Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Ring of Fates: Circling back around

I loathed this game on principle from the moment it existed. My beloved Crystal Chronicles, reduced to this… thing. Some primarily single player RPG revolving around a pre-made cast of characters. The DS’ infinitely weaker hardware stripping the game of the detail and soft-focus wonder it once held. The setting deserved a better follow-up than this. Hmm. Time may not quite heal all wounds but a nigh two decade gap is enough to make giving the game a second chance sound like a good idea. Especially as all those years have proven beyond doubt that if I want to play more Crystal Chronicles—one I haven’t already cleared multiple times before—I can either get on with Ring of Fates or I can go and sulk in a corner. So, with DSi in hand and teeth gritted, I started the game and… this isn’t too bad, actually. Kumi Tanioka‘s music is as delightful as ever, traditional instruments and lively melodies imbuing the game with a charming, rustic ambience. Much like Panzer Dragoon Zwei‘s fantasy…