This game proves that you can not live off of oldschool gameplay, and that sometimes we need to try something new.
User Rating: 4.5 | Iris no Atelier: Grand Fantasm PS2
Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm is an example of how a series can not last soley on oldschool gameplay to pass as a good game. Grand Phantasm tries to lure gamers in with a promise of returning them to their roots with an oldschool experience, but all it does is show them how sometimes we shouldn't try to relive those experiences. In terms of gameplay, GP uses a slightly faster version of your standard battle system. Unfortunately, this also means that you get to hear the same spell and attack voice overs more often. Battles play out in a turn based fashion with a card system showing each person's turn. You have mana and health, as do your enemies, and you just hack and cast at them. That's it. Other than that, there's just a bunch of talking about a book and something about granting wisdom and a wish. The characters are all complete stereotypes, so don't get your hopes about a great story. Comedy is about all this game has going for it. GP also uses a typical anime art style, but doesn't do anything unique with setting or character design. There's no fantastic music or voice acting either, so don't get hyped for this game.
