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Foundation: Episode II - The Top 25 Square Games
07.27.02 Kevin Leung
Last time on Looking Glass: Foundation Episode I.

If you make only one 8-bit pilgrimage to Final Fantasy it should be this one. Indeed, the franchise owes a great deal to Final Fantasy III for many of the core concepts and trademarks that we’ve come to love. Its laundry list of innovations reads like some kind of digital doctrine for the modern console RPG: a versatile Job system, hidden quests, high replay value, smart dungeon design, a deep storyline, detailed graphics and music. No one could have foreseen that, years later, we would still be talking about moogles, summon monsters, and a crusty old man named Cid. Undoubtedly, Final Fantasy III earns a spot on this list. Now there’s only one thing left to figure out: just what the heck is an ‘Onion Kid’ anyway?
Plays like: A punishing ordeal as one of the most demanding installments of the series.

Imagine a place of child-like wonder where you’re neither awake nor dreaming but perhaps somewhere in between. Legend of Mana is one such splendor: a fantasy playground where storybook pages come to life and all your make-believe friends are just around the bend. As the fourth chapter of the fabled Seiken Densetsu series, the producers wanted to create something totally different from the past and introduce new concepts such as the Landmake and Action Edit system. From the order of the dialogue to the way you finished the game, everything was presented in a non-linear fashion. Whether this game succeeded or wandered too far off the beaten path is up to you. One thing is for sure, there’s no short supply of cuddly rabites! Honestly, who could resist the charm of hopping play-doh?
Plays like: One-quarter Narnia, two cups Brian Froud, and a dash of The Never Ending Story.
“Legend of Mana is a game where you're free to choose what you like, and do as you like. You can make your own gear, raise your own allies, seek friends…you make the call on what to do (or not do). Truly a refreshing change of pace."
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