Grandia is an unashamedly classic, happy, colorful and charming tale of an adventurous young boy who goes out in the world to become an adventurer and discover the secret of an ancient civilization. So what makes it different from the hundreds of other RPGs with the same premise, you ask? Well, the difference is that where other games often seem cynical and clichéd, Grandia is the real thing. The characters are so charmingly enthusiastic that you can't help but feel the same excitement they feel. There is no shame here. The game doesn't pretend to be something it's not. And everything else, from the amazing music (some of Iwadare's absolute best work) to the technically limited but lovingly hand-crafted mix of 3D environments and 2D character sprites, contributes to that feeling. You can practically feel the wind in your hair and smell the salt in the air when you're standing in the bow of a ship, on your way to a new continent and the greatest adventure you'll ever have. You'll feel like you're 12 years old again, and all the sarcasm, cynicism and jealously you have inside you will slowly melt away.
