Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon
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Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo’s Dungeon
Chocobo and his pal Cid are transported to a magical land where all of the people have lost their memory and it is up to Chocobo and his friends to solve the mystery of the disappearing memories. Using a turn based combat system this dungeon crawler uses a random dungeon creation system and a decent story to drive the player in this kid and adult friendly Final Fantasy title for the Nintendo Wii.
Gameplay
Imagine running through random dungeons in a turn based experience which feels almost real time, kicking and using special moves to combat a wide variety of ugly creatures with just simple button presses the game is simple enough for kids, but is deep enough for RPG fans who want an experience that is different then most ‘core’ RPG’s, that is the basic premise to Chocobo’s Dungeon. Simple and it works very well.
For a Nintendo Wii game you are not forced to learn a ton of waggle controls, but actually you use the Wii-mote like a controller or you can use the classic controller (which I recommend for this game) for the full experience with quick button presses to bring up important gameplay screens.
As you play the game, your goal is to bring memories and the like back to other characters you meet in your quest. Each attempt has you entering a dungeon, where you can eventually (around 1 hour into the actual game) select a class that you find, such as Knight or White Mage, explore several dungeon levels eventually meeting the boss and killing him. With the lost memory now restored, usually something important is opened up for you to continue your journey.
During the game you collect weapons, armor and items that can be updated for a cost, especially if you did not find better in any of the dungeons, something you will end up doing often if you want to be the big bad Chocobo you can be.
My biggest gripe regarding this game is when you die in the dungeons; you lose everything you picked up in the dungeon, except what you are wearing. Forcing you to head to the bank or to the nearest merchant and buy what you need for your next attempt. It took the fun out of the game at times for me, but the game is very easy and I only died when I took extreme chances and was not paying attention.
There is a boring multiplayer card game for 2 players and honestly it is not something even needed in the game, as there are many better similar card games in other RPG’s out there. While some players might find the actual card game intriguing it is not worthwhile.
Graphics
It seems the CGI wizards at Square Enix hit another home run with the game and while the amount of CGI is actually much lower then what most Final Fantasy veterans will be used to, they will find what we do have is excellent. The in game graphics are also well done and while the graphics are no where near the Xbox 360 or PS3 Square Enix titles for a Wii the graphics are of a higher quality then expected.
The ‘main’ character of the game, or at least one of the main characters are the random dungeons, basic in overall design (they are random so what do you expect) they are fun to constantly run through and fight monsters in. With other characters animated well with a almost cartoonish animation flow, a great 3D look to them and colorful textures in the end unless you want your Chocobo game to have realistic next gen graphics the games graphics will appeal to you.
Audio
Dungeon has some hit and miss audio, especially in the voice over department which ranges from the good to the absolutely annoying, but for a ‘kid’ game this is par for the course, there are some voice over for certain characters which I found nerve wracking to say the least for a while, but after a while it begins to become something normal and not so bad.
The other audio is well done, especially the music which is classic Final Fantasy sounding, mixed with good sound effects make the dungeon romp and battle experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Value
Low replay value and boring 2 player make this a once play through, but if you find turn based RPG’s fun or are looking to get into one, Chocobo’s Dungeon is right for you.
Bottom Line
If you can look past the ‘kid’ friendly look of the game, you will find fun game which is a joy to play.
Pros
- Good graphics and audio
- CGI scenes are great as always
- Gameplay is very good, solid and well designed
- Story is well done
Cons
- Probably too kiddy looking for most people
- The random dungeons are good, but lack personality
- 2 player is boring
Final Verdict
Here's a small guide to help you understand our evaluation of games.
PRESENTATION GRADE
Can be from the game's box to the contents of the booklet, and even the game introduction. (Intro, menus, options, etc)
GRAPHIC GRADE
Up to what point the graphics have been worked on my the developper. The design type, the effort used for textures and environments, as well as animations and framerate.
AUDIO GRADE
Is the soundtrack a good match to the game's style, he ambient sounds keeping with the gameplay and the sound effects clear and convincing?
GAMEPLAY GRADE
Placement of the controls and the inferface that the player with be using during the game.
REPLAY VALUE GRADE
The most important factor in the evaluation of a game. It identifies the lifespan of the game and the fun of coming back again and again.
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