Final Fantasy Explorers
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Final Fantasy Explorers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Final Fantasy Explorers is an action-heavy role-playing game (RPG) for Nintendo 3DS players. Gamers can choose to play solo or with up to four players via wireless connectivity, as they take on quests, destroy monsters, upgrade abilities, and explore strange lands and dungeons. Players use traditional weapons such as swords and bow and arrows, as well as magic attacks against monsters that cry out in pain when defeated, although there's no blood or gore shown. Some female players wear revealing tops. Players can buy and consume wine for a stamina boost.
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What’s It About?
In FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS, the world is on the brink of war over its crystals, which are the planet’s main source of power. Players are tasked with finding the elusive Grand Crystal before it falls into the wrong hands. Gamers band together with others to form an elite squad of Explorers to battle monsters, take on hundreds of quests, collect and use inventory items, and venture out on an island rich in crystals. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and gamers can play by themselves or wirelessly connect with up to three other players, via local or Internet wireless connectivity, and take on quests cooperatively. Along with multiple weapons, gamers can enlist the help of a dozen "eidolon" monsters to help battle enemies and boss fighters, as well as transform into legendary Final Fantasy heroes, such as Cloud, Squall, Tifa, and other iconic characters.
Is It Any Good?
This portable role-playing game is enjoyable, mainly if you happen to be a huge Final Fantasy fan. Though not as much fun, unique, or polished as similar titles such as the Monster Hunter games, Final Fantasy Explorers is a lengthy and deep adventure that really shines when played cooperatively with others. With its big maps, multiple quests, and dozens of weapons and items, there's a lot to like about this combat-heavy RPG: Controls are easy to pick up (despite some camera issues); you get many upgradable jobs such as Dark Knight or Time Mage (which gives it some customizability and purpose); and some challenging boss enemies require both brains and brawn to take down. Combat is gratifying with your monster friends such as Ifrit and Bahamut, such as when you unleash a special attack to obliterate enemies you didn't think would be so easy to defeat, and when you grab loot before moving on. Character cameos and other nods to Final Fantasy will be a treat for fans (Chocobo, anyone?). But repetition kicks in after a dozen or so quests, which is the biggest problem with this game. After closing the lid on the Nintendo 3DS to pause the action, you won't always feel compelled to open it again to continue. Plus, customization options run deep but might prove more work than some people want. Though Final Fantasy Explorers is a solid B-grade title that's definitely better when played with friends, it's $40, so you might think twice about buying in if you're not a major fan.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about alcohol, drugs, and smoking in media. Is it OK that players can buy and consume wine in a game rated "Everyone 10+"? Does it encourage the consumption of alcohol in real life, or will kids not make the connection?
Discuss cooperation. Is it better to work with other people, including strangers, to accomplish a goal, or is it easier to approach a task alone? Why?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release date: January 26, 2016
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Wild Animals
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Last updated: January 13, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Fire Emblem: Awakening
Excellent strategy RPG skews older because characters die.
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Magical "old school" adventure has heady puzzles and combat.
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Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Exceptionally fun, deep action-adventure promotes teamwork.
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