Daikaijuu Monogatari

Super Shell Monsters Story - the second game in Birthday's Kaijuu Monogatari series, offered a straightforward, classic-style JRPG replete with an unusual range of fantasy creatures, almost like an extension of Shining Force's fairy tale roster. As usual with console RPGs of the early/mid '90s - though, it's the combination of mechanics that make up their identity. Flexible party options and exclusive skills meet Phantasy Star-derived battling (combining IV's customizable, pre-set battle tactics with III's icon menu), but their imagination is better displayed in its item mixing and base-building features (perhaps one of the genre's earliest adopters) as well as the helper system (i.e. Zelda tools in the form of menu-based summons, unlocked by recruiting special NPCs from around the world). Credit could also be given for its dungeons, which employ light puzzle elements and more complex designs without turning into full-blown mazes; and for the sheer visual and structural personality of its towns (worthy of Secret of Mana). Their Lufia-like sci-fi-tinged second half - instead, overstays its welcome. The result is pleasant and classy, if a bit dated when compared to the giants of that year (namely FFVI and Lunar 2).