| Introduction:
Seiken Densetsu 3 is actually the true sequel to the US hit RPG Secret
of Mana. Square decided not to release this game in the US (why I have
NO idea!) and instead let their US development team do a game which was
called Secret of Evermore. I never thought I would play a game that I
enjoyed more than Chrono Trigger but I now have. This is the best RPG
ever made period! The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, the
soundtrack is typical Square at their best, and the storyline is so
involving and full of depth that you'll swear you are taking part in a
movie. For those who want to play this game in English you can find the
rom that has an English patch and it is well worth the effort. (Please
be sure you actually own the cart before you download the rom!) The
basic premise of the story is that the Mana Tree is beginning to wither
and die and it is up to you to locate the 8 mana stones to bring power
back to the Mana Tree and restore peace to the land. Now it's not really
that simple, but you could write a book about the actual story so I'm
just keeping it short and sweet. Now on to the review!
Graphics [10/10]:
The graphics in Seiken Densetsu 3 are nothing short of amazing. I mean
the attention to detail in this game is second to none. Every place has
a distinct look and feel and even the inside of houses and stores are
almost life-like in look and feel. And for those who have played
previous Square games you know what to expect as far as character and
graphic animation. It's unreal. The graphics in this game make the first
Secret of Mana game look pathetic in comparison. If you don't believe me
take a look for yourself! I honestly don't know how Square was able to
pull these kinds of graphics out of the SNES.
Sound and Music [10/10]:
As with most Square games a great soundtrack is pretty much a given. And
with Seiken Densetsu 3 there is no exception. It's not quite as good as
Chrono Trigger but it is as close as I have yet to see. And one of the
great things about the soundtrack is that the tracks are long enough so
to keep the tunes from getting redundant during long drawn-out playing
sessions. Leave it to Square to introduce yet another classic
soundtrack. I just got in the CD music from this game and it is well
worth the money to buy it. Just amazing how Square seems to be able to
do it game after game. Wish other RPG developers could do it more often.
Gameplay [10/10]:
The gameplay of Seiken Densetsu 3 will immediately remind players of
Secret of Mana. But in effect it's actually MUCH better and much more
in-depth than Mana. Tons of weapons, armor, and items to use and the
classic Mana "wheel" selection menu. There are also a choice of 6
characters to choose from to start your party and a bunch of characters
and spirits to join your party along the way. The control of the game is
tight and responsive and I especially liked the way your character comes
to arms when enemies are approacing. It might have been nice to be able
to move around at a faster pace, like you could run in Chrono Trigger,
but you can't have everything. I really thought the Secret of Mana
control was excellent but this game goes WAY above and beyond it. Really
made the game that much more enjoyable.
Challenge and Replay [10/10]:
Luckily Seiken Densetsu 3 is very challenging without being frustrating.
It is a fairly long game, and you are really going to get your money's
worth with this one. Just enough hints throughout to game to keep you on
the right track but not so much that the game becomes too easy. Some of
the bosses will take several times to beat but are not so difficult that
you get stuck in one place too long. The great thing about to game is
that it is so much fun you will want to almost immediately play it again
after you finish it. Plus the fact that there is almost no way you will
find everything the first time through. Take my word for it once is
definately not enough for this game.
Conclusion/Overall [10/10]:
In conclusion, I cannot understand why in the world Square did not bring
this game to the US. I have heard rumors that Square is planning a
Secret of Mana Anthology, containing both Secret of Mana and Seiken
Densetsu 3, for the Playstation and I really hope this happens because
if this game is passed by on us again it would be a true shame. I am
just thankful that some people took the time to do an English
translation of this game. We owe them a great debt of gratitude. So grab
the import of this game and get the rom and play the greatest RPG ever
made and then email Square and tell them that if they don't bring this
game to the US we will mail bags of poop to their head offices : ) Just
one amazing game that no RPG fan should miss. My hats off to Square.
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