An underrated Gem Critics weren't kind to this game. I can find some agreement with them for this one. It's repetitive for one and haphazard difficulty spikes for some bosses and areas (especially the final challenge which completely changes gameplay and turns it to a bullet hell) but you know, I actually liked it. When I played it on the actual GBA, it was a time I was still in school. At the time, it wasn't a very GOOD memory :P (you know, school and all) but looking back, I was happy. This game appeals to me on a psychological level it being a fantasy adventure game and it was pretty darn cool at the time. I am easily able to look over it's faults and play the game for what it is.
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Graphics: Game has both mediocre and great graphics depending on what is shown. Some enviroments and especially cutscenes look fantastic and others look kind of drab. It's a mix of both equally. One area might have fantastic looking scenes and yet, the character has a pixally face robbing him of any features. Some cutscenes and the sprite work as a dialogue box look fantastic and some enemies look cool, but some of it isn't.
Music and Sound: Some of it is white noise and unlike the last game I criticized for white noise, this music can help one concentrate. Boss music especially shines and some of the more industrial parts of the game shine. This game's white noise soundtrack can make a fantastic back drop to help you play. Yes, I know how weird that sounds. I can't just ignore the soundtrack to a game otherwise it's just weird.
Addictiveness: I am able to focus on the game despite some difficulty spikes (some bosses are annoying and frustrating) and poor level planning and how severely repetitive this game can get. But that's just me. I loved the game's story and despite some difficulty and frustration, I can get through it. Plus I just have a thing for dragons and the demon creatures look kind of draconic alongside the little companion that joins you.
Story: I haven't played this in some time, but from what I can remember, basically some demons have taken over and have started doing some horrible experiments on humans (sounds kinda bad... I know) and our nameless protagonist (let's call him Daniel) has been infused with some demonic blood or some such nonsense. But he is able to withstand it.. However with each hit you get, you are more and more in danger of becoming one of them. Pretty cool fantasy right there. I love adventure stuff like that.
Depth: This is a puzzle platformer/bullet hell (much later toward the end. Don't worry people who don't like that genre, it is ONLY at the tail end of the game leading up to the final boss) that offers a valid puzzle experience. If you are able to ignore some of the game's shortcomings, then the game offers a lot. It offers a decent length campaign and depending on how much you suck, can take you anywhere between 10-30 hours to beat.
Difficulty: The game offers a unique password save system. This is not early password systems where you beat a level and the game gives you a password to continue from that point. No, it offers you a stand that you, well stand on and the game gives you a password with all your stats up to that point. Kinda cool and unique, but if you have an emulator, just save state at those areas (if you don't want to write down a somewhat long password) if you don't want to save scum. This can be frustrating to some people and the game has some difficulty spikes. It isn't Dark Souls, but it's not a cake walk (maybe I just suck) It isn't a deal breaker (for me) but it might be for you depending on how picky you are.
Final Thoughts: This game got mediocre scores but I find it a surprise hit. I tend to like it for it's story and it's clever moments such as the above mentioned password save moments. If you like fantasy, and you can ignore somewhat repetitive moments, then this game is easily the most underrated gem on the GBA. I grew up reading a lot of fantasy novels and it struck a chord with me. It can easily take up a lot of your time and not a lot of people seem to be aware of this game. Play it on Vizzed or try to track down an actual copy if you don't like emulating. Emulating can be done, just save state at those password stands if you really are opposed to save stating. If you are really opposed, then I guess write down those passwords.
Graphics
7 Sound
7 Addictive
10 Depth
8 Story
9 Difficulty
8
User Notice 
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