Music: Fade to Black provides a musical experience that just can't be put to justice with the crude words English provides us. The game begins with a haunting melody which sets the tone for the rest of story and aligns the player's subconsious with the message the creator was trying to convey. Every note within the story seems to float from the screen and to immerse the player in a swamp of melodic magic. All the pieces fit the scenes well, and the game's author definately went to extremes to find quality music that hasn't been rehashed time and again. Fade to Black thusly recieves a full 10/10 in the musical department.

Gameplay: Gameplay within the game is fairly well done though it lacks a certain "umph." It provides an entertaining experience for the player and the battling is reasonably creative. There are no custom battle or menu systems, but the creative implementation of the standard system is more than enough to make up for anything those (usually grossly done) systems can provide. The mini-games are also quite entertaining (with one particular gun one that I personally enjoyed a great deal). All in all, Fade to Black earns a gameplay score of 8/10.

Story: The introduction of the game is indeed very intriguing in that it provides a thought-provoking proposal for the player. It also leaves an air of mystery and sadness that is rarely replicated. After that, however the story is fairly average. Sometimes the characters seem to lack motivation, but all in all it isn't too bad. This game is only part of a series, and just like the Star Wars saga, the lacking areas in the story are more than likely to be explained and resolved in later installements. Fade to Black's therefore recieve an 8/10.

Bias: Personally speaking, (I get to speak in first person in this section becaue it's my bias toward the game) I loved Fade to Black . The ideas presented in the plot intrigued me and the music was extremely well-orchestrated. The game (for those who don't know), is similar to some of Vince's literary work. In this sense, the plot holes will definately be resolved in later installments and, if I know Vince (and I do), the players of the series will more than likely be in for a treat. The Fade to Black series is definately something I'd keep my eye on. Bias score: 10/10.

        In closing, Fade to Black is likely to be remembered as one of those rm2k classics to grace this community. It's worth a look for anybody who feels like a good old RPG -Tycho McKorley