Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales

 DS
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 42
  3. Negative: 2 out of 42
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  1. Digital Entertainment News
    72
    Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales is a great “starter” title for younger gamers, to introduce them to the Final Fantasy universe. One of the sharper-looking titles on the DS to date!
  2. Gaming Nexus
    72
    For a title that contains one of the things I absolutely loathe thanks to the flooding of the market, I have to say I’ve come away from this title enjoying a lot more than I thought.
  3. GamesRadar+
    70
    The gaming equivalent of cotton candy: it’s not very substantial or filling, but it is sweet, fluffy, and enjoyable.
  5. GameSpy
    70
    A pleasant surprise. While its story elements are predictably clichéd and patronizing, the varied minigames and fun card battles make up for the annoying but easily ignored connective sequences.
  6. Nintendo Power
    70
    Chocobo Tales serves as an endearing diversion for FINAL FANTASY fanatics, and provides an affable introduction to the franchise for newcomers. [June 2007, p.104]
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  7. Hardcore Gamer
    70
    You just have to be willing to put up with a really boring card game to get to all the good stuff, and there's something depressing about that. [June 2007, p.59]
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  8. Eurogamer
    70
    A simple videogame built from a slew of diverse but relentlessly derivative building blocks.
  9. NTSC-uk
    70
    On the face of it Chocobo Tales appears to be aimed at a younger audience; however the game has a delightful charm that will appeal to anyone who’s a fan of the Final Fantasy series.
  10. Thunderbolt
    70
    Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales is a mash-up of a variety of different ideas, and although none of them are executed perfectly, the game still manages to be quite entertaining.
  11. PALGN
    70
    Chocobo Tales is more than just a bunch of mini-games, but sadly this feather powered adventure lacks staying power.
  12. Game Revolution
    67
    Even as Chocobo Tales devours your children's attention, it successfully delivers at least 10 hours of safe and shareable gameplay for gamers of every feather.
  13. Nintendo Gamer
    66
    Irritating and irrational, Magic Picture Book treats you badly. Yet one flash of those choco-puppy eyes and your heart will flutter. The DS equivalent of Stockholm Syndrome. [JPN Import; Mar 2007, p.76]
  14. Game Informer
    65
    I definitely prefer Chocobos when they are being ridden into war, not when they are forced to climb beanstalks and play rhythm games. [May 2007, p.96]
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    63
    But here, the stop-and-go progression between books and battles presents an identity crisis: Is this an RPG or another DS "minigame"? Either way, it didn't keep my attention long. [May 2007, p.86]
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  16. 1UP
    60
    Its parts are largely equal, which only leads to confusion. What becomes most important: building card decks, or mastering the minigames? Or, in the big picture, do you buy this game to play minigames or go on a chocobo adventure? There are simply too many things vying for your attention, and more than likely, none of them will get much of it.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best DS Game of 2007
47
#47 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
73
#73 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 35
  3. Negative: 3 out of 35
  1. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this spin off game in the series.
  2. tekhedd
    Nov 25, 2019
    5
    It's OK if you didn't remember to bring any other cartriges with you. You'd think a card-based fighting game with a collection of otherIt's OK if you didn't remember to bring any other cartriges with you. You'd think a card-based fighting game with a collection of other minigames would be the ultimate way to entertain yourself, with a variety of fun things to do. And you would be wrong, because mostly what you'll do is grind your way through minigames you dislike to get the cards you need to play the part of the game you really wish you were playing. If this game were made new today, you'd just be prompted to make a $129 microtransaction to unlock all of the cards and skip the minigames altogether.

    The popup fight card game is fun, with just enough strategy to be interesting, just enough time to make decisions, and just enough randomness that you don't feel overwhelmed. Unfortunately, to get good cards, you need to play minigames. And the minigames are, well, not fun. How many different variations on whack-a-mole can you imagine? What if you also mix in some hidden-item-search and puzzles? It's every boring minigame you've ever said "no thanks" to, lovingly animated with extremely cute chocobo graphics. Yeah the art is great.

    Saying "well they're for children" does not excuse boring games. Any kid who can play this fairly complex card game and enjoy it is going to be just as annoyed as I was with these stupid minigames. There I said it. Sorry. It's just not that great.    … Full Review »
  3. chronologic4
    Jun 27, 2017
    8
    Nice Graphic and soundtrack. Pop-up duel is the best part of this game, even some **** microgames can be ignore. Similar to Mario Party butNice Graphic and soundtrack. Pop-up duel is the best part of this game, even some **** microgames can be ignore. Similar to Mario Party but with great story and art… Full Review »
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