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Updated November 20, 2004

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Land of Illusions
(Skysoft/Skywaffle)


vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
"A story that brings back the glory days of a Final Fantasy I & II"

For centuries, the people of Ifalucia believed that monsters were legend. But deep underground the monsters have hidden themselves, waiting until time and peace rendered the humans above of weapons and sorcery. Now, after nearly a millenium, the monsters resurface. The people of Ifalucia, now a peaceful people, were now being slaughtered by the hundreds.

As Kalen, you are one member of a resistance against the underground army of monsters. Travel through caves and forests to reach the earth's crust. But you are not alone; in your journey you will meet other adventurers who seek to save Ifalucia and its people before the monsters conquer the surface of your world.

Game Review
Graphics (n.)
The use of animation and visual effects to stimulate the senses
vvv
(Good)
This game has the BEST GRAPHICS EVER SEEN IN QB, so why give it only 3 stars? Well, the maps look a little too much like FFII. In fact, Draekon looks exactly like Garland from Final Fantasy I. I also found a few untiled rooms.

Nevertheless, Land of Illusions does have a mixture of good elements and bad elements when it comes to graphics. Kalen, the main character, is not really that badly drawn (though the villagers in the game suggest that). However, the graphics shine when it comes to how detail the characters are drawn. Another point for graphics belong to the backgrounds used during the battle sequence. Some places, like the forest or at the bridge, have amazing artwork in the game that really is comparable to Square's SNES RPG series. However, some of the enemies drawn aren't as detailed, mainly because they're all the same size. This gets better later in the game when enemies range in size and the level of attention paid to this game rose a whole other level.

Sound/Music (n.)
The smooth blend of atmospheric sounds and original harmonies
N/A The best part about Square's RPGs is the music. Alas, the Land of Illusions are silent. There is quite an adventure here, and even though there is no music the adventure is worth it's weight in gold.
Gameplay (n.)
The precision of control and involvement of character within its universe
vvvv
(Very Good)
What makes Land of Illusions different from anything else on the Top QBRPG list is that you really feel like the places you're travelling to. When you're in the field map, the size of the place and the many drawn enemy backdrops create a feeling of a grand adventure. But in the caverns, the area is more closed in. Even the forests invite a new experience, as you go treasure hunting there. It's tiny details, really, but it adds to the gameplay a lot.

The menu control of Land of Illusions is managed very well, and the towns and characters also add to the game's depth. Management is also the key to this game, as you have to work on developing all your characters equally to have the most powers available to you. 

Story (n.)
The creativity and presentation of the game's critical plot
v
(Poor)
You kinda get the feeling that you've already heard the story in Land of Illusions from Final Fantasy I, II and Mystic Quest. Except a few scenes may be too bloody for the kids.
Replay Value (n.)
The timelessness of the gamer's delight, such that the experience can be repeated again and again
vvvvv
(Excellent)
Where Land of Illusions shine. The Skywaffle team balanced solid gameplay with some traditional fun so there's always a new experience everytime you play. The characters you meet also come in the right time, just as you feel that you've mastered the game's aspects. For example, Glenn introduces new offense to your party, while Ninusa gives you some potent healing power.
Challenge (v.)
To strike the mental nerve in such a way as to stimulate human thought and reflexes
vvv
(Good)
Searching for all the game's hidden items will keep you busy, but it really isn't required to solve the game. If you did look through all the game's rooms though, you will be rewarded with useful weapons and armors. The key to beating Land of Illusions? Know when you have to go back to town and restock. The enemies progressively become more difficult.
Fun Factor (n.)
The overall entertainment value as maintained throughout the adventure
vvvv
(Very Good)
Something new always happens, and the demos will keep you into the game. Well done by Skywaffle! Land of Illusions may never be finished, as Skywaffle last changed their company name to Skysoft and they've moved into C++, but they've left their mark with this lovely game. Land of Illusions is one of the untold heroes of QB.
Players 1 player Genre: Role Playing Game
Rating To solve: 4 hours Final Rating: 20/35

Download
To download Land of Illusions (430KB), click here.
wTo play Land of Illusions, unzip the file and run "RPG.EXE".

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Game Summary
Coding Group
Skysoft/Skywaffle
Genre
QBRPG
Homepage URL
N/A
E-mail
N/A
Players
1-player
Final Rating
20 out of 35 points

The Highs: Final Fantasy-style gameplay successfully implemented guarantees hours of fun.
The Lows: Hard to build a party at first, but gets better as the game goes on.

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