Azure Dreams

[Rowan]

Azure dreams is just one of the most fantastic RPG's that I've had the pleasure of playing. You begin the game assuming the role of a 15 year old, fiery red headed Monster tamer. Whos ultimate goal is to reach the top of the demon tower to try and solve the mystery of his fathers dissapearance. Your father was one of the most respected monster tamers in all of the land and your main goal is to traverse the tower and retrieve monster eggs from inside to Hatch and breed for money to help aid you in your quest. Azure dreams is set in the town of Monsbaia. The time you start the game is the day that your character celebrates his 15th birthday and is now able to traverse the Demon Tower. Money, Items and eggs found within the tower can be sold and the money then can be used to build landmarks or buildings withing your town. You may choose where each building is placed and everytime something new is built, it will trigger events. What you choose to do, is upto you. There are many buildings you will be able to build throughout the game including: A casino, A swimming pool (proper venue), A theatre, a bowling alley and much more. Throughout your travels you will also be able to afford to upgrade structures to enable you to do more and unlock new story events.



The game has a cast of sexy sexy women, whom you may win the heart of all, if you wish. Most of them will not like you at first, but if you persist and make the right decisions, as well as become a powerful monster tamerm you will succeed in winning their affection.



The games battle system is rather unique. You will rely heavily on your monster partner whilst you are in the tower to defeat your enemies. Your character will utilize a weapon and shield, although weapons are prone to breakage. You can use a 'gold' plated weapon which will NOT break, but is usually much weaker than any other weapon. There are special items which can be found in the tower which enhance your weapons strength permanantly, which is a good stratagy if you want to build a powerful and unbreakable weapon which will last you the game. Traversing the tower is taken in turns. You will take one step at a time as will your enemies. Not all enemies will want to fight you though. EXP is divded between your character and your monster. Although levels gained in the tower will be reset once you leave, and once you return to the tower you must begin from the 1st floow. There are also many various traps in the tower. Some invisible, some not. Here is an example of a how battles are played out, how traps are executed and what the tower looks like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFKkRMjTwuk

Overall, this game was very enjoyable and hosts great replayablitly as there are over 90 monsters to find and utilize. Azure dreams poses a great challenge since you must complete the entire tower from floor 1. You may return to the town once you find the lift for the next floor, but you must always start from the begining of the tower each time you re-enter. While the graphics may look a little dated to some, to other fans of oldschool rpg; it will give you that nostalgic feeling. I highly recommend this game.