Final Fantasy multiplayer makes a return to form on the 3DS.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/38559/final-fantasy-explorers-tgs-hands-on-preview
Although Final Fantasy Explorers on the Nintendo 3DS highlights a multiplayer gaming experience, the demo I got to play on the Tokyo Game Show floor was unfortunately single player. However, the demo did feature two companion characters to help along the way. Teaming up with a Chocobo and a Goblin, I made my way through a volcano on a quest to find and defeat Ifrit.
The demo starts out in a town where you have access to a variety of shops as well as a quest window to start your journey. Similar to Bravely Default, the bottom screen displays a watercolor-like map that shows your character and places on the map that you can interact with (shops, the area exit, etc.). The demo allowed players to choose from several different job classes, including Knight, Monk, Black Mage, White Mage, Archer, and a few others. In my short time with the demo, I had a chance to play as both the Monk and Knight classes. After choosing my class, I chose the Ifrit quest and was on my way.
Gameplay is action based, with the main regular attack being handled by the Y button. Holding R gives characters enhanced abilities and attacks that can be selected through various menus. Items can also be accessed by pressing the X button and you can make your character run by pressing B. Leading up to fighting Ifrit, the area was sprinkled with different enemy characters that ranged from standard enemies like Goblins to unfriendly versions of Chocobos. The combat was responsive and the controls were tight, making it relatively easy to vanquish the incoming foes. Both the Knight and Monk class are proficient in offensive attacks, so I had no trouble beating my way through enemies.
By the time I reached Ifrit, my companion characters showed their worth. As I was doling out copious amounts of damage to the big guy, my Chocobo would stand away from the action and produce a cure circle, which I could enter and regain my health. The AI was good about knowing when I needed a bit of a pick-me-up in the middle of the battle. After dying once at Ifrit, and then making it back to him on my second playthrough, I unfortunately ran out of time before getting a chance to take him out.
As mentioned above, Explorers seems to take different visual elements from Bravely Default while throwing Final Fantasy aesthetics into the equation. The maps and overall graphics engine seem to be based on, if not a variant of, what was found in Bravely - which I see as a good thing. It was a little bit disappointing that attendees couldn’t get a chance to try out multiplayer on the show floor, but on the other hand it was a relief to know that the game works just fine as a single-player experience. Nintendo 3DS owners in Japan can get their hands on the final retail version of Final Fantasy Explorers on December 18. The game has yet to be announced for a Western release. You can check out the latest trailer of the game from TGS below.
Topic: Final Fantasy Explorers - TGS Hands-on Preview (Read 1990 times)
