A great game that is not for everyone.

User Rating: 8.8 | Shadow Hearts (PlayStation2 the Best) PS2
By crorsina | Review Date:
I have really enjoyed this game. For the most part this is a pretty standard RPG. In terms of gameplay, Shadow Hearts is set apart by its "Judgement Ring" interface. It's a novel way of incorporating the use of quick reflexes that gives the player control over the success or failure of every action. I personally found it makes the gameplay a bit more engaging and exciting than an average RPG, but it is not a feature that all players will enjoy. If possible, I would suggest trying it out for a couple hours before buying it.

The rest of the game's features are good without being outstanding. The one aspect that does stand out in my mind are the enemies. Some of them are extraordinarily creepy and really help to reinforce the dark atmosphere of the game. The counterpoint to this is that some of the item descriptions are quite entertaining and include obscure pop-culture references.

The game's M rating may be a bit higher than this game deserved. Aside from some of the ghastlier enemies, there isn't much gore to speak of and the attack animations are nothing extreme, but the story and subject matter is pretty dark. I wouldn't have any reservations about giving this game to most high school aged teens.

Overall, I would say this is a solid, well-designed, well-balanced, interesting and engaging game. I would recommend it to most RPG fans who have fairly good reflexes and like a dark, occult story. I am looking forward to playing the sequels.

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