Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

It may not be the huge, serious undertaking we’ve generally come to expect from most Square games, but Crystal Bearers is still an entertaining and worthwhile investment (it’s also one of the prettiest Wii games yet), particularly for the more casual FF fan

All in all, Final Fantasy: Chrystal Chronicles: The Chrystal Bearers is a great game for Nintendo’s console. The product you get by crossing gameplay options of the Wii with a game out of the Final Fantasy series is awesome.

Dumb action threatens to overshadow the odd combat system, but beneath it there's some of Squeenix's most enjoyable work in years.

A hugely mixed bag, disguising a very decent bag. Weird, but really worth persevering with. [Mar 2010, p.74]

A quite good action adventure in a pretty Final Fantasy -world. The telekinesis powers are fun. Don't expect any RPG stuff, though. [Mar 2010]

Traditional RPG fans might be put off but everyone else will find lots to enjoy. [Feb 2010, p.76]

One of the most refreshing and innovative Square Enix games in many years. While it doesn't do everything perfect, its attempts at branching out are admirable.

You have to admire the courage of this development team. It took a lot of bold risks with the Final Fantasy name and delivered a weird, wonderful adventure unlike anything else out there. You'll get the most out of the game if you go into it with the same experimental spirit. [Jan 2010, p.86]

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers is not a bad game, but it’s not a great game either. In a lot of ways it suffers from the high expectations that come with a Final Fantasy game.

There are a lot of unique concepts in The Crystal Bearers, but their flawed execution puts a damper on the experience. Combat aside, it's got a few redeeming qualities, namely, a strong story, and some genuinely fun sequences. If you're expecting the traditional Square Enix offering of magic, leveling, and gear management, you'll be put off by the radical departure.

This is a good title that will offer a very good experience to those willing to give it a chance and fight a little bit against its particular combat system.

The Crystal Bearers gives me something the likes of which I've never played before, and in the end, I think it can stand proudly along side other risky, underappreciated Squaresoft classics like Brave Fencer Musashi and Tobal 2. Ask someone to buy it for you for Christmas/Hannukah/whatever, or pick it up used down the line. Just don't write it off as nothing special.

Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles - The Crystal Bearer is basically the opposite of traditional Final Fantasy games. Combat is relegated to a puzzle-like minigame, the plot is lighthearted and silly, RPG elements are minimal, and you're never really placed in a challenging situation.