Tales of Phantasia - Narikiri Dungeon (Japan) (GBC)

Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon for the Game Boy Color is a unique role-playing game that centers around the "Narikiri" (impersonation) mechanic. Players control a pair of twins, Dio and Mel, orphans raised by the hero Cress Albane from the original Tales of Phantasia. The storyline revolves around them having to stop a new threat by utilizing the power of special costumes.

The core gameplay of Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon involves exploring dungeons and engaging in battles. The highlight is the "Narikiri Suits" system. When wearing a Narikiri Suit, the character's appearance, stats, and most importantly, learned Arts (skills) and Spells change. There are many costumes to collect, each mimicking a different character class or monster, from knights and mages to familiar creatures from the Tales universe.

The combat system is a variation of the well-known Linear Motion Battle System (LMBS) from the Tales series, adapted for the GBC hardware. Battles occur in real-time, where players can move their character along a straight line and perform physical attacks as well as use skills learned from the Narikiri Suits. Choosing and switching appropriate costumes before and during battle is key to overcoming challenges.

In addition to combat and exploration, the game also features typical RPG character development elements, including leveling up, equipping items, and party management. Although it is a spin-off, Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon retains the spirit of adventure and gameplay depth, offering a unique experience for Tales series fans on a handheld console.