Legend of Legaia (Playstation)

The Land of Legaia has become mysteriously shrouded in mist, and whatever being comes into contact with the mist is transformed into something beastly and dangerous. The three main characters in LEGEND OF LEGAIA -- Vahn, Noa, and Gala -- must find the magical genesis trees that have the power to eradicate the mist. The quest begins as you choose one character to play.

On the journey, you must battle the Seru, beasts motivated by destruction because of their immersion in the toxic mist. The game action mostly consists of fighting the Seru, relying on a series of combination moves including punches and kicks. There are many opportunities to capture and use magical tools to heighten powers and add strategy moves. The Ra-Seru, a helpful creature, can be enlisted in the struggle to ward off and defeat the Seru and find the magical genesis trees.

This game requires lots of strategy and patience to gain the skills needed to move to each new task and play level, and younger players may find it very difficult to stay through to the end, which is why the CSM recommended age is 13+. There are more options for fighting choices than in the usual role-playing game, a fact that can prove both challenging and frustrating. As the game progresses, the player can choose an increasingly complex combination of moves to win battles.

A player's guide is strongly recommended, and be prepared for a long-term investment of time to finish the game: 40 to 50 hours. This is not a quick-play, school-night kind of game, but is well-suited for long vacations.