The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a gaming console that revolutionized the industry with its innovative hardware and incredible games. Among the many titles released for the SNES, one game stands out as a masterpiece of storytelling and music: Eien no Filena, also known as The Birth of a Dream in Japan.

Eien no Filena is a role-playing game developed by Quintet and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. The game's story follows two main characters, Alice and Eiji, who are childhood friends who grow up together in a small village called Kusatsu in the Japanese Alps. As they navigate their way through adolescence, they begin to develop feelings for each other, but their love is put to the test when Alice suddenly disappears.

The game's story is heavily influenced by Japanese culture and folklore, particularly the mythology of the Yuki-onna (Snow Maiden), a spirit who freezes to death anyone who offends her. The game's protagonist, Eiji, must embark on a journey to find his lost love and uncover the truth behind Alice's disappearance.

One of the most striking aspects of Eien no Filena is its soundtrack, composed by Yoko Shimomura, who would go on to become one of Japan's most renowned video game composers. The music in Eien no Filena is a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese instruments and Western-style orchestration, creating a unique and emotive sound that perfectly complements the game's narrative.

The gameplay in Eien no Filena is typically action-RPG, where you play as Eiji who must explore dungeons, fight enemies, and interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) to progress through the story. The game features a variety of magical powers, known as "kemono," which can be used to solve puzzles or defeat enemies.

The SNES version of Eien no Filena received positive reviews upon its release in Japan, but it wasn't until the game was re-released for the Nintendo Virtual Console in 2015 that it gained widespread recognition outside of Japan. The virtual console release allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic RPG, and it has since become one of the most beloved and highly-rated games on the platform.

In terms of its age rating, Eien no Filena is suitable for players aged 13 and above due to some mildly suggestive themes and brief violence. The game's story and characters are generally wholesome and family-friendly, making it an excellent choice for younger players who enjoy RPGs and adventure games.

The gameplay in Eien no Filena has been praised by critics and fans alike for its challenging difficulty level and engaging combat mechanics. Players must master the use of Eiji's magical powers and avoid getting caught off guard by the game's tough enemies to succeed in their quest.

One of the most unique aspects of Eien no Filena is its storytelling style, which combines elements of Japanese mythology with a strong narrative focus. The game's story is told through a series of vignettes and dream sequences, adding to the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates the gameplay.

The characters in Eien no Filena are well-developed and complex, with each character having their own distinct personality and motivations. Alice and Eiji are particularly well-written, with a sweet and tender romance at its core. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the game's narrative.

The graphics and sound in Eien no Filena hold up remarkably well even today, considering the game was released over 25 years ago. The game's charming hand-drawn characters and detailed backgrounds create a warm and inviting atmosphere that immerses players in the world of Kusatsu. The music, as mentioned earlier, is equally impressive, with Yoko Shimomura's haunting melodies and poignant soundscapes perfectly capturing the game's emotional tone.

Overall, Eien no Filena is an exceptional RPG that showcases the best qualities of Japanese culture and storytelling. With its beautiful soundtrack, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters, it is a must-play for fans of classic RPGs and adventure games.

Rating:

• Gameplay: 8/10
• Story: 9/10
• Graphics: 7/10
• Sound: 9/10
• Overall: 8.5/10

Recommendation:

If you're a fan of classic RPGs, Japanese culture, or are simply looking for a challenging and engaging adventure game, Eien no Filena is an absolute must-play. With its beautiful soundtrack, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay, it's a standout title that will leave you wanting more.

Age Rating:

• Suitable for players aged 13 and above due to mildly suggestive themes and brief violence.

Note: This article was written based on the information available up to December 2023.