You might have noticed that the App Store is currently awash with retro-themed JRPGs. If you're looking for something an authentic slice of RPG histroy, however, then you'll be pleased to hear that Namco Bandai has just released the '90s SNES classic Tales of Phantasia as a free download.
There's one catch, though: the game is only available in the US and Canada.
Given you can download it for free, you might expect Tales of Phantasia to feature an aggressive in-app purchase model. But, according to Namco Bandai, you can play through the entire story without having to spend a penny - provided you are online and have a stable internet connection.
Rather than charging you to unlock chapters, Phantasia's in-app purchases allow you to buy additional power-ups, such as the abilitiy to continue from where you last died.
Fans will be interested to learn that this iOS interpretation of the game includes additional animation sequences, and new Japanese voice-over work to accompany important events and battles through out the story.
With turn based battles, a thrilling tale of betrayal through time, and no money to pay, American fans of JRPGs might want to give Tales of Phantasia the time of day. UK fans, on the other hand, should keep an eye on AppSpy for a European release date.
