Gargoyle's Quest Game by Capcom Reviewed by chromie bkerr@umich.edu Size: 512 Kilobits Save: Passwords Released: 1991 Works with: All Game Boy systems; Game Boy Color emulation a tad sketchy **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Gargoyle's Quest is one of the best games I have ever played in my life. It doesn't have much going for it, as a first-generation Game Boy title that defies genre classification, and goofy cover art and a lame translation don't help much. But Gargoyle's Quest (GQ for short ^^) manages to transcend all of those problems, and become a jaw-dropping example of what video games can be. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Description: GQ is a top-down RPG / side-scroller. Your avatar is Firebrand the Gargoyle, and basically it's very much a Final Fantasy clone. You walk around, talk with people, encounter random enemies, and collect and use items to complete storyline objectives. When it's time for a battle, the game shifts into a unique side-scroller combat mode, either in a little 'arena' with a few enemies for a random combat, or longer levels that comprise much of the game. This part of the game is interesting because you get to see the powers you gain in the RPG segments in action, as Firebrand can spit cooler types of firey death out of his mouth, fly longer, etc. Basically, nothing is too complicated to be confusing, but it is different enough from standard fare to be intriguing, and simple enough that it never becomes a chore. The storyline is neat, and in fact, the best thing about the game. It's pretty generic on the face of things, and is really unimpressive compared with Final Fantasy 7 and its ilk, but that doesn't mean that it's not human. Liked: Excellent story, world, social systems to play with. Plain old fun. Hated: Silly translation. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The graphics are adequate. Standard Game Boy sprite- based fare, but interesting and artistic at the same time. At no point will you stop and be awed by the graphics, but you'll never be confused or annoyed at what you see either. Liked: Cool architecture in side-scroller levels. Some funky graphical effects. Hated: Building interiors and other common locations aren't varied enough. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: GQ's music is incredible. Subtle, long, dramatic tunes fill the entire game, and complement the emotions or actions onscreen. Sound effects are average, and by and large wholesomely unexciting. One exception would be the sounds that play when characters talk--a simple series of tones are used to characterize the voice of whoever is speaking. The effect vaguely recalls Little Computer People, if anybody remembers that. (note to Game Boy Color owners: the music sometimes drops a channel for a split-second for no apparent reason. All the tunes can be followed, and it's probably not even noticeable if you haven't played it on a Game Boy original or Pocket, but it -is- there.) Liked: Great tunes that stick with you for years. Hated: Skips on the Game Boy Color! **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: The play control is smooth and responsive. I've heard many people say that it sucks, but really, it's just different. The side-scrolling levels are very innovative, what with flying and climbing and what not, so there is a short learning curve. But once you figure it out and get maybe 20 minutes into the game, it's second nature. Besides that, the interface and design is very conventional and easy to use. Liked: Flying, jumping, running, hanging from walls, etc., with two buttons. Hated: Nothin'. **************************************************************************** Improve: The writing needs to be very polished up. You'll never not understand what's going on, but you'll never think you're reading a novel, either. RIYL: Sword of Hope 2, Final Fantasy Legend 3, Mercenary Force. GQ is too unique to draw direct comparisons with any of the above, though. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Get this one, OK? It's old, will cost you maybe $10, and it will rock your world. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: **** Graphics: *** Sound/Music: ***** Play Control/Game Design: ***** Personal Opinion: ***** Final Score: 88% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: MUPP-JMHW These passwords are taken in between each major arc of the GJ7Q-KLVO game's story. Thanks to the Monster Rancher & GameSages. SWXE-CBFJ BIF8-BRAZ FWGG-57CY HWTL-90AZ N5AQ-9RZF WPXF-4BDQ