Xbox Live Arcade finally gets a Final Fantasy game, but rather than churn out another remake of one of the classics, Square Enix have gone on an altogether different route. 

 

Crystal Defenders is loosely based on the Final Fantasy Tactics games, with familiar characters and baddies showing their faces. The game is basically a strategic defense game, in the middle screen you have a path cutting through the land with a start and an exit, the aim is to stop any enemies getting to the exit to steal your crystals, let too many past and you will run out and lose the game.

 

At the start of the game you have a set amount of Gil, with this you can purchase units and position them where you think they will be most appropriate. Since there is not much Gil to start with you can only select archers, soldiers and mages. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses like only being able to attack ground enemies or having a slow recharge time. Once you are ready and in position just press X and the monster screen will come up, showing you who is about to attack and what their powers are. As you defeat each one they drop Gil so you can purchase more units as the game progresses. The genius of the game

is that if you are being overrun you can just pause the action and place some more units further down the path and hope that stops them.

 

 

As you earn more Gil you will unlock more units to use like a Monk, a Time Mage and a Thief. You can also upgrade the units, allowing for greater reach and also more power. On the later levels you are given the ability to purchase Crystals that you place on the map, powering up any units nearby.

 

The simplicity of the commands make this game really easy to get to grips with, that and it is really addictive, with a real "just one more go" feel to it to test out new tactical ideas. However do not think this game is a walk in the park, even getting through the first world is a real challenge. I would like to play through all of the 300 odd levels available but with my current skills being so awful I doubt I would manage it, the beauty and simplicity of the game though will want you to keep on trying.

 

Crystal Defenders is a very strong Arcade title and one that will please fans of tactical games and the Final Fantasy franchise.