I like the RPG elements in those turn-based RPG’s, but I can’t stand the waiting involved with those games. Luckily, there is a solution to that. It’s called an Action-RPG. Yay Zelda!!! If you haven’t played a Zelda game, then shame on you. They combine the RPG elements with the ability to control the character. You get the freedom of actually wielding your weapon in a battle instead of selecting what your character does from a menu. But this review isn’t about Zelda, which pioneered this genre. We’re talking Soul Blazer here. Made by Enix (think Final Fantasy), Soul Blazer allows the player to actually recreate the in-game world.

If you’ve ever played an Enix game, then you already know the basic storyline. It revolves around morality. King Magridd, a greedy little bastard, kidnaps an exceptional inventor named Dr. Leo. Leo is forced to invent something capable of summoning Deathtoll, the King of Evil. King Magridd, being the greedy little bastard, makes a deal with Deathtoll that will give a piece of gold for every living creature the Magridd gives to Deathtoll. Basically, you, being the hero of the story, has to release the captured creatures and save the empire from Deathtoll.

Have you played Actraiser? No? Didn’t think so. Like the gameplay in Actraiser, you have to fight a group of enemies to release a creature, be it an animal, a plant, a whiny little bitch of a person, or someone who is actually helpful. Actually, pretty much everything you release is helpful in some way. Except goats. Damn goats. So you go through the lands releasing more and more helpful creatures using your trusty sword. Oh ya, there’s magic too. Actually, if you beat this game without using magic, you’d be my hero. But only for a day. All the magic you use works with the sword. As in any game, if you pay attention to the attack patterns of the enemies (and the bosses), then they are very easy to beat. However, if you decide to run in like Rambo (minus the guns), then you’ll be very easy to beat.

On to the graphics. It’s a Super Nintendo game so graphics suck by today’s standards. So all you graphic’s whores, stop reading now and go play your Xbox 360. The game uses a lot of bright colors, but it isn’t psychadelic or anything (except for the last level). The colors are used quite well though so you will never be overwhelmed. The bosses are animated and well drawn. Soul Blazer looks amazing considering it was released in 1992 without any of the amazing Mode-7 effects. It’s definitely one of the better looking Super Nintendo games out there.

Combining great gameplay, a great storyline, and good graphics, Soul Blazer is one of the most enjoyable games you may ever play. If your looking for the awards Soul Blazer received, you won’t really find any. If you want to see how popular this game is, go to ebay and compare its price to other Super NES games.

The original RPG. The turn-based genre. That’s what we’re talking about here. Chrono Trigger, from Square, is without a doubt one of the best RPG’s ever made. Ask any Super NES fanatic what the system’s best game is and they’ll answer immediately with Chrono Trigger. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a big fan of the turn-based RPG’s, but this is one of my favorite games of all time. The storyline is very captivating and visually this is one of the best looking games on the system.

Now, this part is going to be difficult. I want to tell the storyline without ruining it. It’s 1000 A.D. A young boy named Crono is going to the Millenia Fair to see his friend, Lucca. On the way he bumps into Marle and the two decide to go together. When they find Lucca they see that she has invented a time machine. Marle wants to be the test subject. Something goes wrong while she is in the machine and Crono and Lucca use the machine to locate her. While searching, Crono manages to to change history. So basically, you have to go through time fixing everything that got messed up and while trying to find a way home.

If you’ve played Final Fantasy III, then you know the basic gameplay system. In addition, a “Tech” attack as been added that is sort of like a special move. These techs can be combined with other members of your party to perform even more powerful attacks. One of the main changes with this game, and one which I think should be a necessity, is that you can see enemies before your thrown into battle with them. This allows you to avoid fights if you are just trying to get somewhere. Of course, leveling up is needed so you don’t want to avoid all the fights.

As I said before, this is one of the most visually impressive games on the system. The level of detail might be better than any Super NES game and the color blend really works well. Every area has its own distinct look. Not to mention the fact that the music really adds to each level. This is one of the better soundtracks on the Super NES, but would you settle for anything else from Square?

Chrono Trigger, in my mind, is the perfect turn-based RPG. And it is impressive that Square was able to build such a different game from Final Fantasy but include everything that makes Final Fantasy great. If I were ever to create an RPG game, this is what I would strive for.

In conclusion, Chrono Trigger bitch slaps Final Fantasy for a 5 out of 5.