Magic Knight Rayearth: Girls’ day out

Some RPGs involve saving the world, defeating the gods themselves, or concern themselves with the political machinations of cunning tyrants. And then there are games, like the Game Gear’s rather plainly titled Magic Knight Rayearth, based on, well, Magic Knight Rayearth (and not to be confused with any other game bearing the exact same unhelpful name), in which popular not-bunny mascot Mokona wanders off and the cast decide to go find him. So it’s safe to say this adventure’s on the lighter end of the storytelling spectrum, but thanks to some impeccable presentation it always comes across as pleasantly breezy rather than forgettably hollow. There are more unique pieces of art waiting to be admired in here than I’ll find in plenty of other better known ’90s RPGs, including those made for home consoles, and all of it’s lovely to look at. The cast, even when reimagined in tiny form, are adorably expressive, every new scene packed with amusing reactions and dynamic poses. This attention…