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It seems really funny to me that 2 years have passed since the Saturn's release, and this is the first true RPG we've gotten (Shining, while a great game, doesn't count, IMHO). That's worse than any other system I know, and it really worries me, but after both Albert Odyssey and Shining: the Holy Ark reaching the #3 spot, I think Sega will open its eyes.

So, how is it? Really good. To be honest, Lunar and FF3 still hold a place higher than Albert Odyssey, but it's really hard to expect a game to exceed those standards. It beats out FF2 for the spot of my 3rd favorite RPG, though, and that's more than I hoped for.

My first experience with Albert Odyssey, other than viewing pictures, was when I listened to the CD tracks in mp3 format. Let me tell you that those CD tracks are INCREDIBLY beautiful, and that'll take me to my first good point about the game: There are *real* instruments playing in those songs (real flute, oboe, violin and piano). Unfortunately, not all the music in the game is on CD tracks, but even the Saturn generated stuff is, on the whole, pretty good. When I first got the game, I couldn't believe how bad the battle music was, but you (thankfully) get used to it pretty quick. I even found myself liking the boss theme, but in a cheesy kinda way (you know, the way you like Daytona USA's songs). The battle music will get on your nerves, but give it time.

Onto the graphics. They're beautiful, but if you don't like cutesy stuff (I love it), then you won't like these. They're gorgeously detailed and animated (although I still can't figure out why 90% of the transparencies are true, and 10% are mosaic), right down to the characters' hair. You can see Eka's strands of hair in disarray, which I thought was really cool. One thing I thought was very cool was that the bricks in the ground weren't all straight, they were kind of in a disarray, and worn down. Clouds drift overhead, changing in intensity (darkness) as they do, leaves hang in the camera's way, torches flicker, affecting the lighting, and a whole bunch of other effects create a lot of mood for this game.

Gameplay is standard RPG, and therefore very good. These have always been my favorite types of games, and this one controls pretty much perfectly. One nit-pick: I found myself doing the exact same as Dr. I.M. Psycho: reaching for the dash button, like in Wild Arms. Oh well, you can't have everything :)

The story is very good, and carries you from place to place without letting you stop, unlike Shining, which was relatively low on plot. I couldn't stop playing this game from the moment I got it. Unfortunately, it is a little bit on the short side, but aren't all good games like that? If you're glad when the end arrives, it's not a good sign. Thankfully, I was quite upset when I realized I was in the last quarter of the game.

Overall, I'd say that this is perfect for RPG fans, and compliments Shining very well. You're nuts if you don't get this game. Oh yeah, if you're stuck in Fargasta, MAP, don't go to Working Designs. It's SO much more satisfying figuring the thing out yourself. That dungeon is a killer, but I look back at it with fondness (does anyone else here enjoy working out complex dungeons on paper?)

Go buy it! It's one of my favorite games for Saturn, up there with NiGHTS, Astal and Shining.