Game: "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates"

Console: Nintendo DS

Developer/publisher: Square Enix

Genre: Action role-playing

Number of players: One, story mode; one to four, multiplay

Rated: E for everyone (fantasy violence)

The premise: There was a game for the Nintendo Gamecube called "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles," in which you and your friends would try to rid the world of Miasma. The Game Boy DS version involves two twins who have the potential for great power when they are together. As with the last game, there are four classes you can chose from with different strengths and weaknesses.

Game play: It's been speeded up and simplified from the last game. Your characters and enemies all move in real time; instead of fighting in turns, everyone moves and fights at once.

The good/bad: Some might say the the fighting system has been dumbed down, but I think it just adds to the fun. There are now more enemies, and they're easier to beat.

Having the ability to trade Mogs is a poor substitute for no online play.

To skip every role-playing game's long-winded story has always been a dream of mine. With multiplay, you go straight to the action and can play by yourself — this brought me much enjoyment.

If only the multiplayer and the story mode went to different places. Both start off at the caves, and the layout is pretty much the same.

Tips: Go to town and load up on Magicite and potions. The blacksmith will be handy for selling you things to protect you and help in your fighting prowess for the next battles.

In the castle town, explore the rooftops very carefully to find a hidden Moogle shop that will improve your item-holding capacity.

There are three things you can do when you see Moogles in battle: Paint them, get a stamp and pick them up to watch them litter the landscape with free items and Magicite.

My take: From the moment I put on multiplayer, I noticed something that is sadly missing from a lot of video games: fun. Some gamers might think the enemies and the game are too easy, but with long RPGs, there has to be something that will sustain you for the hours and hours you'll be spending on it. I made a point to purchase this game and am very much looking forward to when my friends do the same and we can do the multiplayer thing.

Jeffrey Davis, of Honolulu, is a video-game enthusiast.