ver-Shadowed Hearts
| Platform | OVERALL |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | 9.50 |
| Overall | 9.50 |
|
My experience with JRPG of the modern era is limited, the most recent RPG I have played prior to this was Chrono Trigger, so allow that to color my review as you read it. The fact that this was the first modern RPG to hold my attention until the completion of the game says something about SH:C appeal -- it has a story that is far from hackneyed, yes you save the world from an evil force, but the path you take is adult in theme and at the same time quirky and charming. The story grips you from the very beginning as you control a character who is a commander for Germany during the first World War. She is sent to 'finish off' a small French village who is the last hold out against the German forces. What she finds there changes the course of her life. As is noted everywhere else, Shadow Hearts has a unique battle system that is very rewarding that requires you to stop a hand as it moves around a 'clock' in the various 'hit' zones. The more complicated the spell, the more difficult it is to stop in each zone accurately. You can customize the 'clock' for different character strengths. Each character is well developed and exceptionally voice acted -- with the exception of the first scene on the second disc, which I regard to be among the worse voice acting I have ever heard. The graphics are good, not great, but markedly better over the first game. I enjoyed this game mostly for the story, the cut-scenes were also well done and appreciated. Usually, critics say things like "..even if you did not play the first game you can still enjoy the story." -- in this case, that is almost borderline, you can enjoy the story and the game, but the fan service is laid on thick for those who played the original. Overall, I consider this to be a hidden gem, and I recommend it to those looking for something different. |
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Posted by aspro Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:53:53
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