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> Results: Final Fantasy VI Advance
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The ESRB Says
Mild Fantasy Violence: GamerDad fought tons and tons of random bloodless battles. Mild Suggestive Themes: there are various examples of flirting and suggested womanizing. The history is the GBA is littered with excellent games worthy of buying a system to play - from Advance Wars to Golden Sun and many more, there have been plenty of reasons to get a GBA in the past. Even earlier entries in the Final Fantasy Advance series, such as the first two games of the series packaged into a single cartridge with loads of extras, have been worthy or buying a system if you haven't enjoyed the experience before. And now, at the end of the GBA's life, Final Fantasy VI Advance is such a game. The amazing confluence of excellent graphics, wonderful sound, and a densely packed story and adventure makes this a must have if you own a GBA or DS, and worth trolling for GBA system bargains if you don't. I never played the original console versions, so I have been experiencing the series fresh as it has unfolded on the GBA and DS. I have really liked each of them, although I had started to get a bit fatigued after Final Fantasy I & II and never finished Final Fantasy V, but in general I really enjoyed them. Then along comes this one and makes it all feel fresh again. The game features a wonderful steampunk story and a huge cast of memorable characters which would be enough to power an excellent game. But it is more than the story and characters, it is the gameplay as well. The combat system has been greatly expanded to include real-time as well as turn-based elements, and the strategic nature of the battles is increased by this. There are more skills and tools at your disposal, making combat much less of a grind through all of the random battles. This is just an overall excellent game that has surpassed Final Fantasy IV to become my favorite in the series ... so far. And while this is the end of the line for the GBA contribution to the series, I can't wait for whatever comes next!  
Final Fantasy VI was the last of the games before they entered 'full teen angst' mode. There are issues of character relationships and tragedy throughout, but never so heavy and deep that the plot is too much for younger kids to handle. There is harmless flirting between some characters, and there are just loads and loads and loads of battles. But there is never any blood or harm shown, and all damage is only floating numbers and disappearing enemies. This game is well-rated at E-10+ based on the themes and storyline, and therefore I give it an Age Seal of 10+, but I believe that many gamers a couple of years younger could handle it without issue - my 9 year old has no problem, and didn't when playing Final Fantasy I & II at 7. As always, when going younger use your judgment - and remember that there is plenty of reading involved.
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