Bureiburi Deforuto II

This is your classic turn-based, menu-based RPG from Square Enix; very similar to the first 6 Final Fantasy games. Some people prefer menu-based combat, others do not.

Music: The tracks during combat are fantasic, in particular along special ability animations. The town themes are unique and catchy; and character themes have a very nice feel to theme. The overworld tracks all feel very similar, and at times can feel very repetitive.

The story is a very over-used trope of 4 crystals with 4 heroes--the game really doesn't focus too heavily on this plot outside of motivating the heroes. The story feels sort of lackluster, but I believe this in large part due to the lack of characterization being fleshed out within the 4 heroes. We get their stories intertwining, but there's a serious lack of backstory, with only a few exceptions.

The art direction in this game in top notch--in particular within the landscapes and world-building--it is second to none; every town and dungeon just screams of artistic ability. I was a little disappointed with the characters being essentially "Mii" characters dressed up in asterisks, but all those asterisk designs are quite fun.

This game's shining star is very clearly the job class system/asterisk system. It is by far the most expansive job class system I've ever experienced, and really adds to the replayability of this game.

The game truly is a gem hidden in a sea of overhyped games.