The first RPG for PlayStation that really blew me away was Final Fantasy VII, and the second that I remember was Lunar. Especially considering all the dazzle that was Final Fantasy in those days, how did a retro RPG title manage to make such an impression on me? There was story, creativity in design and fantasic music for starters. Then, underneath was a great engine for gameplay and battles and a huge world to explore.

To compare PoPoLoCrois to Lunar is probably doing both a disservice. But PoPoLoCrois really does bring me back to a type of gaming that stressed substance over style. The interface in the game is clean and simple, with good character and monster design. There is a neat mix of magic and machines, and a big, wide world to explore. Rather than dissolve to battle screens, PoPoLoCrois favors the option to have monsters pop up right in the level and challenge your party.

The music is sugar-cane sweet and there are enough themes to keep you from getting bored quickly. The choice to have spells spoken during battle is kind of cool, but may get old after the umpteenth time. There isn't any other voiceover action, but there is plenty of dialogue as you explore towns and dungeons. Mostly, I liked the choice of weird monsters that aren't the usual blob of slime or toothy dragon.

In the game, you accept a quest, playing as a young boy trying to find answers to a mystery that deprived him of his mother. The storyline plays nicely into the theme of exploration, since the boy (a prince) has really never explored the kingdom around him. This way, a story is actually draped around the usual process of talking with every townsperson and NPC you come across. Very early in the game, you'll find that the style of play is pretty open, and lets you spend as much time leveling up and battling as you'd like. Random battles are the norm, and the frequency is dialed pretty high, maybe too high for some.

There are only a few branching paths, so one of my gripes with PoPoLoCrois comes from the fact that it is too linear. I would have liked to have seen several optional quests along the way, rather than just the one path and license to explore and level up as desired. Collecting items to complete missions is expected, but plenty of special, hard-to-find items keep things interesting. PoPoLoCrois is a very fast-paced game, and can be played and beaten more quickly if finding special items isn't a priority. Talking to NPCs will sometimes pay off in informational tips, and exploring pays off with treasure chests containing special items or money.

Your party comes together quickly, which again makes things move right along and helps the story. By the time the game is done, you'll have easily spent 30 hours in the world of PoPoLoCrois, and careful players intent on collecting items may spend more time.

Because the game is very open and doesn't lock you into a few areas or guide your party along like cattle, it is possible to get in over your head with battles. Some of the monsters, especially in groups, will kick your butt early in the game. During battle, the combination of spells, weapon attacks, skills and special finishing moves make for lots of choice, but it would be a mistake to think that PoPoLoCrois is an easy or remedial RPG just because it is cute. Especially as the game progresses beyond the first 25%, you'll find plenty of challenge, and save often.

Unlike Legend of Heroes, which takes a more bare bones approach to RPG style, PoPoLoCrois includes lots of options that we've seen in the best titles over the years. A.I. for party and individual members really helps to make the early parts of the game less painful, and the ability to turn on A.I. for moving through areas where monsters pose little challenge is very convenient. Also, there are times when you want to burn as much mana as possible and throw everything you have at an enemy, so the settings are flexible. Equipping items and especially seeing the benefit of equipping items is really simple. Slots for basic equipment and special items are present for each character. Items with elemental qualities are easily recognized, and summoning items will bring out special monsters that fight alongside your party when you need extra horsepower.

In the field, as you explore, certain items can be moved to solve puzzles. The navigation from area to area is made simple with good maps, and exploring towns and dungeons for special items is made easier with a "magnify" feature tied to one of the shoulder buttons. There are plenty of save spots, and the ability to save anywhere and continue means you'll never feel that you have to do a marathon play session.

The quality production here will satisfy hardcore RPG fans, especially if they appreciate a retro touch. PoPoLoCrois is the best RPG title yet for my money on PSP. You can find longer and more visually stunning titles on the shelf, but for great gameplay, story and RPG panache, PoPoLoCrois is one to beat.