Total Game Boy


Final Fantasy Legend 3

Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Sunsoft
Machine: Game Boy

 
Published in Total Game Boy Issue 01

Final Fantasy Legend 3

The third game in the Legend trilogy is by far the greatest. It's also one of the best RPGs in the hand-held market. Having improved the Final Fantasy game structure even further, it's no surprise to discover that Final Fantasy Legend 3 is an absolutely engrossing and entertaining title.

From the outset you control three characters with a variety of skills, abilities and magic. From here on in, things start getting stranger. To cut things short (which is not easy with this game) the world map is big. As if that isn't enough, during the course of the quest you travel to the past and future (on many occasions) and even explore the towns and wrecks under the ocean. Some of the tasks have to be completed in one time so they effect the other. It gets really confusing, but takes the linear edge of the story. There isn't a particular order you have to collect the quest items in, except lacking some items will limit your ability to get from place to place. Without giving too much away, there is even an entirely new world map later on - but you've got to play it to see for yourself.

One of the best features is the ability to change your characters from standard run-of-the-mill adventurers into cyborgs, robots, monsters and beasts. This not only changes their sprite, but gives them a whole host of additional skills, attributes and magic. By eating the meat of your fallen enemies (sounds a bit macabre) you can transform into one of over sixty beasts or monsters. By stealing robot parts from fallen machinery you can install it to became a fantasy version of Robocop! Regardless of which path you choose for your fellow team mates, they will continue to evolve as their levels increase.

Final Fantasy Legend III

As the game progresses, you will find extra parts for a giant spaceship. Installing them in the ship will give you access to a whole new host of controls. Not least of these is the time warp ability, but others include weaponry and the ability to fly around the world map in any time zone.

All of this adds an entirely new dimension to the standard RPG fare. There is only one complaint to make, and that's the fact that the equipment screen is confusing, and you often end up removing items when you want to be installing them.

With such dedication to involving gameplay and planning, some surprisingly detailed sprites and an effective mutual score, it's one corker of an adventure game!