First of all, I sort of just found this game while browsing GameFAQs lists, so I have that to thank. And boy do I have to thank them for finding a rather interesting action RPG to flummox through. It's a pretty strong example of one for the Playstation alongside Brave Fencer Musashi, which I actually liked more, but I enjoyed Threads for what it's got. The thing to note is that it's never got its sequel, despite (okay spoilers here) the real ending actually hinting at a sequel. Perhaps this is one of the lowest points of Threads of Fate, it's lack of a sequel. Should that really count as a low point though?
The premise of this game may seem cliche to the typical JRPG player such as myself. Two playable characters, each on their own distinctive journeys, are after this "Relic" for two completely different purposes. Because of this, the premise manages to do wonders. See, you won't be able to play as both characters at the same time, you go through one character's story, and then when done, go ahead and play the other one if you wish to do so. And speaking of characters, they are not the only really good ones. I consider good characters to actually be memorable, at least in the scope of the game, and Threads of Fate has plenty of important characters filling different roles. You have that kind family that you see often, the four-man villain group all of which actually manage to be different (although the Master title for each of them sucks, it's revealed they have real names, so that is actually quite an eye-catcher there). You also have a few rival characters who are fought, all of which have different personalities, goals, and what not. Static characters rarely if ever appeal to me, but it seems like Threads of Fate was made with the idea that every character is dynamic in some way and that's outright appealing.
The two plots of Threads of Fate intertwine, with Mint's silly goal of world domination coming into contact with Rue's more serious goal of getting Claire back, both of which involve that same relic. Yet that coming into contact is at the very most a friendly rivalry, both manage to cooperate to get closer to both of their own goals, while other characters like Belle and Duke provide the hostile rivalry in comparison. And it works out well considering everyone in some way is a determined individual. Some goals aren't fulfilled properly, of course. Mint in no way can actually achieve world domination, let's go with that. Rue on the other hand will get a much happier ending.
Gameplay is always the most important part of a game for me, and this game is...alright. I have to be honest, I'm not too good with Playstation platforming and this game actually has that. The platforming bits in the ruins, the "play area" and in a few boss fights get on my nerves, and Threads of Fate has quite a ton of boss fights, some of which come rather abruptly. Also certainly not a fan of character-specific dungeons, but it's not too big of a deal for this game. What is is the different methods of attacking. Rue's in particular, he can transform into the monsters he defeats and use their abilities. Meanwhile Mint is a fast magic user who actually is more known for jump-kicking people. The game can get real difficult, and Rue even gets an unwinnable boss fight, but overall though, the gameplay is mild and unique given what it combines into its core gameplay.
And the music? It's absolutely wonderful. I don't really need to explain this though. So yes, I do in fact recommend Threads of Fate to an aspiring RPG enthusiast.
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