Breath of Fire II

The Good
The storyline has a more mature feel to it than most games of this type and many of the graphical elements and situations are surprisingly effective at creating a dark, brooding, almost horror movie-esque atmosphere in parts. The gameplay is challenging enough to maintain interest and the storyline flows nicely with added humorous elements to keep the plot from decending too deeply into the darker regions it threatens to bog-down into in parts.

The Bad
The graphics, while good, are nothing special, neither during in-game play nor during the infrequent cut scenes. There will undoubtedly be little challenge to more experienced gamers here and the usual cutesy elements creep in somewhat too often in jarring contrast to the rather morose storyline. The music too is frankly...annoying...but bearable.

The Bottom Line
Put simply, this is a good game, not up there with the best of its kind but certainly recommended to all who like this genre of gameplay. Some of the more mature themes (dead mothers, missing children, yadda...) means this may not appeal to younger players (and is kinda depressing at points to older players!) but playing is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.