This weekend IGN was able to get some quality time in with the next Crystal Chronicles entry for the Nintendo DS. Their preview offers the first interactions with the playable form of Ring of Fates, the sequel to the 2003/2004 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. In it they describe stylus control, items, and battle. A select portion is contained below.
Gameplay in the demo was limited to Yulie (the male character) fighting through a single dungeon. Based on this single dungeon, Ring of Fates looks like it may end up with some complex stage design. The demo dungeon was non-linear, with switches and buttons used to open doors.
As mentioned in our previous report, the game inherits the basic control scheme from the original, with one button for attacking and one button to carry and toss enemies and items. You can also jump, giving the game more of an action feel. This is a requirement for navigating the dungeons, which have 3D elements, and can also be used with the attack button to perform a down thrust.
The stylus is used when selecting items. The bottom screen shows your stock of items and your character's stats. You select an item by directly pointing at it. You can then slide the item to your character to make it reappear on the field of play. Or, with the item selected, you can hold down the X button to bring up a targeting circle. This can then be aimed with the D-pad in order to target an enemy, in case of an attack spell, or yourself, in case of a healing item. The targeting system should be familiar to those who played the original.
Meanwhile, a teaser site for Ring of Fates has made itself available here.
Ring of Fates looks like it has improved upon the shortcomings of its predecessor. Hopefully this will translate into success across all markets.
kula shakerz 2008-04-06 2 comments
The Nintendo DS game Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates was released in Both Europe and North America last month. Here's the video review from GameTrailers. Click here to watch.
kula shakerz 2008-03-11 1 comment
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates got released in North America today. The Nintendo DS title received the scores of 9 / 8 / 9 / 9 - (35/40) from Famitsu magazine while Nintendo Power gave the game a 7.0 out of 10, claiming it was "good, not great".
Brendan 2008-03-06 2 comments
With the localized release dates for Square's NDS Crystal Chronicles entry, Ring of Fates quickly approaching, a barrage of screens have hit the internet! These images show off all the bells and whistles that Ring of Fates has to offer, and while I've only include a random 3, be sure to check out WorthPlaying for the entire gallery. Final Fantasy...
