Treasure Hunter G truly shines in the gameplay department. Although it plays like a typical console RPG (i.e. battle monsters, talk to NPCs, and gain skills and experience), it is deeper than most thanks to a turn-based, tactical-style battle interface similar to Live A Live and the Realms of Arkania games on the PC. When you encounter enemies, the screen shifts to a grid-based battlefield, with your party starting off on one side of the grid and the monsters on the opposite. You can move your party closer to the enemy in order to attack, or further away to escape the battle entirely. Since you have a limited number of 'action points' to spend per turn, you must plan your moves carefully. This adds a tactical overlay to an already interesting game. One feature I like about the battle screen is that the type of loot you will get from winning the battle is shown on the ground. That gleaming sword waiting to be yours helps you to concentrate on the fight, as opposed to the exit tile ;)

The gameworld in Treasure Hunter G is rich, although not as large as epics like the Final Fantasy games. Each town is teeming with NPCs, all of whom either have stories to tell, advice to dispense, jokes to entertain you with, or goods to sell. Although the main plot is linear, it is full of many sub-plots and branches that keep it interesting. Flashbacks are used heavily throughout the game to tell you about the backstory of each of your party members.

If you enjoy console-style RPGs in general, Treasure Hunter G is a must-have. It is one of the best-looking games on the SNES, with plenty of charming characters, cool weapons, and challenging monsters to keep you occupied. Thanks to the translating efforts of Metalhawk and his team of fans, the game can now be enjoyed by an English-speaking audience. Highly recommended.