Dual Orb II
Praise the GoddessGenre: rpg - japanese
Publisher: I'Max
Year: 1994
System: SFC
Gameplay Score: 4
Gameplay Notes:
I'm amazed by the jump in quality of SFC RPGs in 1994. Developers made a bunch of QoL features standard. This one gets almost everything just right. The grind is of course there, but the mechanics are all simple and enjoyable. Battles can be slow and there's no ATB, unfortunately. It's also missing optimal equip, but compensates by allowing you to forge your weapons to upgrade them. Pretty cool. Movement is very fast (always a good thing) and there aren't any complicated mechanics like the classes in FFV or espers in FFVI. That's honestly the biggest downer here - there's not much to it. But for the most part this is good JRPG stuff.
Level Design Score: 4
Level Design Notes:
The game starts with a 30 min info dump before you can save. FFIV started this trend so I guess I shouldn't be bothered too much. You start with a three-person party, with an OP friend right out of the gate to help with the initial grinding. Thank you! You quickly round out the four-person party and away you go. Love it.
Theme Score: 5
Theme Notes:
Love the sci-fi meets fantasy setting. The prologue shows a high technology civilization being destroyed, then flashes forward to 1000 years in the future. I love the myster boxes they set up: who is the protagonist and where did he come from? will he remain friends iwht the prince? what will happen when Serra the time traveler regains her memories? Count me intrigued.
Art Style Score: 5
Art Style Notes:
The overhead sections look about as good as FFV (not quite on par with FFVI) but the battle screen, wow is it awsome! It uses an isometric view akin to Ogre Battle and Breath of Fire. Thje sprites are tall, very detailed, and well animated. It's a sight to behold. Effects are great as well.
Audio Score: 5
Audio Notes:
This might be overdoing it, but I love the main theme so much!! I enjoyed every track I heard and that main theme is so peaceful, happy, and mysterious.
Overall Score: 85
Review ID: 1618
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