”Are old games really fun to play today?” Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure 25th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION is exactly what I want people with that question to experience. The reason it continues to be talked about even after 25 long years isn't just simple nostalgia. Rather, it continues to be loved by many because the ”power of the story” that resonates in the heart remains firmly intact even when played now. It's not that ”it has value because it's old,” but that ”it has a charm that still works today”—that fact tells the whole story of this work.

The first impression of this series is its incredibly gentle world. The graphics, drawn with a soft touch, give you the feeling of turning the pages of a picture book. There is a mysterious sense of immersion, as if you are ”reading a story” rather than ”playing a game.” And within that, the characters begin to move naturally and show their expressions. This closeness of distance gradually captures the player's heart.

The appeal of this collection lies in the fact that you can enjoy the three games in the series all at once. The first title depicts Cornet's pure adventure, which leads into the new story of her daughter, Kururu, in the sequel. Then, in the third title, previously untold episodes are supplemented, and the outline of the entire world emerges more clearly. There are many moments where you realize, ”So this character had this kind of background,” and the sensation of the stories overlapping bit by bit is irresistible. It offers the luxury of experiencing the breadth of the world that couldn't be seen through a single title alone.

The fun as a game is also solidly crafted. The gameplay evolves from the first title's battles containing simulation elements to the sequel's well-paced command battles, and further expands into lively large-scale battles in the third title. Since different ways to play are prepared for each work, expectations naturally grow, wondering ”What will the next battle be like?” The fact that you can enjoy the changes in gameplay as well as following the story supports the depth of this series.

An indispensable element when talking about this work is the existence of ”Puppets.” They are not just companion characters but are depicted as partners with whom you share a connection, so there is a distinct warmth to the relationships. Moments where you feel ”I want to move forward with this character” are born naturally. While there is fun in the combat and collection elements, it is the emotional aspect of ”who you travel with” that leaves a greater impression. This warmth is the very factor that gently envelops the entire series.

This collection is not just a compilation of past works. Rather, it is a work where new discoveries can be made by experiencing it again now. Moments will surely come where you can enjoy it from a different perspective than back then, thinking ”I didn't realize there was this kind of expression” or ”What a gentle story this was.” Being able to savor the story with a fresh feeling, rather than just soaking in nostalgia, is the special value this work holds.