A solid RPG just missing some spice

Reviewed by lordbadr on September 08, 2006  |  report this review

Story 7/10
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Without spoiling too much, you play as Atsuma, an Enchanter who is studying at the Academy in Yokohama City. His friends, Makato and Toya are also studying at the school along with Atsuma. Early into the game (assuming you can get past the fact that your friend Makato has the most horrendous voice-acting in any video game, period) chaos ensues and the main goal is to defeat the evil Queen of Ice.

The story in this game presents itself quite nicely, but at times it drags a bit. And, sadly, this story is one that we have seen quite a few times in other games. The voice acting in this game is so-so's, except for Makato's. Atsuma's voice is okay at times, but you must forgive his character for being such a complete idiot sometimes. Thankfully, you can put the game into it's original Japanese voices, so if you do tire of the English voice-overs, you can swap to the Japanese voices at any time.

Gameplay 8/10
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This is a tactical RPG, so you will find yourself battling it out on the game's 6x4 grid system. The main objective is to position your characters so that they can attack the enemy on the other side. Also, whenever you get into a battle, your characters are place randomly around on the grid. I find this both a good and bad decision on the developers. It's good because you will have to change your tactics on almost every battle you encounter, but it's bad because sometimes it can be downright frustrating when you have to wait a whole turn to move your guy from the lower right corner to the upper right corner of the grid.

The game gives you alot of "Golems" (think of Pokemon) to collect, over 100 in all. There are also other various characters that will join your party as the game progresses, and they all have their own skills and whatnot. Another thing I really enjoy about this game is the fact that the level limit is 999, so if you really truly want beefy characters that can annihilate anything, you can do it in this game.

You can play online through XBOX Live, putting your party online to battle other players around the globe. I have not played with this yet, so I cannot say weither this is good or bad. Course it does sound like a good idea so you can show off your awesome characters.

Design 6/10
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This is where the game falls short. The areas you explore in this game are beautiful at points, but they lack life and artistic matter. The game just begs for a bush or a tree or SOMETHING to be put into a grassy pathway that your following. Emptry rooms and dull areas are quite frequent in this game.

The graphics are so-so. It looks more like an XBOX game than a 360 game. You will see lots of "shiny" enviornments as you play, which get annoying very quickly.

When the characters talk, they are put side to side on the screen. This is bad, again noting that this is a game for the 360. I was expecting to see alot of action from the characters in the cut-scenes, and alot of cinematics. Unfortunately,

Hint - Omega Tactics

Reviewed by shadowsj on October 22, 2006  |  report this review

Omega is the final boss in the holy beast shrine At first it seems impossible to kill Omega with him having 99999 hp and ep but he is rather easy to defeat with a golem that has a special attack that takes a % of damage. I used Sebastian sniper shot. The first few shots with him did about 35000+ damage. Other golems you can use is Raiko or Samurai. Lastly, keep your members out of his God Scream ability if possible

An excellent RPG.

Reviewed by i_love_games11 on October 27, 2006  |  report this review

This game is a very good RPG. Mainly becuase the 360 doesnt have very many RPG's at this time. The gameplay is a turn based tactical command. The graphics arent great, but are pretty good. The games plot is very interesting and I consider this one of the best stories of any game. The game has alot of replay value and will keep you occupied a long time. The online is not great: there arent very many people playing, and when you actually get matched up you will most likely play someone way stronger than you.

I recommend this to RPG fans, it may not be fast paced enough for shooter fans.

RPG Fans Only!!!

Reviewed by Stunts080 on May 28, 2007  |  report this review

This game will deliver hours of fun if your an RPG fan. If you liked any of the Final Fantsy games chances are you will like this game to. Learn new skill and supports to make your way to the top. Another essintal is getting every golem possible. Golems can kind of be thought of as poke'mon except you dont catch them in a poke'ball you just simply beat a wanderer and get the core. The only thing that dissapointed me about this game is the fact you cannot make your golems learn new skills. Other than that im not fully done beating the game im at 80% though so unless the ending sucks im sticking with 5/5 for RPG fans only.

RPG Heaven!!

Reviewed by michaelrigg on July 08, 2007  |  report this review

Ok I have to admitt Iam was not an RPG fan. I mean I have played the hole Final Fantasy games and I wont lie I enjoyed them. But its still a ps2 if you know what I mean. I thought what the heck and my wife talked me into renting this game. Well I was not disappointed at all. I mean she played it more than I did and I will tell you we kept renting if for like 2 weeks. My wife got to the very end of the game last boss and we did not get to finish the game but did go all the way through it. And I have to say if you own a 360 and a Hi-Def Tv you will see what I am talking about the movie scence were excellent. The game play was great. you could not ask for more. It total changed my mind about RPG's after this game. I have tried to go back and play some of my Final Fantasy's on the ps2 and its just not the same. I am would like to see the 360 to take this title and run with it like ps2 did with the final fantasy line...
Thanks and keep on playing......