif, White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage, etc.) that is quite developed. I think there are 26 different jobs to give your characters and you have to level up your characters job as well as their actual character level. This adds some depth as you have to develop the characters, and there is some down time when you change jobs upping levels and shaking off dropped stats. That actually makes being in between bosses more enjoyable and gives me more of a reason to go out into forest and beat the same monsters over and over and over again. I give gameplay a 4.75. 3) Story: The story is so far the weakest point, though the game overall is strong, so that isn't saying that the story is bad. I think this story must be a traditional story of some sort because I think I've played the same myth from Tales of Phantasia on the Gamecube. I'll let you read it for yourself, but check out the parallel and tell me if I'm wrong. Basically there is a Goddess and there is evil. The goddess falls asleep and evil begins to become more rampant and then the chosen ones have to go and collect crystals (in this case of the elements) and wake up the Goddess to save the world. As far as the practicality of the story, I've found myself a couple of times not knowing what exactly to do. It was pretty intuitive after a while, but I've probably wasted about 30 minutes just looking around the map for where I'm supposed to go next. Usually talking to townspeople solves that problem, but it is often hard to figure out which ones will give you new info after a boss fight and which ones will always say the same thing. I think the story works though, so check it out: I give the Story a 4.5. 4) Music: On this one I give the game a 5.0; the soundtrack has been completely redone for the game and I have had the best musical textures of any game I've played in the past. I get the epic feel as I trounce through golden castles, stand in the edge of the continents, and laugh when I ride the jesterlike music of the Chocobos. Overall: This game is a hit, and I think that Square Enix made a great decision to bring this to the ds. If you like RPG's of old, and like N64 like graphics, pick this one out. 4.75 Total

A good RPG game. I got it for Christmas.Not too hard. Anyone who likes RPG games would like it. The characters are Refia, Arc, some soldier guy, and the guy u start out with.

(Graphics: 4.5) This was my first DS game ive ever owned or played but from seeing other game videos it seems like this game is definitly one of the better ones graphicly. The Magic and Cmera angles look great, and the environments are very engaging and colorful even in huge dungeons. Also,when you switch jobs and weapons your costume changes and weapons change in battle- there are visual differences. (Sound: 3.5) Tunes are good every so often but after replaying the same areas over and over the quickly become old. Props to the DS speakers tho because without them i might not realize they were 'Final Fantasy Tunes' (Control: 4.5)Very smooth controles, you only need the stylus which makes the game almost like a PC game. Menus are navigated easily and the controles are responsive and laid out intellegently (Fun Factor: 4.0) Overall The game was a great experiance. However, It is so extensive and Chalenging at points i wanted to scream. I at one point hade to level up my guys fifteen levels and change all there jobs becouse i couldent beat the final boss. Its all about the right combinations in your party. In the end tho it is most likely the Best RPG for the DS and at least worth a playthrough, it is an FF title. (Key Moment: Finally beating that sick bastered of a final boss and realizing how much you love ninjas) _-_-EnterTrueNextGen1117