Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

10 Review to this product

• 

  TLH
  December 29th, 2009 on 12:51 am

  Rating

  This game is a bit hard to review — you have to look at it from two angles:

  1) If you are looking for a classic RPG Final Fantasy game then you will be disappointed. This is not typical Final Fantasy. Don’t buy this game if that is what you want. I’d give it 1-2 stars for a Final Fantasy game… but it should be noted, like all FF games they push the graphics and limits of the console and pay close attention to the story.

  2) If you are looking for an action/adventure game in the same spirit as Zelda: Twilight Princess then this is your game. FF: The Crystal Bearers feels like a cousin to Twilight Princess and relies on much of the same strategy/game play/experience. I’d give it a solid 4 stars for a fantasy based adventure game.

  If you go into this one with no expectations then you will probably be pleased.
• 

  Arnaldo Cortes
  January 1st, 2010 on 4:35 am

  Rating

  The games in this series haven’t been the most stellar, and the last time I remember really getting into one was the Gamecube installment, but this game brings me back into the Crystal Chronicles world with all the bells and whistles I’d hoped it would. It has all the makings of a great adventure: Immersive story, beautiful graphical presentation, intuitive controls, and a likeable cast. From the opening scene I was pulled in and compelled to play on. The main campaign is slightly short, but there are many side quests to take advantage of to lengthen it. I’m not disappointed in this purchase and neither will any fans of the Adventure genre or if you are a Square Enix fan.
• 

  Derek Vazquez
  January 1st, 2010 on 5:14 am

  Rating

  I was a little skeptical at the direction SquareEnix was taking this franchise into, but I was pleased with the results. The graphics are awesone, very detailed with fluid animation. The story gets better as it comes together, and the music is catchy. I wish the combat was a little more diverse, but the adventuring elements make up for that (great chase sequences!!) Overall, this is a fine third-party addition to any Wii owner’s library.
• 

  Sherms
  January 1st, 2010 on 10:44 am

  Rating

  First of all, i haven’t received my order yet, but i have been playing this game with a friend’s copy, and to this point, i think i can give my personal views and impressions on the game.

  This game is very hard to review with objectivity, mainly because is a huge letdown to some, a good and fun game to others, and a great hit game, at least for me and a lot of people i know. It just depends on your expectations (mine were none) and your adaptation to change.

  Having played almost every FF game released on USA and Japan, with the notable exception of Dirge of Cerberus and Crisis Core, I’m OK with Square-Enix shifting of genres and concepts, and i feel comfortable playing old school RPGs as i feel with playing action games.

  This game is on the RPG section. Well, the first thing you have to accept: This game is not an RPG, i never expected an RPG though, Square-Enix never advertised it as a pure-in-spirit role playing game, just as an adventure game, that was OK for me, and that’s what i wanted. Genres changed so much since 8-bit generation, so the only thing i expect from a game is fun and enjoyment, and believe me, for this generation of videogames, these are VERY HIGH expectations.

  I can classify this game as an RPG flavoured Zelda-like adventure. That doesn’t mean you have to lower or raise your standards with respect to other FF games, you just have to accept is DIFFERENT in almost every sense.

  The story is like a really deep pond. A thousand of years have passed since the original Crystal Chronicles, Lilties went on a war with Yukes, Yukes went extinct. Magic vanished from the world, and now everything relies on crystal technology. Crystal bearers are people infused with crystal power who can control magic at their will, we’ll meet Amidatelion, a hate-filled Yuke, and a lot of characters with a secret agenda. There’s nothing more i can say about the history without spoiling it. Why is it like a deep pond? well, the story is great, profound and event charged, but it’s a little limited, as there’s nothing more before or after it, at least with the released games.

  The tale progresses lightly and lineal, making it easy to understand and way more easy to play. It’s seamless and simple, as it should be for an adventure game.

  On the technical aspects, the game shines on the graphical part, the world is small (but standard for act-adv games), but it seems vast and alive. The sound is great and well made.

  Soundtrack is strange and unconventional, ranging from rock, country to world music. I didn’t like it a lot, but i have to admit it mixes well with the environment and situations. It’s just a matter of taste.

  Controls are HARD but simple-arranged, i feel they’re OK. Camera movement is way hard if you are accustomed to the auto-camera and simple stick-spinning of previous FF titles. It takes a time to master them.

  Navigation: Seamless and without massive charge times. The only issue in this aspect (and major issue of the game for a lot of people) is the map. No minimap, and no exact location pointing. Just a big map pointing where you are. The world feels big, so it’s easy to get lost.

  Battle system is easy and monotone, you grab enemies/objects with Layle’s gravitational powers, and you move/throw them as you wish. Easy and fun to do, but can be a little boring sometimes, and frustrating when battling some bosses. Anyways, it’s not a major issue, since game is focused on exploration more than battling.

  You can improve Layle’s stats with custom objects and changing his jacket graphic, just like you do in Zelda with the new tunics, heart containers and all. Like i said before, it’s an RPG flavoured action adventure game, neither much more nor much less.

  The world feels relaxed and laid back, there’s no urgency to save the world or anything. That’s just because of the context. Mini-games are fun, and action-based sequences are better!.

  Well, this game is an unpolished diamond, but a gem after all. If you are open minded and prepared to accept that Final Fantasy is just a franchise name, and you like action-adventure games, I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME. If you just can’t take it or you don’t like action-adventure games, well, rent it, it may be disappointing, but you’ll at least feel it for yourself.

  Simple to enjoy, simple to play, way hard to rate.

  ——————————————————————————————————————

  UPDATE 12/01/10

  I received my copy and finished the game, and i have to say i’m pretty impressed and disappointed at the same time.

  Crystal Chronicles games always work for me, because they have a deep underlining history, with a simple character history and main background. They don’t need plot twists or complex characterisation, as much of our more beloved books of classical literature is lineal and simple, and they’re still masterpieces.

  For Japanese gamers, this game it’s a really mixed bag. It’s not the Game of the Year, but surely between the best and far from the worst. For me it’s an awesome game.

  I have to admit that gameplay is hard and can be frustrating at some points for inexperienced players. But i really don’t understand why people complain so much about game mechanics when it’s easier than aiming at any Halo game.

  The game took me about 25 hours, not too short, not too long, and certainly nice for an adventure game. The game has easy parts, hard parts and frustrating parts, just as an adventure game should be.

  Contrary to popular belief, this game is not for everyone, but is really worth completing and analysing. Behind the pseudo-simpleminded character development lies a story waiting for you to unfold.

  For every complaint i have about this game, Square-Enix surprises me with something incredible. There’s no point in comparing this game with FF VII or any other Final Fantasy, it’s just different. After completing my Japanese imported FF XIII and feeling vastly disappointed i needed some refreshment, this game gave me that.

  Now, after finishing the game, i can talk about the aspects:

  STORY: Deep but limited, this game expands the FFCC universe. Character development is simple, and the story progresses in a linear way. If you are curious about FFCC, this game gives more questions than answers, but story is solid and well developed. 9.5/10

  GAMEPLAY/CONTROLS: Hard to get accustomed, not very intuitive, but it becomes self-explicative as the game progresses. Surely not the best, but with some practice is a piece of cake. 8.5/10

  FEATURES: First of all, the screenshot feature is superb, especially with the vastness of the game, and the details everywhere. The map is a real issue because it’s vague, but you can solve it using the signposts and your ability. The radar works pretty well. Layle’s abilities aren’t customisable, but you can improve them. This game isn’t full of groundbreaking features, but almost all of them work well. 7/10

  GRAPHICS/DESIGN: This game has one of the best artistic directions i have seen in a lot of time. Everything is beautifully and meticulously made. The look is not mysterious, it’s familiar and warm, but solid and interesting. On the graphic aspect, this game is the proof that the Wii has a lot to offer in the technical aspect, graphics are stunning and fluid at the same time. Even the most simple cutscenes feel polished. Loading time issues? Nay!. 10/10

  MUSIC: I’m giving this aspect a 6.5 just because i didn’t like the music a lot. Being objective, the musical direction is strange and varied, but just as superb as the art direction and works really well with the environment. I’m kinda tired of the common orchestral approach of this style of games. I wanted to hear something different, this was different enough to turn my ears on again into game music, but i just didn’t like the selection. I’m sure much other people will enjoy it. 6.5/10

  This is an 8.3~8.5, but really, this game may be anywhere from 4 to 10. Surely not for everyone to enjoy, it’s a unpolished diamond, but a diamond after all.
• 

  Abigail Williams
  January 1st, 2010 on 10:11 pm

  Rating

  I liked this game but can see how others do not. For the wii it is a very good game but compared to Final Fantasy on Play Station(1,2,3) it is lacking. I love the graphics, they are the best I have seen on the wii. If you own a wii you should get the game. I don’t like the combat system, it is difficult to get the hang of and can become difficult at times.
• 

  Jor-El
  January 3rd, 2010 on 9:09 am

  Rating

  I originally pre-ordered this game, then watched as numerous negative reviews flooded in when it came out. This worried me, but in the end I kept the order, played the game, and am glad because of it.

  The combat takes a bit of getting used to, but eventually ends up being quite different and subsequently, very fun to play around with. You use telekinesis in battle to toss aside, pick up, or throw enemies and objects. You can throw enemies into each other, throw objects at enemies, etc. Experimenting on the best way to damage and destroy enemies is intriguing, and the various objects have different effects (i.e. throwing manure at a beast or throwing a bomb into a goblin for an explosive effect). In a time plagued by games that are essentially visually different concept copies of one another, this introduces something new. A fun little quirk is that your telekinesis also works in towns, so you can try messing around with the unsuspecting townspeople as well. I liked this realism; since Layle isn’t exactly the most moral main character, it makes sense that he would not restrict the use of his powers as soon as he enters a town (unlike many other games that prevent you from any such actions within the town/city atmosphere).

  I do agree with some of the other criticisms that the controls are hard to grasp at first (especially getting the hang of raising enemies above you), but these difficulties typically disappear and the controls become intuitive after playing for an hour or so. I suspect that those who still have trouble after this time didn’t even glance at the manual; I don’t normally do this, but the controls in this game are so different that I felt it necessary to do so.

  Most of the graphics are simply stunning (take a look at the stylized way Layle’s jacket flutters in the wind during the very first sequence of the game proves this beyond a doubt). Many of the villages and towns are well-thought out in terms of visual design, and even the bland, normal sequences in the field look fluid and refined.

  The storyline is generally pretty intriguing, and it definitely offers some mysterious aspects that make you want to keep pushing forward. I never played the previous crystal chronicles games, and I wasn’t lost at all.

  One disappointing aspect was that many of the people in towns literally have nothing to say. You can walk up to them, see their expressions, even bump into them and toss them into the air, but that’s about it. Only a few people in each area actually produce thought bubbles that signify that you can talk to them. I would have liked to see more options in this aspect, but if you don’t care about the useless chatter of the townspeople (think of all the additional characters in Zelda games who talk about generally non-relevant things), then you might actually like that this game gets straight to the point in terms of dialogue.

  The biggest issue was the map system:
  
  *The short range map (when enemies are present) is fine and looks/functions like the “radar map” in many fps. It works well for finding remaining enemies within the field. The overview map, on the other hand, is extremely vague and difficult to follow; it is barely helpful at all in finding your way to the next place you need to go.
  
  *The one inspired part of the travel system is the fact that you can use your telekinesis to rip the arrows off of signs and carry them around with you. This is helpful because no matter where you go or which way you turn, the arrow will always point to its original destination.

  Overall, I would recommend this game. Because of some questionable flaws, it’s not a five star game, to be sure, but it is a four star game.

  RECAP
  
  Pros:
  
  Immediately gets into the story/action
  
  Good storyline
  
  Innovative battle system
  
  All surroundings, including towns, allow for telekinesis interaction
  
  Fluid and meticulous graphics
  
  Inspired sign/guide dynamic

  Cons:
  
  Controls take getting used to initially (only one limited option for configuration change)
  
  Poor/useless overview map
  
  Most NPCs have nothing to say (no dialogue)
  
• 

  Brian
  January 5th, 2010 on 3:07 pm

  Rating

  The game has its flaws, and many reviews gripe about those. If you take some time to get a real understanding of the controls and battle system you’ll find a very solid game for the Wii.

  For those of you who may be old schooler gamers… the way I tend to describe this game is that it’s like Secret of Mana for the SNES. Both SoM and this game seem to be in the shadows of their “big brothers” from Square Enix, but if you accept what the game is, it really is a very solid title.

  Pros:
  
  1) A very solid and engaging story line. You will find yourself caring about what’s happened and going on in the world.
  
  2) Innovative and unique battle system
  
  3) One of the most graphically impressive Wii games to date. Sometimes it’s genuinely worth it to just stop and look around at the world. And if you see something you like practically any time in the game (including cutscenes) you can take a picture and save to your SD card, which is a nice feature that I hope future Wii games will copy.
  
  4) Plenty of optional mini-games. While you might not find many you like, you’re bound to find at least one or two you find addictive, no matter what sort of player you are.
  
  5) BEST WARNING IN ANY INSTRUCTION MANUAL: The instruction manual specifically warns you not to simulate in-game actions, and specifically tells you not to throw people around.

  Cons:
  
  1) Voice acting is a mixed-bag. Some of it’s very solid. At times it seems a bit off. Nothing terrible… I’d rate in on par with FFX. Not as good as I hoped, but just don’t expect it to be perfect. Some lines may sound out-of-place.
  
  2) It takes time to figure out the battle system to really make it enjoyable. I see a lot of negative reviews about the combat, and I suspect people are just tossing enemies around and haven’t quite figured it out yet. It’s about experimentation, and tossing different enemies/objects at enemies. It does take some time to get the hang of that and see some very amusing reactions. Once you do, the combat is much more fun.
  
  3) Maybe too many minigames? I like to be a completionist with adventure games and RPGs, but I think I’m going to pass on that with this game. It’d be exhausting to get every single reward.

  It’s not a “GOTY” quality game, but it’s very solid, and it’s very unique. Some people will love that. Some will not. If you’re not sure, give it a rental, and at least try to get to the point where you have a good grasp of the control scheme.

  It’s not as intuitive as, say, Super Mario Galaxy, but once you have the combat controls down, you can have a lot of fun just exploring and experimenting with the world.
• 

  tessntamber
  January 20th, 2010 on 6:48 pm

  Rating

  One of the best games I bought in 2009. Beautiful story, details, characters and voice acting; a great single-player game for your Wii with a control scheme that is new and not too difficult for beginners to handle. I’d definitely recommend this game!
• 

  Tango
  January 25th, 2010 on 8:52 pm

  Rating

  For those not familiar with Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, it is a spin-off series from Final Fantasy set in its own unique world. Unlike the core series, Crystal Chronicles allows players to see the evolution of the world over time.

  The Crystal Bearers holds true to the world established in the previous Crystal Chronicles games, showing us the world of the Clavat, Yukes, Selkies, and Lilties on the verge of an industrial revolution. The Yukes have been all but wiped out in a war with the Lilties. The Selkies and the Lilties now have a closer relationship than in the past, though it is very much a class-based relationship dominated by the Lilties. The Clavat continue to be farmers and pilgrims, but see to have a relatively minor role in the game beyond being the race of the main character, Layle.

  From a story standpoint, The Crystal Bearers does an excellent job of presenting a variation on a story similar to ones you’ve heard before. Visually, the game does an excellent job with the Wii’s capabilities, though it sometimes lags a bit when there’s too much going on at once – notably when riding the shuttles around the capital.

  The technical aspects of this game are where it shines and where its flaws lie. If you experienced the early frustration of adapting to the controls of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, be prepared to experience it again. The Crystal Bearers makes excellent use of the Wii remote to provide a distinct playstyle for the game that is at once stress relieving and stress inducing. Need to let off steam? Find an area with low level monsters or lots of breakable objects and let them fly, but you may want to take the time to practice some of the techniques that trigger various medals because you’ll need those techniques later in the game and there won’t be time to learn them then.

  The game rewards completionists rather than advancing the story. If you fail to clear too many areas of monsters, you’ll find that you don’t have and can’t make the accessories needed to defend yourself against stronger enemies. Still, a careful and patient player can manage and the game is kind enough to save automatically every time you change zones.
• 

  M. Collver-Horvath
  February 8th, 2010 on 1:39 pm

  Rating

  I bought this game back in December but haven’t had a chance to play it until this February. After this entire wait, I beat the entire game in a weekend. Was it a bit short? Not really. Did it sacrifice gameplay for graphics by being so short? Not really. Was it still fun despite being so short? Yes, it was.
  
  Square Enix has decided to take the Crystal Chronicle series into a bold new direction. It still keeps the live action combat where there are no RPG ‘turns’ involved when fighting enemies, but puts a spin on it by giving the protagonist abilities that can levitate, throw and destroy various objects and enemies. It can be a chore if you simply do the same thing over and over again, like throwing enemies around like ragdolls. But if you are inventive and you try to do different combinations, the combat system can be somewhat deep. For example, what would happen if I pick up this enemy and toss it in the water? What about against that wall? What if I throw it at that enemy or when that enemy is electrified? What if I throw this object at that enemy, what will it do? There are a variety of options to use when battling and it makes it all the more enjoyable because of it. On that note, the creative enemy designs make for some interesting battles, figuring out how they work and how various aspects of an enemy react to other of its kin or to different enemies. Great kudos to Square Enix for making inventive enemy designs which lead to multiple medals for being creative with them while battling.
  
  Story wise, its excellent. The game moves at a breakneck speed and unless you force yourself to stop and slow down and explore the (literally) hundreds of sidequests out there, you could be at the end of the game before you know it! The story paces itself well and gives you all the answers you need without any real plot holes or gaps to fill. All questions are answered and it ends on a somewhat satisfying note. The characters are also well developed in terms of characterization. The only true character arc though, is Layle. He goes from someone who just doesn’t care about anything and only wants to get paid for the job he’s doing to someone who can really fight for a cause and keep a promise to a friend who has passed away. (no spoiling who though!)So in terms of presentation of the story, its quality stuff and sometimes almost felt like I was watching an animated movie. It was that engaging.
  
  Now the extra stuff: There are literally hundreds of things to do in this game. Almost 90% of it isn’t even required to beat the game! There are exactly 330 medals to acquire (acheivements if you will) and almost half of them can be upgrade from Bronze to Silver to Gold. Which extends replayability by an insane amount. I highly doubt anyone can get all 330 gold medals without some bit of frustration. Regardless, the variety of things, sidequests and mini-games you can do is vast and it really is fun to have the option to go back and replay various bosses and mini-games to get better scores or to go after elusive medals that you didn’t get the first time around. So if you simply force yourself to stop and look around, there are tons of things for you to do inbetween story segments, you just have to be creative in looking for them.
  
  On a side note, the customization and accessory aspect of the game isn’t a big part of the overall experience as I’m sure the creators wanted it to be. But it works and its simple to understand and use. However, for those looking to acquire all 330 medals, getting the right materials to make the best equipment becomes paramount because only the highest stats that Layle can acheive will be sufficient to nail some of those tougher medals.
  
  Overall, I actually enjoyed this game. I didn’t have any high expectations for it with relation to anything else with the ‘Final Fantasy’ moniker, but I was expecting a quality action adventure game and that is exactly what I received. I applaud Square Enix for taking such a bold move with one of their more popular franchises, and pulling off such an engaging game with gusto. It truly seems they had fun making this product and I heartily recommend this game to anyone with an open mind for fun and creativity.