AbstractRyu was born to wander, but it would prove to be wandering with a purpose. Step into the role of the noble drifter in this role-playing affair of the highest caliber. Taking place through the lens of an isometric perspective, the journey will take you to distant magical lands, dark forests, and picturesque lakes. Along with Nina, your traveling companion, you'll battle beasts, use spells, and enjoy a number of side activities, such as fishing. A great story and awesome visuals make BREATH OF FIRE a handheld classic.
ESRB rating
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Mild Violence |
Full descriptionA remake of the Super NES title of the same name, Breath of Fire is a classic 2D RPG from the genre most commonly seen in the mid-'90s. The first title in a series that now spans no fewer than four iterations, Breath of Fire puts players in the role of Ryu, a young boy who embarks on a journey to save his sister, and in doing so becomes embroiled in a quest that will determine the fate of the entire world. As he journeys, he'll encounter a variety of creatures and people, some of whom will join him in his quest and provide their unique talents in return. One particular character is capable of "fusing" two party members, creating one new character with an amalgamation of the previous two characters' abilities. Ryu, the title's protagonist, is able to transform into several powerful dragon entities, each with a specific elemental affinity. Other character abilities are used to solve puzzles or remove impediments, such as walls, from your path.
While traveling through the over world, Ryu and his party are viewed from a top-down perspective, but when engaged in battle (which takes place randomly), the game shifts to an isometric view of the skirmish. Battles are turn-based affairs, with each character capable of performing Attack and Defend actions as well as employing magic spells, items, and special abilities. An option is provided to allow the CPU to fight for you, should you so choose. Your "pool" of party members can consist of, at most, eight people, only four of whom can be engaged in battle at any one time. Much like other RPG titles, characters gain experience through combat. With increased experience come more powerful attacks and skills.
Among the handful of additions made to the Game Boy Advance version is a run button that allows players to run faster while exploring, a quick-save function, and a feature that allows two players to trade items with one another using the link cable. Three battery backup save slots are provided to record your progress.
Long ago in the dark days of the world, a young wanderer comes face to face with his destiny. The continent is divided by warring tribes. Join Ryu, a young warrior and descendant of the Light Dragon Clan as he explores the dark land with his mystical friend, Nina as they quest for magic spells and mysterious secrets. Along the way, they discover danger and adventure as they battle against strange monsters. Gain experience and skill along the way, and uncover valuable secrets that will help you on your journey and unlock the secrets of the Dragon Clan.
Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonSince the early '90s, the Breath of Fire series has been a staple on both the Super Nintendo and Sony PlayStation systems. This version for the Game Boy Advance is a perfect handheld port of the original Super Nintendo game that started it all.
The story is standard, but solid, fare--you are Ryu, a member of the White Dragon clan, and your task is to save the world from the Black Dragon clan. In times past, the two clans were actually one clan, but split in a horrendous war due to an evil and meddling goddess. While the White clan has maintained peace since then, the Black clan hasn't. Get the drift?
While the story is fairly black and white (pardon the pun), the gameplay itself is where the game shines. Each character has unique skills and abilities that unlock special areas of the game. For example, Ryu can fish if he finds a fishing pole. Later in the game, he can transform into a dragon during battle. Another character can walk through forests unimpeded and shoot animals for food. What's neat about this system is that as you gain companions with different skills, you can go back to earlier parts of the game to unlock areas that are only accessible via their skills. This adds to the replay value and depth of the game.
The battle system is the standard turn-based, random-encounter biscuits and gravy that most console gamers have come to expect. While not as engrossing as, say, Golden Sun's battle system, the shape-shifting at higher levels adds some enjoyment while fighting the ubiquitous nasties. Two added feature for the GBA version are automatic fighting, which is good for when you don't want to go through all the motions of turn-based combat, and an ability to swap items with a friend's version of the game through the separately sold link cable.
The graphics and sound are decent, but largely unimproved from the original SNES version, so they will seem dated. However, if you are into 16-bit, 2-D role-playing games, you'll find that the graphics look good on the GBA's screen. The sound is a faithful reproduction, but can sound tinny at times. --Bryan Karsh
Pros:
- Fun skill system that allows you to unlock hidden areas in the game
- Link option to trade items with friends
- Auto fighting option for those endless battles
- A nice story and a huge world to explore
Cons: - Too many random battles
- Graphics are dated
- Sound is a little tinny
Recruit new party members, each with unique skills and abilities
Trade items with other players via the link cable
- Portions of content provided by Rovi Data Solutions, Inc. and IGN Entertainment, Inc.