Seiken Densetsu 3 : SNES Review

Seiken Densetsu 3 - Super Nintendo Review
Seiken Densetsu 3 is yet but another action rpg. The story of Seiken Densetsu 3 is intertwined because there are six main characters to choose from. Each of them with their own abilities, strength and reason for wanting to get the mana sword. At the beginning there are actually three characters to choose in a party and any character can be the main for the whole duration of the game. To basically sum the story up, three enemy nations are basically after the mana sword so they can restore the world to peace and prosperity. They have to basically save the mana tree before the evil final bosses don't twist the world. Yes the story is pretty cliche', but what can you expect from an rpg game like this.
Visually the graphic artistry of the game is very very colorful and vivid. The characters are semi- three dimensional which is a good thing despite it's real time battle system and semi-two dimensional nature. And mostly when you change class the character art changes also. The visuals though on the other hand do look a bit clumped together, even for it's colorful nature. It may not look that way to some, but you can be the judge.
Battles in Seiken Densetsu 3 take place in real time, on a top view landscape. Each time you or your allies see a monster. You transform from walking mode to fighting mode. The major differences with this is the fact that your usually "dash" button changes into a "technique" that allows you to flash for a second, and do more damage to the enemy; and also your movement is slowed down by a bit. Basically in battle every hit you make counts toward the tech gauge, and when it turns green,white or red depending on how many times you've class changed you'll do a special technique that is only issued for that specific character.
Apart from Secret of Mana's 100% attack power gauge that allows you to attack anytime. Every time you hit in Seiken Densetsu 3, you will have to recover in order to attack again which only takes a second usually. But also beware that monsters can kill you while you are in recover mode so you have to be mindful of that.
Spells are fun to learn and at each level up you will be assigned to raise a specific stat one time for each level. The stats are basically strength, vitality, luck, agility, intelligence and spirit. Once you assign a stat on your character you can't change it and go back, you have to basically level up again and pick another stat. Different stats will effect how often you learn magic depending on what number it is at. Usually this doesn't apply to real magicians like Angela or Carlie, but for the other characters, you will have to wait awhile until this ability comes into play. When picking a different character the game will be more easy or difficult because of each characters weaknesses and strengths. It's up to you who you pick.
Apart from the usual battles you can assign your items and weapons using start. Well only your basic items by being player 1 and issuing items in which you can only go into the menu when you are NOT in battle. If you're in the heat of a fight and your out of items or magic and you have some in your bag, but just not on you then tough luck. You either fight and win or lose a miserable defeat without healing.
Anyways in my opinion this game is a 10 out of 10. It's a must play, a jewel and can also be replayed because every character is different and it's fun to see different techniques throughout the game. Just at least try to play it through at least once. You won't be disappointed.

is that like final fantasy?

Well its a completely different fighting system

The battle system is not all like final fantasy. You don't wait for your turn to come up to attack, you just battle enemies on the screen co-op style.