Square Enix

The watercolor illustration quality of the graphics is simply amazing. In fact, it's so good that it made me think that if more games of this visual quality were continually produced on the PlayStation, the system could be a viable platform for years to come.

Game Description: Create the world of Fa’Diel in Legend of Mana. Choose a character, starting weapon, and starting area. Once in the starting area, you will have to complete a quest to earn artifacts, which can be used to create new areas on the map that have unique quests as well. With over 60 different artifacts and quests to discover, there is plenty to do in Legend of Mana.

I am still shocked that Square would toss aside the excellent multiplayer feature I had come to expect from the Seiken Densetsu series. But as disappointing as that was, it wasn't what kept Legend Of Mana from shining.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Animated Violence, Suggestive Themes

Despite how great that may sound on paper, I'm sad to say that the final results are only slightly better than mediocre. At its heart, Threads Of Fate wants to achieve the kind of friendly and approachable, yet epic and majestic feel that The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time so wonderfully conveyed.

Chi pretty much covered all bases in regard to Threads Of Fate. The graphics in the game are remarkable, and the lack of full-motion video was not missed at all as the real-time graphics more than sufficed. I especially liked how the two plotlines were told throughout the game -- although I preferred Rue's more noble quest. No matter which I picked, they were humorous and carefree overall with the right touches of drama when needed. This part of the game was proof that Squaresoft still knows how to tell as story.

Game Description: See two different perspectives of the same quest with Threads Of Fate. You can play as either Mint or Rue, each with a unique story that will take the characters to different parts of the same world. Further, each adventurer has a different style of fighting and magic: Rue can transform into monsters, while Mint gains power from her ability to mix and cast magic spell. Discover the fabric that is woven with the Threads Of Fate.

Game Description: You are the dashing Valendian Knight Ashley Riot in the action-packed role-playing epic Vagrant Story. Venture deep into dark, frightening dungeons and do battle with vile monsters in this lush, stunningly rendered adventure. You'll have to solve mind-twisting puzzles, explore diverse environments, and uncover the details of a plot rich with action and pathos. The design team behind Final Fantasy Tactics has gone all out to ensure a compelling and enthralling sword-swinging experience in Vagrant Story.

What I consider to be the main weakness of Vagrant Story is that it wants to be something that its not. Sort of like Quentin Tarentino stretching as an actor or Sylvester Stallone attempting to do comedy.