Update: January 29, 2009
«©NCSX» The latest Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles game is a cross-platform title which is equally the same on the Nintendo DS and the Wii. Square accomplishes the handheld-to-console parity with the "Pollux Engine" which makes it easy to develop and release the same game simultaneously on two platforms. That means the underlying code, the graphics, the music, and the gameplay are identical. By using the Wi-Fi communications mode, NDS players can link up with Wii players and go on adventures like one big happy family. One drawback to the cross-platform functionality however is the cramped "dual screen" design that the Wii version uses - the main game screen is positioned on the left while a stats screen is positioned on the right to mimic the NDS but it's claustrophobic and looks clumsy especially when a Wii is connected to a 50' HDTV. In other words, you'll never get to view the game on a full screen but you can magnify the size of either of the screens by pressing the "-" or "+" button on the Wii Remote. Despite the cross-platform graphics, the game looks good on the Wii with bright colors, a detailed game world and well defined characters. It's better than we initially expected after hearing about the Pollux Engine a few months ago.
At the outset of the game, players choose a character class from four races - Clavats, Yukes, Lilties, and Selkies - and the sex of the protagonist. After naming the new hero, the story starts in a quaint little town filled with folksy citizens but soon expands into the dangerous environs of the world outside. If initially playing the game solo, gamers may visit bluish crystal shards in order to link up with other players and go on monster hunting, dungeon spelunking, and magic casting adventures that allow the heroes to roam the world like a gang. Jan Code: 4988601005821 View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website. Region Lock-out
Please note Japanese Wii games will not boot on USA or European Wii consoles due to the inherent region-lockout on Japanese Wii game discs. A Freeloader (and a Wii with 3.2U firmware) is required to play Japanese Wii games.
NCS Game Notes & Spoilers
» After exiting town, players will get a short tutorial on how to fight monsters from a Moogle. Later, the first boss encountered on a grassy field looks imposing but he's very easy to defeat. In addition to being slow, the boss performs a pile-driver move with either of its arms where it punches down on the ground and then holds the attack for a few seconds. That's your cue to attack its torso for 25 HP worth of damage instead of the 5HP if you attack its arms. The boss' life gauge is listed on the top of the screen. In the event that the boss is too tough for your hacking skills, there are three treasure chests which ring the area which contain elixirs that restore health.» After defeating the boss, a gate opens up to the upper left where the mighty Crystal is located. A girl named Charlotta greets the player and relays a little information about the Crystal. There's nothing else to do in this area so head to the left and go back home. Once inside the village, a young girl named Eryll drops to her knees and faints. She's suffering from an affliction related to the Crystal and the protagonist is charged with wandering out into the world to find a cure. That's your cue to head towards the southeast which leads out into the open expanse of the world. This document is ©NCSX 2009. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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