Lufia: The Ruins of Lore Critic Reviews

With a compelling storyline, fantastic graphics and gameplay, an endearing soundtrack and a huge ancient cave (which is an adventure in and of itself), Lufia is a title that all RPG fans and all GBA fans should get.

An attractive, engrossing, complex adventure that easily ranks alongside heavyweights like "Golden Sun" and "Lunar Legend."

Excellent gameplay and some damn-fine GBA RPG graphics.

A solidly built, character-driven adventure.

It doesn't shine as bright as "Golden Sun," nor does it have the complexity of "Tactics Ogre" - it's just a good-natured dependable RPG that never did any harm.

I genuinely had fun with this title, but technical issues and a drab story kept it from achieving greatness.

The only fault I find is that Atlus' otherwise solid RPG (with good-looking graphics) lacks its own compelling reason for being. Just another RPG village? Well, at least the townies are friendly.

It shows flashes of inspiration in some areas, while being content to rehash ideas in others. If you're the type who wants another fun RPG romp without worrying about trying anything new, you'll have no problems with this title.

The biggest downfall for the game however, is that it tried hard to incorporate the best elements from other highlight examples of the genre, and in doing so, suffers the same fate as most homages - it simply doesn’t have the same depth or natural “feel” of the originals.

An also-ran that's too similar to, but not as good as, the top games on the platform.

Up to four players can play cooperative linked adventures.

A less-than-stellar RPG, though it's certainly competent, so undiscriminating fans of the genre who've played most other GBA RPGs already might as well give it a go.