One of the latter is Tales of Phantasia, an RPG that was released years ago on the Nintendo NES. I myself was too busy with the MSX and other stuff, but a lot of gamers could then enjoy one of the best RPG's of that moment. Whether the game is still this strong after so many years is something we check out in this review.

The story itself for one isn't specifically exciting or renewing anymore. You play a teenager who suddenly ends up in an incredible adventure filled with magic, plot twists, interesting characters, the necessary fighting and of course the solving of obligatory puzzles (sounds like Harry Potter, ed.). Console-RPG stuff as we know and like it; you get to explore wide areas, get to talk with NPC's until your battery fails and can end all kinds of meetings aggressively... or not.

Most noticeably is the combat system that for once isn't semi- or completely turn-based, but very action-based. You take control over Cress, the main character, with which you can do all attacks in real- time, including a lot of special moves and combos. On top of that your team mates support you with the necessary magic. This works refreshing, especially seeing the age of the title, and the fighting is without a doubt one of the more fun aspects of the game. After a while you'll get to know the tricks of the trade and the fights will become a bit repetitive (you can't avoid random encounters by the way), but at least you get to keep bashing buttons!

Next to the fightings you'll have plenty of time running around (and flying and sailing), preparing all kinds of meals to keep your health decent, and trading items of all sorts. The latter are all accompanied with the necessary explanations so that also here the true puritan will enjoy the additional submerging into this gameworld. The graphics nicely support the action on the screen and the other RPG elements (you can see for instance which weapon you're holding), and lovers of the classic look will no doubt enjoy the inspired and old-skool style. Also when it comes to sound the makers have done their best, including some spoken content.

The relatively "big" freedom you have (don't expect Oblivion-like stuff) in choosing and finishing side-missions is welcome, but unfortunately there's no diary with what you still need to do, let alone where to do it. Keep a notebook close if you don't have the memory of an elephant!