Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Eternal Eyes blends tactical grid-based combat with a unique creature-collection twist, creating a hybrid system that demands both strategic planning and adaptability. Players control Luke directly, while a roster of Mappets—magical, doll-like creatures—fills out the rest of the party. Each battle unfolds on a square grid, reminiscent of classic strategy RPGs, where positioning, movement range, and turn order play crucial roles in securing victory.

Where Eternal Eyes truly stands out is in the depth of its Mappet system. Early in the adventure, you and your friends discover a mysterious jewel that unlocks the ability to capture and command these creatures. Each Mappet comes with distinct attributes—attack, defense, special abilities—and can be leveled up, fused, or even bred to yield more powerful offspring. This layer of customization encourages experimentation, as you tailor your team to counter specific enemy types or exploit environmental hazards.

The turn-based battles also incorporate action points and terrain effects, adding further complexity. High ground offers attack bonuses, while certain surfaces may heal or damage units at the end of their turns. Combined with the AI quirks of wild Mappets and enemy forces, every skirmish feels fresh. For fans of Final Fantasy Tactics or similar titles, the challenge of balancing unit placement, skill usage, and Mappet abilities will keep you engaged throughout the campaign.

Graphics

Though released on an earlier console generation, Eternal Eyes sports colorful, anime-inspired visuals that still hold up well today. Character sprites and Mappets are rendered with charming detail, and each creature’s design reflects its elemental affinity—fire, water, earth, and more. On the grid battlefield, terrain tiles are clearly distinguishable, which helps in planning movements and recognizing environmental bonuses at a glance.

Cutscenes weave together hand-drawn art and in-engine animations, bringing Luke, Elena, Mouse, and Nicol to life during key story moments. Facial expressions, dynamic camera angles, and simple but effective particle effects give emotional weight to revelations about the siblings’ heritage. While the resolution may feel dated on modern displays, the art direction’s vibrancy ensures the world of Gross remains visually appealing.

Menus and UI elements are cleanly laid out, with intuitive icons for Mappet stats, skill descriptions, and grid overlays. Navigating your party roster or reviewing breeding recipes is straightforward, minimizing menu bloat. Occasional slowdowns during large-scale battles are a minor drawback, but they rarely detract from the overall visual experience or strategic flow of the game.

Story

At its heart, Eternal Eyes is a coming-of-age tale that follows orphans Luke and Elena as they uncover their hidden destiny. When the siblings and their friends Mouse and Nicol stumble upon a mysterious jewel in a forest cave, they set off on a journey to the bustling city of Goondocks. There, a cryptic note from their long-lost parents reveals their connection to the legendary Eternal Eyes race—a lineage of doll-controller mages tasked with protecting the realm.

As the narrative unfolds, you witness the four youths develop their Mappet-controlling abilities while grappling with questions of family, trust, and sacrifice. The story’s pacing is deliberate, alternating between lighthearted village visits—where you can train new Mappets—and darker chapters involving a power-hungry villain intent on resurrecting the fearsome Goddess of Destruction. Each arc delivers satisfying character moments, from Elena’s quiet courage to Mouse’s comic relief.

Side quests further flesh out the world of Gross, introducing NPCs with personal dilemmas tied to rogue Mappets or bandit threats. These detours not only expand the lore but also provide valuable experience and rare Mappet eggs. While the central plot follows familiar RPG tropes, unexpected twists—such as revelations about Nicol’s lineage—keep veteran players invested in the journey to thwart cataclysmic evil.

Overall Experience

Eternal Eyes offers a compelling mix of strategy combat and creature collection that appeals to fans of both genres. The learning curve is balanced: early battles teach fundamental tactics, while later encounters challenge you to master Mappet synergies and terrain advantages. With dozens of Mappet species to discover and evolve, plus multiple endings tied to key choices, the game boasts substantial replay value.

The cooperative interactions among Luke, Elena, Mouse, and Nicol generate genuine camaraderie, and the steady progression of their bond mirrors your growing mastery of Mappet magic. Although the graphics and sound design reflect their era, the strategic depth and heartwarming narrative ensure Eternal Eyes remains an engaging experience—especially for players seeking a fresh take on turn-based RPG combat.

Potential buyers should be prepared for occasional difficulty spikes and a somewhat slower pace during dungeon exploration. However, if you appreciate thoughtful tactics, creature-breeding mechanics, and a story about hidden heritage and loyal friendships, Eternal Eyes is a rewarding adventure that stands up as a hidden gem in the strategy RPG library.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10