With so many generic role-playing games out there that rely on the tried and true turn-based battle formula, it's very refreshing to come across a game like Shadow Hearts: Covenant. The main storyline is set right around World War I and the time of the Boleshevik Revolution in Russia. This game takes real places and real events and people from history and mixes in some fantasy, magic, and demons, spinning an alternate-history tale of a world on a brink of destruction. Some of the characters and the weapons they wield are downright hilarious and bizzarre, a Mexican Wrestler (Luchador)/ Vampire wielding a mailbox?. As well as some of the dialogue and scripted events that take place. All this is driven by an engaging battle system involving the judgement ring. The battles are still turn-based but the judgement ring adds an element of timing and skill that keeps you engaged in every fight. Even though the main storyline and cut scenes are interesting in themselves and provide plenty of incentive to keep going to see how it all turns out, the battles never get too repetitive because each one requires your active involvement. You can also chain characters' attacks using an intresting and fairly deep combo system which makes the battles even more challenging and engaging. This is one of those games that is easily accessible for those that are new to the role-playing genre, it sucks you in with an immersive storyline, great humor, and bizzarre characters, all the while keeping you engaged in each and every encounter with a great battle system that involves skill and strategy. There's also plenty of secrets, items, treasure, and weapons to unlock to keep even the most die-hard role-playing fans happy for many hours. If you love great role-playing games like the Final Fantasy series and are not afraid to try a new approach to a familiar turn-based battle system that keeps you engaged you need to experience Shadow Hearts: Covenant. And if you are new to the role-playing scene, this game will make you into a fan of the genre.
Introduction So as I review the second game in the Shadow Hearts series you've already seen the score I have given it. It really is that good, in fact now I have experienced everything the game has to offer (yes I did e... Read Full Review
The Shadow Hearts RPGs has been a series that I've been interested in for awhile due to an interesting story and the fact that most everyone I know has loved it, though there are many RPG fans that have never given it a ... Read Full Review
