A role playing game that should not be missed!
GAMEPLAY - Here is one of the attributes that puts this game above most other RPGs, and makes you wonder why something so simple to learn yet so addicting hasn't been used more often. I'm referring to the Judgement Ring, which is basically a circle with key points on it and a spinner. You simply press X at the key points in order to be successful with attacks, magic spells, even purchases. The Ring has some depth, as there will be adjustments that can be made to make it easier to use such as slowing down the spinner or enlarging the areas you need to hit. Other additions can include adding attack bonuses such as poison, defense down etc. Or you can adjust the ring to have extra attacks, say from three to four. The only problem is that the areas you need to hit will decrease, so you'll be able to do more damage but will have a greater risk of missing an attack entirely. Trust me, you'll have fun with it. You'll also find that the characters will have attacks and magic that will be very unique, and it's fun to experiment to see what their different attacks will do. GRAPHICS - Another area in which Shadow Hearts separates itself from other RPGs, it definitely has its own style. On the one hand there were times in which the characters had a somewhat blocky look that was a bit rough around the edges compared to a game such as Final Fantasy. On the other hand all of the characters were unique and very interesting. The backgrounds were also a case of sometimes being a bit dull and dark but at other times could be quite detailed and impressive. Perhaps it was the intention of the developers to put you in the proper mood. The cut scenes were a mix of mostly using the in game engine and occasionally CGI. Some of the CGI scenes were truly impressive, and one scene in particular that happens in Petrograd was one of the best CGI scenes I've ever seen.
SOUND - Overall the sound in this game was great. The voice acting was superb and matched the characters perfectly, from a sarcastic, world weary protagonist to an over the top super hero wanna-be. The game also does a great job of shifting from some really heart wrenching moments where you can feel the character's anguish, to times that were truly hilarious and will make you laugh out loud. The background music was also above average. The basic BM playing during your travels was pleasant, though not particularly memorable. The music played during basic battles and especially boss battles and CGI scenes was excellent, and I never got tired of it.
VALUE - This game took me approximately 43 hours to complete the main story, but this is a rare RPG in that I did not have to spend any time wandering around fighting monsters because I needed to "level up". The experience I received along my regular travels was sufficient for all battles, which I found somewhat remarkable. Many RPGs may take you 50 plus hours to complete, but how much of that was mindless fighting in order to get stronger? Everything I did here was directly towards getting to my next destination, there was never a dull moment. As with many other great RPGs, there is still plenty to do outside of the main quest. This game offers many different side quests that will enable you to get rare items, armor and weapons. Obviously these are not necessary in order to complete the game but it's great to have it available as I did not find any of the side quests that I completed to be a chore, they were all fun. I also appreciate the fact that upon completion you can go to the "theatre" and watch all of the cut scenes that happened throughout the game. This is a feature that I wished all games offered, as it's not only fun to re watch them myself but can also be fun to show off to others.
SUMMARY - This was a game that literally hooked me from the opening seconds. It not only starts with a great CGI scene but captured my interest with its unique setting. How many RPGs place you in a slightly altered version of our world during World War One? It sounds odd but it works! Something that is very important to me is that not only is the story captivating but the main characters also have much more depth than what you will find in many other RPGs. You will care for these people and will want to see what happens to them. With all of that said, I guess it's obvious that I completely recommend this game to any RPG fan, and it has enough unique elements that I feel this could win over many non RPG fans as well.