Threads of Fate is the latest Squaresoft action RPG.  As in previous games of this type from Square, it maintains the light-hearted theme, bright graphics, and challenging gameplay. 

The story follows the exploits of either Mint, a selfish princess, or Rue, the melancholy hero.  Each character is searching for the mysterious Dew Prism for different reasons.  Mint's is to conquer the world and Rue is trying to save the life of his love.  The player gets to pick which character to use from the beginning.   No matter which character is chosen, the game will basically follow the same areas and basic plot.  It will only be seen from a different angle.  There is also one dungeon unique to each character.  Finally, near the end, Rue and Mint meet and start to help each other out so the game is really only one story with slight variations.  The characters have pretty good dialogue that successfully fleshes out their personalities.  There is also a wide range of supporting characters which pop in and out of the story and help the game's atmosphere quite a bit.  I played as Mint because she’s the funnier one and her story is the better of the two. 

Graphically, the game is made up of bright, vibrant colors.  Characters are large polygonal models that have detail in their facial expressions that really adds to their personalities.  All enemies are seen onscreen and are nicely animated.  There is only one town that serves as the base of operations for the characters by featuring inns, shops, and taverns.  Although the environments are simple, the designs are clever enough to offer decent challenge during the game.  

Dungeons range from forests, mountains, caves, and ancient ruins.  Although there is no exploration on an overworld, within each area are places to wonder around and explore to uncover the game’s secrets.  Furthermore, once an area is completed, you can go back and collect more items and even hidden magic spells.  

Sound and music follows the feel of the game - usually upbeat and pleasant.  Many of the characters have their own music that again helps in adding to their personalities.  The usual stage music is varied and not terribly repetitive. 

Gameplay is where Threads of Fate offers the most to cheer about.  Depending on which character is chosen, the gameplay is completely different.  Mint uses various elemental magics to solve the puzzles and progress through the dungeon areas.  Rue can transform into monsters he has defeated and use their special abilities to solve the puzzles.  Common to both is the usual attack feature that is action-based.  Each character has a life meter that can be recharged either through inns or magic.  There are no items to be used.  Instead, items are collected and sold for money.  Also, as enemies are defeated, they are tallied and also sold for money.  Another neat system is the coin collection where -- depending on which coins you have in inventory -- you can use them to continue the game where you died.  Most of the puzzles are not too difficult, ranging from lighting torches to breaking blocks.  Platform jumping and fighting are the most difficult aspects of the game.  Each boss, however, has a set pattern that must be uncovered for an easy victory.  The game flows pretty quickly from the base town to various outside locations depending on which point of the story the player is at.  Towards the end, the plot really gets going and the game gets very interesting. 

While not the thumb masher that was Square’s last action-RPG –- Brave Fencer Musashi -- Threads of Fate is a much easier and enjoyable game.  While short, it does offer decent replay with the two characters since the actual gameplay is completely different between them and there are lots of secrets to find.  Once again, Square offers another solid title for this year’s PlayStation line-up.