A good game with tons more underneath the layers...
Gameplay wise: A-
- you get five characters to play with, and over 100 unlockable golems to also use in battle. Each character and golem, different in countless ways, add spice to this game. Almost reminiscent of pokemon, but lacking the number of avaliable slots (max of 4 per team), this game is really something great. The battle sequences are plaed on a 3 x 4 grid, and all in all, its a pretty enjoyable experience...
Graphics: B+
-The graphics in this game are sort of lacking, in the sense that they are a reminder of the xbox / ps2 era...not to go overboard - they aren't that bad, but at times, their blandness can take away from the overall appeal of the game. And what lacks in graphics only occurs on the characters - enviornments and vibrant and interesting, along with golems each being complete individuals. THough at times they fall flat, the cutscenes in this game, can be... at times, breathtaking - this only occurs though, on closeups to characters especially the ice queen. All together, they fit for the game, and at times, excel.
Value: B
-The game consumes over 50 hours of your time, but in some incidents, that's a little too much...and this is one of those "incidents"...battles, fun; mini-games and side quests, fun; not fun is the countless futile chats between characters. Along with that, some cutscenes last almost 30 minutes - interesting at first, but eventually, it's too tedious for any hardcore fan...but it'll all be over with a simple press of the start button. Though battles and collecting golems add to the game lasting for inumerable hours, near the end, any game is just awaiting to move on to the next game.
Sound: C+
-Characters speaking - the one biggest downfall in this game...Makoto : overdramatics; characters are over steriotyped, and they speak ridiculously. That aside, the background music of enviornments and battles can at times carry the game along beautifully; especially once you face bosses. Some moments are quite special...really, until someone speaks again.
Overall, this is a good game, and one everyone should try - it takes too long, and has its fault, like every other game, but at times it really does shine.