GIVE THIS GAME A CHANCE
However, after getting past the inital dungon level and learning new abilites, the dark texture and overall quality of graphics improved dramatically. Also, as the game progresses, the quaility of voice acting does improve (which is a VERY good thing).
Tri-Ace gives you a battle system very similar to Star Ocean games, except everything is in real time. This includes using items, which can be very difficult during hard battles--over time I did get to understand that paying attention to HP and AP in battles was very important, LOL!!! Also, you can't switch between teamates. You do get to CONNECT with them and utilize thier special abilites to help chain together your combos. Outside of battle, you can customize which skills you use both in your attacks and those of your teamates.
The music and voice acting is very bland and a little dissapointing for a SquareEnix game. As the story progresses, you do begin to get the back story's of all the combatants. This adds to the overall emursion into the game, but sill lacks that Epic feel of most SquareEnix games.
The graphics are good, but not great. They do begin to get a sort of 'artsy' feel to them. Also, the level design is a little bland.
Overall, I was happy with the game. It does give you that RPG fix and provide a real time battle system for those who don't like turn based battles.
The game could have been better, with a little more umppph put into the overall presentation and quality. I can't wait for Star Ocean: The Last Hope--where we get to see Tri-Ace really step up to the plate!!!!