Activision

• 1 Player
• Memory Card 1 Block
• Analog Control Compatible
• Vibration Function Compatible

Description
As young knight returning from an adventure, you happen upon a lost baby monster who needs your help..but there is more to your quest than meets the eye. As the mystery of your newfound companion unravels, you find yourself swept into a heroic crusade of honor, courage and exploration, leading to a stunning showdown against a legendary evil. It is the first true RPG designed for both new and experienced RPG gamers. It features masterful characters design, a unique character development system, a compelling storyline, sharp 3D graphics, and hundreds of fascinating weapons and spells to master. Product features include: an innovative Character Development System, an Arsenal of Spells and Living Toys, a Colorful Fantasy Atmosphere, and User-Friendly RPG Interface.

Amazon.com
Editorial Review
Guardian's Crusade is a role-playing game (RPG) that is clearly geared for younger players, based on the simple, cartoonish graphics and kid-friendly storyline. And though diehard RPG fans will probably be unimpressed with the simple dialogue and light plot, this game may appeal to the targeted player.

Gamers assume the role of an adventurous knight who accidentally stumbles upon a baby monster. The knight (with the help of a shimmering fairy) then sets off to return the baby to its home. As in many RPG titles, the quest is filled with enemies. Guardian's Crusade contains the usual random battle sequences, but these encounters are played a bit differently than most other RPGs. For example, the monsters in the maps of Guardian's Crusade are shown as pink tadpoles, which attack the character as soon as they see him.

U.S. game companies have been slow to import many established Japanese RPGs, despite the domestic success of innovative titles such as Final Fantasy VIII. However, games of that caliber are few and far between. The U.S. release of the substandard Guardian's Crusade is surprising, since it appears to be aimed at younger children or those not familiar with video games. For beginning RPG players, Guardian's Crusade may be worth a look, but more experienced gamers would probably want to stay away from this one. --Ben Jensen-Roseman

Pros:
• Simple graphics and kid-friendly story draw in younger children

Cons:
• Minimal storyline
• No character development whatsoever
• No replay value at all