Released in 1997, the original Wild Arms was a refreshing RPG release during a time of relative RPG draught. However, the game has not aged well, and someone apparently thought a re-release was over due. So, now we have Wild Arms Alter Code: F, an updated version of the original that features newer graphics, refined gameplay, and twice as many playable characters.

The most obvious change is the game’s enhanced graphics. Let’s face it, the original Wild Arms' 3D graphics were fairly ugly, even by PlayStation standards. This new title improves the originals visuals in every way. The 2D field screens have been redone in gorgeous 3D with no detail spared. Battles are vastly improved upon with a new engine, replacing the clunky 3D dolls with smoothly animated gun-toting bad-asses.

One thing that really sets Wild Arms AC: F apart from other RPG's is its unique sound and music, a by-product of its unique setting. Instead of sword clashing (well, you get that too) you get gunshots. The music definitely sounds like something out of a John Ford film, lots of strumming and bright horns, but it still has that unique flavor of something out of an eastern console RPG.

As I mentioned before, the Wild Arms series is very unique. There’s no high-fantasy dragons or knights here (well, there are, but let’s not nitpick). Instead, we get an interesting combination of fantasy and western. Instead of a sword, the main character wields a gun, called an ARM. You get your standard guys with swords and lady magic caster, but everything has this old west spice thrown on top of it, BAM!

Despite the unique setting, the gameplay is fairly traditional for a console RPG. Turn-based combat with random battles. Again, however, there are some unique things that spice it up. For one, while the battles are random, you can avoid them. You are given a set of ENG points. Before any battle, an exclamation point appears and you can hit the triangle button to avoid a battle. Magic also has a unique twist. Instead of learning spells over time from items or experience points, you get items called crests. You place crests on a magic grid in specific ways to get different types of magic; more crests, more magic.

Battles are pretty typical turn-based affairs. Every character can attack, defend, use items, special attacks, etc… One novel aspect to mention is the Force system. As a character deals/takes damage, they accumulate force points. They can use these to perform special abilities such as increasing accuracy and power or summoning powerful creatures.

The difficulty curve of Wild Arms AC: F is very well executed. You can get through the introductory prologue without breaking a sweat, and as the game begins, you can hop, skip, and jump your way through without much trouble. Worry not, however. By game's end, you will find yourself sufficiently challenged. Wild Arms AC: F gets an A+ for being challenging without being frustrating. There is certainly less grinding present than in the original.

Another major change is the addition of three new playable characters. While Emma Hetfield, Jane Maxwell, and Magdalen Haris were present in the original, they were not playable. Now, you can play as these three characters in addition to the original trio of Rudy, Cecilia, and Jack.

I’ll close by talking about some of the other unique mechanics of Wild Arms. In addition to healing items and magic, characters also have Vitality, which will refill their health after battles as long as they have some.

The environments and dungeons in Wild Arms AC: F are very interactive. There’re lots of hidden goodies for well-traveled kleptomaniacs to find. Most of the characters also have an ability they can use in dungeons to open new routes and explore every nook and cranny. Some examples are Rudy’s bombs and Jack’s wind mouse, Hanpan.

Wild Arms AC: F is an old game with a new face. If you aren’t a fan of the more PlayStation-era style of RPG gameplay, no amount of whitewash is going to make you like this game. However, if you enjoy more traditional RPG's or were a fan of the original, I recommend picking this title up.