Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles doesn't contain any of the Final Fantasy staples. There isn't a detailed story arch, there aren't any full motion video sequences, there isn't a deep experience/upgrade system, and you won't find a wide variety of magic spells. In fact, the only reason this game can get away with being called a Final Fantasy game is because there are a few recognizable items and creatures, and it shares the franchise's quality music and artwork.

But, even though this isn't a true Final Fantasy, this hack n' slash spin off isn't without merit. Game Designer's Studios and Square-Enix have done an admirable job of trying to make this more than a simple melee run through dungeons. There's a huge emphasis on teamwork, whether it's as simple as healing each other's wounds, working together to unleash a devastating magic attack, or solving puzzles. The magic and experience system has been reinvented -- and there's finally an admirable use of the GBA/GCN connectivity, which allows you to mange items without pausing the game. It isn't perfect--especially not the single player version, where you run the risk of being bored by average gameplay--but the multiplayer version is fun and offers up the spirit of the true Final Fantasy series.