Lufia and the Fortress of Doom
Reviewed by Brad McDonald
Lufia 1 is actually the sequel to Lufia 2. It's about a boy named
Maxim, who is destined to fight the Sinistrals (powerful magical
beings, who believe that they should rule the world, not the humans).
The game begins with the ending to Lufia 2, but we don't know that
at that particular time, we just assume that it happened at some point
in the past. You lead Maxim through the land, trying to stop the destruction
that is being caused by the Sinistrals (who have escaped from their place
of imprisonment).
Graphics 4.3 out of 5
The graphics in Lufia aren't the best, but they are better than the
average Super Nintendo game. The battle scenes aren't anything
spectacular, with only one swipe of the attacker's arm (by their side)
moving when an enemy monster is being hit. However, the overworld
maps are done very well, and look pretty good. The graphics for the
characters aren't worth being praised either, but still they are better
than other SNES games.
Music and Sound 4.7 out of 5
Almost all of the music in Lufia is what one would call "catchy". That
is, the music is a repeating tune that is pleasant to hear, and one which
you will remember when you hear it again. The music is also lively and
up-beat, which makes the game seem more fun than it already is. The
music in the castles and towns really sounds great, and it adds a lot
to the game. The music in monster battles and boss battles is also great.
Game Challenge 4.7 out of 5
Lufia isn't the hardest game to play, understand, or beat but it also
isn't the easiest. There are many puzzles in the game, the toughest
one being: finding all of the dragon eggs which are scattered throughout
the game in treasure chests. Each cave, tower, etc., has its own theme
of puzzles to solve, and if you can't figure them out, then you're just out
of luck. Bring your mind when you play this game.
Game Play-Fun 5 out of 5
What Lufia lacks in any other categories, it makes up for in game play
and fun. Lufia has a well written plot that just flows well throughout
the entire game, which makes it a blast to play. You acquire other party
members throughout the game, up to a total of 4 in your party at one time.
There are plot twists in the game which make it even more interesting.
Just when you think you know what's going on, and you're coming to the
end of the game, the plot twists and you find out some very interesting
information (which if you played Lufia 2 before this one, then you might
be able to figure it out before now).
Frustration
About the only frustrating aspect of the game is finding every treasure
chest (for those of you who have to find everything in a role playing
game before you consider yourself to have beaten it) and the other is
acquiring the best armor and swords in the game. Most of those items
can be found in the last place you go, and are found after monster battles.
They are very rare, I believe a 1 in 100 chance of getting one of them
after a battle.
Replayability 5 out of 5
Since Lufia is the sequel to Lufia 2, this game has exceptional replay
ability. After you have played Lufia 2, you should go back and play Lufia 1
in order to fit the two storylines together better. Plus it is a great game
anyway, so it should be replayed.
Game Value 5 out of 5
Lufia is definitely worth every penny of its price. The game can be
played over and over again, with nothing preventing you from having
fun. (It's also good to hear the music again when you replay it... you'll
remember it, trust me)
Overall 4.8 out of 5
Overall, Lufia is a good investment for those of you with Super Nintendo s
systems. It's a great game which may not have the greatest graphics in it,
but definitely has a great "fun factor" to the game. On a grading scale
from A+ to F, this game gets and A.