Buzz
For true aficionados of Final Fantasy 10, here are the games you simply can't miss.
Golden Sun
The Game Boy Advance is home to many RPG gems, but 'Golden Sun' stands out as a true original. This pure JRPG cleverly integrates elements from various game genres, focusing on engaging puzzle-solving aspects that require players to explore and experiment rather than follow a linear path.
With the success of its initial release, 'Golden Sun' received a sequel on the GBA in 2002 and a third installment for the Nintendo DS in 2010. Despite the open-ended conclusion of the third installment, news about a potential fourth installment remains relatively quiet.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts presents a peculiar gaming experience, largely due to its contextual contradictions: Set in a sci-fi rendition of the early 20th-century world, featuring some real historical elements and events.
The game's graphics and ambiance lean towards a dark, Gothic atmosphere - a fitting backdrop for the era of World War II. On the flip side, your vampire protagonist is a professional wrestler, and you can level up Geppetto's puppets by collecting adult magazines and trading with a gay tailor for new outfits. This blend of sophistication and humor, albeit somewhat eccentric, is the hallmark of this series. If released today, Shadow Hearts: Covenant would undoubtedly fare much better than in the past, without being overshadowed by the immense shadow of Final Fantasy X.
Tales Of Berseria
The setting of Tales of Berseria unfolds within the territory of the Holy Migand Empire, a vast kingdom with numerous islands and oceans. Alongside the dominant race of humans, Berseria also features another race called the Malak, individuals devoid of emotions and reason, often serving as slaves to humans.
Following a surge of epidemic (Daemonblight), the Malak individuals gradually lose control and transform into a new creature known as Daemon. Subsequently, they rebel against human rule. To counter this threat, humans establish the Abbey organization with the mission of exterminating all Daemons.
Our main protagonist is Velvet Crowe, a 19-year-old pirate. Velvet possesses a special ability that allows her to retain control over her mind even after being transformed into a Daemon. In fact, being infected with Daemonblight makes her even stronger as she unleashes her inner power. Velvet's mission is to protect the innocent from the Abbey's persecution, helping them escape from Daemonblight and uncovering its origins.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Ni-No-Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a PS3 game where you play as a boy named Oliver who is transported to a magical world with the task of saving it. Combat in this game mainly revolves around creatures called 'familiars'. They develop much like Pokemon, although the combat style leans more towards real-time action rather than turn-based.
Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata portrays the final days of the renowned pianist Frederic Francois Chopin in 1849. Players embark on adventures alongside the young girl Polka after a three-hour dream-like state in the musician's life.
The captivating battle system blending time elements and turn-based gameplay compensates for Eternal Sonata's mediocre storyline. Additionally, the game boasts splendid graphics, with characters bursting with youthful, vibrant style. However, some scenes are limited by fixed camera angles, restricting viewpoint rotation. The background music is quite delightful, featuring melodies from Chopin. The experiences throughout the life of the musical genius Chopin seem like a bargain for players, priced at under $30.
The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
In The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel, players assume the role of the protagonist Rean Schwarzer, embarking on adventures with companions (mostly female) in the academy to combat dark forces.
The gameplay mechanism in The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel remains fundamentally turn-based. However, the game introduces the Tactical Link system, allowing characters to execute additional special combo attacks, dealing more damage.
Moreover, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel inherits essence from its predecessor, Trails in the Sky, which was highly acclaimed worldwide.
The Legend Of Dragoon
At the beginning of the game, you take on the role of Dart – a young man returning to his village after years of wandering, only to find it completely destroyed, and even his childhood friend Shana abducted for reasons unknown. Fueled by anger, Dart embarks on an adventure to uncover the truth, discovering that Shana's kidnapping is just the beginning of a much larger conspiracy involving Dragoon – legendary dragon knights, of which Dart is one.
Players will have the chance to meet and befriend various characters to aid them on their journey, each character portrayed with distinct personalities, such as the helpful Dart, the hot-tempered yet loyal Lavitz, or the mysterious Rose.... Besides the compelling main storyline, Legend of Dragoon also incorporates elements of friendship and love, albeit not reaching the heights of FF masterpieces but enough to leave an impression.
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Dragon Quest 11 continues the gameplay from its predecessors. Players venture into a vast world, confronting various monsters, especially exploring towering landscapes. The combat system in Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age eliminates random encounters; instead, all enemies in the world are visually displayed on the map. The combat system introduces a free camera option for comfortable movement around the battlefield, although battles remain turn-based and use simple imagery.
Compared to its predecessors, Dragon Quest 11 is a standalone edition with a new cast of characters, an incredibly detailed game world, and a remarkable turn-based combat system. The game boasts a profound storyline that once immersed, it's hard to pull yourself out.
(To be continued...)
