Buried by unforgiving and unfair critiques.

User Rating: 8.9 | Eiyuu Densetsu Gagharv Trilogy IV: Akai Shizuku PSP
By HundDD | Review Date:
This is going to be my best argument right there: There are *seven* installments of the Legend of Heroes series, for a reason. If the games truly deserved these low scores, there would not have been seven (with an eighth installment well on the way) games that have the reputation of being the "most poetic" (citation needed) RPGs ever. 5 minutes into the game, and I knew this had to be true. The narrative is excellent, the experience enhanced with moving music and sharply written dialogs (hindered by problematic localizations). It is a classic style RPG which offers a gameplay experience that is certainly up to today's standards. If you are thinking about playing through FF I for the fourth time (after Nintendo, PS1, and GBA) because you can't seem to find a good RPG on the PSP, well get this one. I've played terrible games decorated with fantastic reviews and great games buried under layers of critiques, and Legend of Heroes is certainly one of the latter. Some people claim the game is way too easy, that you can win every battle by smashing the X button "while reading a book". I find that untrue. The battles, while being turn-based and retaining an oldschool feel, features many unique elements that cannot be found on any other RPG. There are no random encounters in the game. You would see enemies moving around the area and you can easily by pass them without them noticing you. However when you get too close they would become angry and chase after you (represented by a face icon above the enemy) which then is still very easy to avoid. (Think about Tales of Symphonia but with less and slower enemies). Once you get into a battle, with a split second of loading time, you'll face the enemy at one end and your character at the other end of the battle field. What's unique is that, unlike Final Fantasy games, where after you select "Fight" your char run up to an enemy, slash, then run back as if placement didn't matter, well in LOH it does. After confirming a target your character would have to dash up to it first before he can hack away. After the attack, the target will get knocked back and your character will stay where he is after the attack (not returning to original position) This is important because sometimes you will be unable to reach an enemy in one turn because of distance, and you will stop in enemy range. Sometimes your melee hero will be singled out while your ranged chars are out of range. You can move around on the battle field with the "wait" command, strategically placing your allies to gain advantages. This isn't as complicated as it sounds and it isn't simple either. It's makes the battles much more exciting because it feels like a *turn based RTG game"* and the knockback and such effects are much more real and satisfying. There are a few flaws such as many translation errors and a lack of navigator of some sort. The first real city that you'll explore features 3 levels each has many houses and people to talk to, and you really do feel like you are connected with the various NPCs, instead of feeling like they are just put there to say random things or give you gameplay information. (many other RPG franchises are like that) However, while the realism is good, it is sometimes difficult and confusing to figure out where to go and who to talk to without a decent map or navigator of some sort. But these two thigngs are the only thing I have gripe about. Every other aspect of the game is just right for me. It's easy to get into, but fun to master, and the battles are entertaining and not random. The story is certainly beautifully poetic which I will leave to you to experience.

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