With its rich atmosphere and well crafted gameplay, this western RPG keeps things refreshing despite a standard story.
Armed with only three playable characters, the story progresses with a fairly unique twist of an alien race attempting to conquer the world of Filgaia. At the start of the game you are able to choose which character's story you want to play first, and as each of those three segments end, their paths then intertwine. Each of the main characters has an interesting and sometimes shocking background behind them, ultimately leading them down a path of peril and as always- the chance to save the world. What makes Wild Arms more interesting then other role-playing games is the world is based off of the old-west. Much of the flare that consists within the towns, dungeons, and even the villains is taken from wild west culture. While the story may be considered standard and somewhat predicable, the atmosphere will hold dominance and outweigh it throughout the journey.
Battles are random and produce more standard RPG turn-based elements. Once the battle screen loads, a menu is prompted which allows you to choose between numerous actions for all three characters before any action even begins. This includes, changing equipment and configurations, the choice to flee or actually use attacks and special moves. The characters' turn to perform an action all depends on how much speed he or she has, which is determined automatically when they level up and also from special items (in this case, apples) that are given to them throughout the game. All three characters retain their own special moves, with one specializing in magic, on in sword techniques, and the other with the use guns. Certain battles will require more use of one of those three than other battles. Guardians are also utilized as more runes are acquired throughout the game, and each character is able to equip one which not only allows them to summon the guardian, but also increases certain attributes. However, the majority of battles are quite easy, thus making the use of guardians sometimes pointless. Yet, the somewhat varied battle mechanics do make important battles seem fast and roaming in dungeons also speeds up because the random battles will end quickly.
Gameplay outside of battle is where the game truly shines, because if anything, it makes the game seem far from standard. This is due to the puzzle elements integrated within the dungeons and towns. In order to reach important locations and advance the storyline, tools must be used. Each character is designated four tools that are found throughout new dungeons, each with their own function. Such examples, like bombs, grappling hooks, and watches, will able you to blow up walls, start a puzzle over, and sometimes proceed over gaps to continue on the quest. Any of the three characters can be swapped in to be controlled, as some of their tools are required. Many of the puzzles though, do not require tools but instead the lead character can pick up small boxes and throw them to uncover items and switches. It is with this exciting change of RPG gameplay that never leaves the player bored while wandering around in Wild Arms. Much of what it presents may feel complex at first, but the within the first twenty minutes the overall gameplay will become exciting, and since more tools are to be found as you progress, that excitement will only grow.
Deciding to take a break from the initial quest may not be a bad idea, as there are plenty of things to accomplish as you near the end of the game. Optional bosses are in abundance as well as an arena that you may fight in to prove your skills as well as obtain some good items and gear. These are a great way to earn some extra cash also, because grinding will be a heavy factor in the game, not so much for leveling up, but to obtain gella (the game's currency) in order to upgrade one of the main character's list of attacks. Revisiting old towns is also fun because everyone has something nice to say, and there may be surprises waiting just by chatting with them.
Expect to see western-looking landscapes such as deserts and cacti, where towns look dry with western-looking buildings. The graphics do a good job at emphasizing the colors and overall theme of the wild west even though they are similar to the SNES outside of battle. With the age of 3-D RPGs beginning on the Playstation, some might consider the graphics in this game to be dated, or completely inferior to that of Final Fantasy VII. In battle, however, the game makes a nice transition into the 3-D realm and though the shapes of characters might be consisted of blocky polygons, they are surely not a sight for sore eyes. Nonetheless, many might feel turned off by the presentation of Wild Arms' graphics, but the overall theme is represented nicely.
As with the wild west look, the music is consisted of whistling and plucked guitars which enhances the feel for the game's atmosphere quite beautifully. Michiko Naruke delivers a balanced dose of western-oriented music that can be slow, fast, and humorous. Without a doubt, the music is some of the most original and best heard from an RPG, mainly because of its individual sound.
The overall journey will last between 20 and 40 hours, depending on how many of the side quests you complete and how much time you decide to spend leveling up in dungeons and on the over world. Many will find the journey to be on the easy side, which may keep the amount of hours playing lower than anticipated. Some components in Wild Arms might seem standard, the story is by no means horrible and the battles are nothing spectacular, but most RPG players will appreciate the upside to its distinctive gameplay system and atmosphere that is sure to keep things refreshing and enjoyable overall.