Square Enix

According to ESRB, this game contains: Fantasy Violence

Game Description: In Dawn of Mana players will finally uncover the origins of the long-running MANA series, which boasts unique and fully interactive 3D environments. Players will be able to interact with their environment like never before, as they explore, destroy and use objects in their fight against fierce—and often funny—enemies. Four difficulty levels, gameplay-altering emblems and a battle arena with collectable pets add customization to the adventure and increase replay value.

Game Description: The only Final Fantasy that was never localized in the United States, Final Fantasy III has been reborn, incorporating the latest in portable gaming technology. Using the features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest, Final Fantasy III features graphics that have been reworked and remodelled in 3D, while maintaining the mythical Final Fantasy look and feel. This is the fans' chance to complete the circle. The legend of Final Fantasy III is reborn.

Despite my love of role-playing games (RPGs), I haven't spent much time with the Final Fantasies. (In fact, most of what I've learned about their universes and characters is via the Kingdom Hearts series). Be that as it may, Final Fantasy III hasn't kindled any deep passion for the series. Like a one-night-stand it was fun while it lasted, but it doesn't leave me wanting more.

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

Game Description: Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria tells the story of another valkyrie sister that takes place hundreds of years before Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth. In this latest installment of the legendary RPG series, divine insurrection besieges the heavens. Invoking his power as king of the gods, Odin hastily reincarnates the spirit of rebel valkyrie Silmeria into Alicia, Princess of Dipan. However, unbeknownst to Odin, the spirit of the battle maiden awakens within Alicia, still seeking vengeance. Believing his daughter to be possessed, King Barbarossa of Dipan declares Alicia dead and exiles her to a faraway castle. Odin learns of Silmeria's awakening and dispatches the imperious Hrist Valkyrie to summon her spirit to Valhalla. Alicia runs in fear—and Silmeria in defiance—as they embark on a journey where nothing is what it seems and all hide behind a mask.

Film critic Roger Ebert says that videogames aren't artistic in the same way that movies or books are, and he's right. All three structure their stories in different ways: the plot of a novel—William Thackeray's Vanity Fair, for instance—won't fit neatly into a three-act film without some cuts, rearrangements, and reimaginings. But I don't agree that one kind of storytelling is inferior to the others.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes

Where Dragon Quest VIII truly distinguishes itself from other RPGs is in the size and scope of its world. Beautiful and lush landscapes stretch for miles in every direction, and walking between towns feels like an adventure unto itself, with fields, mountains, deserts, and oceans.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes