An adventure not to be missed!
By far one of the best GBA RPG's out there!
GAMEPLAY ~
This game is set up quite differently than other RPG on the GBA, there are no random battles, there isn't any free-form exploration, there is no huge over-world to explore, none of that, an it doesn’t need it. for the world of Riviera, thought only 7 levels long, has some of the most advanced map building sequences know to date. Thought, basically the map ends up the same either way, but the different paths lead to new items an better weapons. Depending on how you approach it.
The games puzzles are based on a "rhythm" system, which means if you explore a chest, it will most likely be a trap (90% of the time). So that it's time to diffuse it,. The diffusing is random, from button mashing to button patters (UP, Down, A, ect.) to timed bars each one is fun to figure out, but than comes the treasure itself. To acquire the actual item inside the chest you needed to play another little game, a lottery game. Which means four different weapons are presented an quick succession an you now play your chances on which one you get. Half the time I had to rest to get a weapon I wanted, but who knows... There is also other "rhythm" systems during jumps and other interactive areas during "look" more. Look mode allows you to scan your areas for different objects which can be manipulated or acquired. This takes "look" points which are accumulated after battle depending on how well you did.
Riviera also has a "score" system, I still don't completely know what it does, or if it's just for show, but I still can't remember my final score. Anyway, battles are rated depending on how you finish the match. Using "Exp." which is the ultimate combo for that desired weapon. There is weapon durability, but you won't go threw them so quickly if you think before slashing head first into battle. You are allowed three different characters on screen, an four weapons total for that battle. But most battles end up feeling pointless since the majority of "leveling" is done during "practice mode", which is learned about during chapter two. The real problem with “practice” mode is that it’s very time consuming, level two took me around 5 hours to complete! This makes the game drag on for longer than it has to.
STORY ~
You are Ein, one of two Grim Angels summoned by Hector to do the bidding of the God's. Both Ein an his "partner" Ledah both carry a Diviner which was acquired by sacrificing a part of their being. After an incident during his first mission, Ein is found hurt an completely forgetful of what is purpose truly is.
GRAPHICS ~
Riviera host some of the best graphics around for the GBA. Everything is lively and the sprite design is flawless. Each character is well balanced with chibi features and their own images for conversation. Each image reacts to what is going on during the dialogue. Be it, anger, laughter, or sadness, the pictures convey it. Now lets not forget the main factors of this game, backgrounds an still images.
The backgrounds are so dazzling you will think you're playing a console title! They are just amazing an are worth just staring at for hours. Than we get "still images" which are hand drawn pictures of certain events taking place an again, character pictures. Magic and Exp abilities are show on their own! Most spells take up the whole screen, from fire balls to lightning storms, each one is large an deadly!
The only downside of the graphics are the repeating backgrounds featured in every stage, constant enemy repaints (an no different skills, each one was just a more powerful clone of the first one) and the design of the diviners. They look like cardboard cut-outs painted Yellow, Blue, or Red. It looks VERY cheap an flimsy in appearance.
Besides that it's one of the most impressive looking GBA titles yet!
SOUND ~
Wow! A GBA soundtrack I actually enjoy! Shock! This game had such great music I hid in my car during work just to crack it up an jam away! The practice music was one of the best (An since most of the hours I’ve played during work was the practice stuff, I heard it alot!) Practice battle was a strange amalgamation of synth rock with a Venice, Italy feel. That strange feeling comes from the addition of an accordion being played in the background.
The other memorable tunes were that of the actual battle music and boss themes. The rest was all beautiful arrangement which never got old! The SFX are the usual swings an strikes, so nothing to build off from there. Than we get some voice-overs which don't sound like robots! They are fresh and used when necessary. My favorite line? "I'll Burn you to Ashes!" from Cierra. Thought I do look strange yelling that at work... but who cares!
Minako Adachi does a fantastic memorable score which should be listened to!
REPLAYABILITY ~
This game does have a lot to offer in replay ability, but we’ll point out the biggest replay factor in GBA history! Suspend! Now this isn’t your normal “quick save” option! No! This can be used during battle, during practice, whilst walking around anywhere but during dialogue. Quite possibly the greatest idea for a portable RPG. The normal saves come at certain parts during a dungeon, which is indicated by a white arrow in the map box (right hand corner of the screen.)
The real replay comes from the vast amount of ways to experience Riviera. Depending on your actions taken during certain missions, you experience different cut scenes an different dialogue. Not everything is different, but the little changes keep bringing us back. There are also smaller quest during mission downtime which can be accessed by finding certain objects that pertain to different people in the main village. There is also a secret key that once acquired can be used to unlock the greatest of challenges!
Plus, during gameplay the opening menu has an “extras” menu that lets you shuffle through different character portraits, weapon listings an screen stills.
OVERALL ~
I constantly felt like I was playing the newest “SaGa” title, from character building to area traveling, it feels like an old friend in the palm of my hands. One of the most innovating an immersive RPG to emerge on the GBA is some time and I would love to see a sequel in due time!