The Final Fantasy series has been a staple in the video game industry since 1989. Originally a Nintendo-exclusive series, the line of games jumped ship almost a decade ago and hasn't looked back -- until now. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles for the GameCube marks the first game in 10 years to appear on a Nintendo console.

The story is a little weak with no overriding plot, but then again, a game is meant to be played and not watched. Gamers play a generic character who must go out once a year and collect energy to regenerate magical crystals that protect your village from a lethal haze that covers the land. Exciting, right? And you wonder why people who play these games are labeled nerds.

The whole structure of the game is set up a little differently than the main line of the series (now up through 11 games). Instead of traditional turned-based role-playing gameplay, Chronicles is more action based with real-time fights. Although the game is a little less varied than other Fantasy games, its graphics are exceptional and help distract a little from the occasional monotony of the game.

Also utilized in Chronicles is a unique multiplayer element that most players will never be able to use. Why? Because it requires every player to attach a Game Boy Advance to the GameCube -- no exceptions. Do the math and that means it'll cost you nearly $500 to get four people to be able to play the game together. Admittedly, this reviewer had neither the time nor the cash to test out this aspect of the game.

If you're into the whole repetitive battle thing, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles will satiate your fantasy appetite. However, those seeking a little variety may want to keep searching.

-- Reviewed by Jason Cox