First off, the graphics. I wanted to give this game a perfect score, but, that wouldn't be right...it's a bit lacking in this area. In the beginning parts, and in Lashe city, I'd say Lysander used the futuristic RTP very well. However, as the game goes on, you'll definitely notice some graphical ugliness. The world map needs serious work...the Lashe City area(on the world map) especially, looks like just a big mess thrown together carelessly. Also, the graphics used for monsters are a bit inconsistent...sometimes you'll see enemies from various SNES games, sometimes you'll see RTP monsters, and sometimes you'll see custom-made monsters, which range from well-drawn to horribly-drawn. A bit of a let-down in this area, but not a serious problem. You probably won't care too much with all that's going on.

Okay, I'm glad I got the bad out of the way. Next up, sound! for the most part, the sound is right on in ABL. There are noises wherever noises are necessary, from the gunshots to the beeps from the machinery. The music fits very well in most places. Lysander has changed his battle music 3 times now, and I think it fits best in this latest update. There's futuristic-sounding music in places like Lashe City, and village-type music in the rural areas like Paradise. I also dug the techno music used to create suspense at some parts...very cool!

Gameplay-wise, ABL is pretty good. The battles are balanced well...not to easy, not too tough, and there are some cool minigames and other little features...I liked ABL alot even back when it didn't have those things, but they just make it even better. The aura system is very cool, allowing you to steal the skills of an enemy and, if stolen a certain amount of times, keep those skills. If you hope to make it through some of the tougher fights in ABL, you'll need to learn some skills. ABL also has some impressive mini-games...most notable, the Fortitude mini-game, in which you lead a scientist through a maze to activate three switches, with a catch. The catch is, every time you jump or climb stairs, you lose a bit of energy. If the enery runs out before you activate the switches, you must start over. Other mini-games include a tough street-race, and a dungeon with an adventure battle system(a simple one, but it works well). The gameplay is dandy, but really what will draw you in is...

STORY! In ABL, it's the thing that really stands out...the thing that really makes it one of the great Rm2k games! In ABL 2.1, the great story gets even deeper. I actually found myself really CARING what was going to happen next! I started to care about Talan's troubles...I definitely felt a certain attachment to the characters, which is rare in RM2K games. If you're unfamiliar with the story, I'll tell you a little bit of it...our hero, Talan, a factory worker in Lashe City, is on the run after being framed for murder. As the game progresses, he just runs into more and more problems...why, you ask? well, you'll just have to play to find out(in other words, I suck at explaining stories!).

Overall, ABL 2.1 reminded why I love ABL and anxiously await the conclusion. In my opinion, it's story is unmatched as far as Rm2k games go. If nothing else, the story will keep you playing through until the end. Hell, Lysander could make the graphics and sound total ass and people would still love this game for its excellent story. If you haven't played this game yet, where have you been? go play it and see why some call it the best RM2K game ever.