Just when I thought I hated RPG's.
If it isn't a cut scene, then the graphics are going to be sub par for a game released in 2004. The cut scenes look impressive though. Facial animations are nearly non- existent, and sometimes expressions lack any emotional change. Someone may be crying, but they continue to smile as if the mouth is in a fixed position. There really isn't any wow factor for any non cut scene graphics. In- game playing graphics are a little better than in- game scenes when the camera zooms in on characters and shows the weaknesses of the visuals. The game can get choppy in heavily populated areas and I have had the game freeze on me on more than one occasion.
-Sound- 6/10
The music is alright but the voice acting really lowers the score. The voice acting is so bad that it often detracts from the story. It can easily take away any emotional effect when the line is timed poorly, or said in an incorrect tone for the situation. The audio levels of the voice overs fluctuate, being very low at some portions of the game, and very high at others.
-Game play- 9.5/10
This game has a very unique battle system, one that I've never seen before. You don't randomly encounter battles in this game. You can see your enemy while walking around. This means you choose when to fight battles for the most part (Boss battles being the exception). Once in a battle, you can only control one character at a time, but you can easily switch between them with a push of a button. The AI will control your other two characters in battle. You can alter the AI strategy for those battles by setting the tactics. Tactics are a set of orders for the AI to follow when controlling your character. Some of these orders are "Attack with all your might", "Act in a balanced manner", and "Conserve your fury". Fury (or Guts in Japan) is a bar that fills when you stand still in a battle. All attacks require a certain percentage of fury. If your fury bar is empty, then you cannot attack or use symbology (magic). As you level up, you gain new attacks just like any other RPG. You take the attacks you learn and assign them one of four buttons. There are only O and X for attacks but depending on how long you hold the button will determine which of the four attacks you use. (You can also assign two support skills ie. Support symbology, first aid.) The battle system is a lot simpler than it sounds, after and hour of playing, I had figured out most of it. Be careful though. Unlike many RPG's, you can die from losing all your HP or losing all your MP.
Item creation is another big aspect of the game. Scattered throughout the game are workshops where you can invent items. Based off your skill levels, you will invent new weapons, medicines, books, stones, food, etc. You can also hire inventors if you can find them, and have the item/ money they require. Inventors that you don't hire will still invent things that you can buy in shops. Any item invented by you or an inventor you hire will be discounted for you at shops. You will also receive a little bit of money for your invention being sold. (Just be sure to patent your item so you can get credit for the invention.) You can also synthesize items, or combine items together. Synthesizing certain stones, charms, etc. will add effects to your weapons, such as increased attack power or immunity from certain elemental attacks. If synthesis fails, your weapon can be weakened or destroyed. All inventing requires money, so be careful that you don't spend it all on accident when inventing.
There is also a versus feature (you have to unlock it by completing an optional dungeon) where you and a friend can battle it out co- op or against each other. This is a mini game unfortunately and the main game is not co -op. I think a drop in- drop out co- op would be a very good addition to the game. Also, you can unlock battle trophies. By completing a certain task in the game, like defeating a boss in under 1 minute or beating a boss without taking damage, you unlock a battle trophy. The more you unlock, the more bonuses you get. This game can easily suck 200- 300 hours from you if you want to get 100% of the trophies.
-Story- 9.8/10
You begin the game on a Pangalactic Federation resort planet called Hydra IV as Fayt Liengod, a college student from Earth. You are on vacation with your parents, Robert and Ryoko, (two famous scientist who study symbology), as well as a close friend, Sophia Esteed. When Hydra IV is attacked by, not the Pangalactic Federations enemy, the Aldian Empire, but a mysterious foe, Fayt and Sophia get split up from Robert and Ryoko. Later when the evacuation ship Fayt and Sophia are on is attacked, the two get split up as well, with Fayt crash laning his escape pod on an under developed planet called Vanguard III. Fayt attempts to find a way to re unite with his family, but he is being followed.
The story of this game is massive and engaging. My only complaint is that it can be predictable at times, but it makes up for that in plot twists that happen at times and shift the story very quickly. The story takes a bit of time to really get going, but once it does, it doesn't let up.
-Overall- 8.5/10
The terrible voice acting really hurts this game, but it is a very fun and engaging RPG. There are so many side quests and mini games to play, so if you get bored with the main quest (I doubt it) then you can play those. If you can get past the sub par visuals and bad voice acting, it is really a great game.