This is a very addictive game.

The only reason I've paused playing is because I've reached one of those points where my character is not powerful enough to continue. I always encounter these points whenever I play Final Fantasy games. They are a little annoying, as I have to fight purely to level up. The number of abilities, techniques, magic, etc. available is fantastic. Your characters can learn any number of powers limited only by their race. As your characters progress they will unlock more jobs, and therefore more powers.

Perhaps you would like to morph into a panther or blast a character with a flaming meteorite?

If you've played any FF games in the past then you'll notice some familiar traits. Magic is named as always: Thunder, Thundara, Thundaga. Ifrit, Shiva, etc. can be summoned to deal damage. Chocobos even feature in a stampede!

A clever feature is the mid-battle save. Particularly apt for the handheld market; I can get a few rounds in and then save and go.

Square (actually now Square Enix) have done themselves proud with this release. Now, I am really looking forward to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles for the Gamecube out on 12th March 2004.