Justin: For me, the most interesting news in the Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles announcement was the revelation of the connectivity between the GBA and GameCube versions. After seeing Nintendo's connectivity display at E3, I've been extremely eager to see a game make good use of such an interesting concept, and I think an RPG could do just that. Do you see this technology being used in future RPGs, and can you speculate as to what uses it could have in future RPGs?

Alex: First of all, we don't even really know what this connectivity entails. This could be another Chocobo game like FF8 and that old Pocketstation thing. In fact, a Chocobo game has been announced for GBA. FF:CC may very well not be coming out for both GBA and GC, but rather GC and connecting with a different game (kind of like Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Advance).

Tony: I'm personally thinking it'd be awesome to have a game within a game. Remember Arc Arena? Something like that would be absolutely perfect for a GC/GBA connection.

Doug: I think a fascinating feature would use the GameCube to download new content for GBA RPGs, like new dungeons and such. Of course, the GBA game would have to be built with that data already in it, but that isn't hard.

Matt: Or you could add minigames to enhance the plot. You know, further explore certain areas that might be better off done in 2D or on the small screen.

Googleshng: My main concern with GBA connectivity is that it will largely be used only for the equivalent of expensive VMU games and gimmicks akin to the GB-N64 Transfer Pak. The real potential won't be seen except in those occasions when developers make a full-fledged game for each system and sharing some data, rather than making one dual-platform game as some seem to be doing.

Alex: I just hope they don't give the GBA the menial task of being for side-quests and experience gaining. I mean, I guess one Diablo clone might be nice for the GBA, considering that game is useful for wasting lots of time, but after a while you just get tired of destroying endless monsters in endless dungeons. I'd like to see a game that allows you to go between systems for two full fledged games. The GBA could be used for a nice single player experience (perhaps more focused on leveling up) while the GC could allow multiplayer with other people's customized characters. I'm especially thinking in terms of a character's class and appearance.

Doug: Crazy side note: I always had a dream that they would remake the original Final Fantasy in the vein of Final Fight or the arcade Dungeons and Dragons games. That just might work... or not.

Tony: Another side note: The Arcade D&D Games rocked.

Matt: Connectivity can be a dangerous thing. It's very possible that developers might begin to make a game that, in essence, requires the use of the other system's game. Forcing someone to buy two games isn't a good thing (though I suppose Pokémon does it in a subtle way). Granted, most games won't use this approach, and would in some way use the other system without necessitating the purchase of a separate game, but the possibility remains. Also, some might do a really bad job. Many great possibilities have been mentioned, but execution is a key factor. I'm hopeful, but at the same time very reserved about the connectivity features of upcoming games. We shall see in due time, though, how well developers can utilize this feature in RPGs.

Tony: I guess this is where Obscure Import Knowledge comes in handy. A while back, after the Transfer Pak was released for the N64, Banpresto did what was probably the best example of game connectivity I've ever seen. The game was Super Robot Wars 64, and the game it connected to was Super Robot Wars Link Battler. The two were completely separate games, but were able to link up with the Transfer Pak. By linking up, you'd enable suits in Link Battler you could get nowhere else, and open up more exclusive stuff. On the N64 side, you'd open up an entire side plot and new characters. That's how a GC/GBA connection should be done.

Alex: I've got an idea which is less preferable, but still pretty decent. Essentially, you make the same game for GBA and GC, maybe the GC one can have better graphics or simply look different overall, and all you have to do is export a save file to your GBA and you can take it on the road. It'd also be interesting to see how they do the exact same game with different graphical styles.

Doug: That's what I thought they might do with the Pokémon franchise.

Googleshng: There are a number of serious logistical problems there. The GBA isn't capable of GameCube level graphics, so you would in essence be paying an extra 30 dollars to advance your game on a handheld, with crippled graphics and sound. Not the best investment.

Alex: For people who care more about the game than the graphics, that may not be a problem.

Googleshng: Then why would they bother buying the GC version?

Alex: Because they don't like staring at a tiny little screen?

Googleshng: Then why buy the GBA version? Expecting people to pay extra for the privilege of occasionally crippling their games just isn't cost effective.

Alex: I don't expect them to pay for it, I just like having the option there.

Justin: I think games like Torneko's Big Adventure and other dungeon-focused RPGs would benefit quite a bit from the GBA/GC connectivity. Like people were saying before, if you had two completely different game styles, but the main purpose of the game was character advancement, it would work really well. It would alleviate the boredom that usually ends up plaguing those games. Another big thing that excites me about the connectivity is the ability to use Nintendo's e-card reader to load new characters, unlock new areas, and even add new boss characters. I think that would really open up the possibilities of connectivity.

(Click here for Justin's side discussion with Googleshng about the e-card reader and its possibilities)