This game series is one of the better ones out there. This series has regularly had at least one of its installments in my top ten. The writing is clever, the gameplay is enjoyable, and the story is of high quality. These things remain constant throughout the series. That which doesn't remain constant mostly improves. Though all of the games are some of the finest isometric turn-based R.P.Gs out there, quality is slightly variable.
From worst to best, 4 is the weakest gameplay wise, with a fairly small feeling map and some slightly tedious sections compared to others, notably around the middle to late game. 1 suffers from being the first installment. Ideas are not fleshed out as much, and the gameplay is slightly bland in sections. 2 is the third best, having arguably one of the better worlds, as well as an excellent story, but it suffers from balancing issues in places, and it isn't made entirely clear where is extremely dangerous and where isn't at times. 3 is the second best, although moving between different overworld maps is sometimes irritating, as there are effectively five overworlds. These issues however are covered for nicely by a well done story, and the ally characters, as well as almost every area feeling like it has a purpose. 5 is far and away the best, and is a good note to end the series on. The gameplay in 5 is the most fleshed out, and nearly all regions feel like they have a purpose. The characters all serve their purpose, and few feel wasted.
In conclusion, this is one of the best game series I have played. It has a good amount of humor, and yet maintains a good atmosphere. It has very good gameplay, and usually has good design of levels. It's difficult when it needs to be, and I can only think of two encounters throughout the entire series which are far harder than they really should be. If the chance should pop up to play this series, do so. It's very much worth it.
One of the Best RPG Series. (Spoiler Free)
This game series is one of the better ones out there. This series has regularly had at least one of its installments in my top ten. The writing is clever, the gameplay is enjoyable, and the story is of high quality. These things remain constant throughout the series. That which doesn't remain constant mostly improves. Though all of the games are some of the finest isometric turn-based R.P.Gs out there, quality is slightly variable.
From worst to best, 4 is the weakest gameplay wise, with a fairly small feeling map and some slightly tedious sections compared to others, notably around the middle to late game. 1 suffers from being the first installment. Ideas are not fleshed out as much, and the gameplay is slightly bland in sections. 2 is the third best, having arguably one of the better worlds, as well as an excellent story, but it suffers from balancing issues in places, and it isn't made entirely clear where is extremely dangerous and where isn't at times. 3 is the second best, although moving between different overworld maps is sometimes irritating, as there are effectively five overworlds. These issues however are covered for nicely by a well done story, and the ally characters, as well as almost every area feeling like it has a purpose. 5 is far and away the best, and is a good note to end the series on. The gameplay in 5 is the most fleshed out, and nearly all regions feel like they have a purpose. The characters all serve their purpose, and few feel wasted.
In conclusion, this is one of the best game series I have played. It has a good amount of humor, and yet maintains a good atmosphere. It has very good gameplay, and usually has good design of levels. It's difficult when it needs to be, and I can only think of two encounters throughout the entire series which are far harder than they really should be. If the chance should pop up to play this series, do so. It's very much worth it.