Complex story is populated with enchanting, memorable characters Intricate strategic gameplay
User Rating: 8 | Grim Grimoire (First Print Limited Edition) PS2
GrimGrimoire's story is one of many strengths, though you'll first be inclined to dismiss it as a Harry Potter knockoff. After all, you play as a new student in a famous school of magic that protects the philosopher's stone--and is presided over by white-bearded professor Gammel Dore. Sound familiar? Well, obvious Rowling references aside, the similarities are completely superficial. Sweet-natured student Lillet Blan finds herself in the midst of a confusing magical melodrama that comes into focus only because she relives the same five days over and over again, Groundhog Day style. Each pass-through clarifies dozens of questions as you slowly unravel the weird, wonderful tapestry that ties together an odd and charming collection of misfits and miscreants. The setup is terrific, but the payoff is the cast of larger-than-life characters. A snarky devil, a wandering ghost, an earthbound angel--they've all got something to hide, and the web of lies that they weave would make even a politician blush. The dialogue is clever and accompanied by gorgeous 2D character portraits presented in traditional Japanese RPG style.
