Although overshadowed in late 1998 by Zelda: "gotta love the abbreviation" TOoT, this Square game is actually pretty good. Throughout most of the game, Musashi is equipped with two swords, Fusion and Lumina (which you get early in the game). With Fusion you can "assimilate" skills from enemies and put them to use. Lumina lets you "attach" Scrolls you have to it to get interesting effects.

Over 150 years ago, a monster known as the Wizard of Darkness, made almost entirely of a powerful crystal known as Binchonite, attacked the Thirstquencher Empire. When it destroyed Thristquencer, it then went off to attack the Allucaneet Kingdom.

Hearing that the Wizard of Darkness was coming, King Allucaneet ordered the Hero Summon spell to be cast. Through a prepared crystal of Binchonite the princess cast Hero Summon, thus causing a two-sworded fencer known as Brave Fencer Musashi to appear. Musashi took on the task to defeat the Wizard, and sealed the Wizard of Darknesss with Lumina, the sword of Luminescence. Then Musashi split the Wizard into the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Sky, and sealed them within the five crests, which became the Five Scrolls.

Back to the present time -- for years tension has been rising between Allucaneet and Thirstquencher. When diplomatic relations had ceased between the two, Thristquencher attacked Allucaneet. It was discovered that their goal was to get the sword Lumina. Losing badly, Allucaneet had to resort to casting the Hero Summon, causing a young swordsman, also named Musashi, to appear.

Now, in order to get back home, Musashi must retrieve Lumina and the Five Scrolls, rescue Princess Fillet, and stop Thirstquencher. On top of that, he needs to rescue 35 Allucaneet who are trapped in Binchonite Fields! But still, no problem, right? Or is there...?

+ Unique ability to "assimilate" skills from enemies. Analog and Dual Shock compatable. Realism in that Musashi gets tired, but that aspect doesn't get in the way of gameplay (unless you forget to sleep or use a mint). New techniques and scrolls learned throughout the game make the game more fun. Interesting (yet useless) ability to buy "toys" of enemies and characters you have seen. Playable FF8 demo included.

- The plot doesn't really pick up until the end. Often times has "kiddy" voiceovers (almost like the Mario games for the N64). Rapid button pressing during assimilation can get tiresome on your thumb. Some points require awkward button pressing. The ending is left too open ended. Some people may be offended by the way Square portrays the historic Japanese figures of Musashi and Kojiro.

What do I say? Nothing really to say. Rent it, and if you like it, then buy it. Don't expect the dramatic plot like Final Fantasies or Xenogears.