At first glance, it?s easy to write off Opoona as just another game with Japanese lettering on the front. The animation style looks simple (almost to the point of being annoying), the combat system looks stupid, and the concept seems overdone. Koei distributed Opoona in Japan with little success. Even though the game received decently favorable reviews, its sales were very low. So why on earth does this game cost $50? You might be surprised.

Opoona is rather clean for an RPG. There is no foul language or sexuality. Opoona always fights for what is right (there is little question of what is right and wrong). The violence is unrealistic; dead enemies simply fall over and fade out. Opoona and his friends use an array of magical attacks called ?Force Powers? which are conjured simply by selecting them. Because of its general cleanliness, we feel Opoona should be safe for anyone ten and up.

If there were any way to describe Opoona, it would be ?.dotHack meets Wind Waker?, as it has the full world feel of .dotHack and the simple graphical style of the recent Zelda installment Wind Waker. Opoona strives to maintain a friendly atmosphere, avoiding the questionable situations and rough language of RPGs like Final Fantasy. The simple control scheme is easy to pick up and the music almost makes the whole game worthwhile. Opoona could be considered a starter kit for younger players getting into RPGs. Even so, it has something to offer the RPG veteran. If you aren't a fan of RPGs, avoid Opoona. Otherwise it is a simple but fun addition to a gamer?s collection.

» By Daniel Straite, Plain Games. Published 4/20/2008 2:41:48 AM.