Oy, wow, I had a feeling this game was going to be good, but not THIS good! I am just totally blown away by this game, and not just because it's on the Dreamcast. But I feel it's one of the most innovative RPGs to come along in a long time. OK, I guess I got my little intro done and stuff, now I can get to the meat and potatos of this review.
First, I want to say the graphics actually raise the bar on what most RPGs should look like. There is so much amazing stuff to see in this game, that sometimes you just don't know what to expect. Most RPGs are all about the exploration, and in terms of this, Skies of Arcadia delivers that in SPADES! The world in this game is so huge, and expansive, that I am sure you'll spend the first few hours of the game just trying to find what towns you can with whatever ship you can get your hands on. Speaking of ships, there are three ships you will definately be controlling in this game. The third one is the one that will be the one doing all of the exploring. Not to mention, there are alot of "Discoveries" that back up all the world with fictional history. If there is one thing I love, it's history. Be it real, or fictional. If graphics are not your thing then, there is plenty more things that will get your juices flowing.
Namely, the characters, the main character, who's name is Vyse, is an eternal optimist. You could actually learn alot from this guy. No matter how bad the situation is, he never gives up. For some odd reason, I feel this actually changed my real self, as I was like "Wow, he had it worse than me, and he kept moving on." I actually use this in reality now. Anyways, then there is Aika, his childhood friend. She's cute, and spunky, without being too annoying. She looks kinda like Pipi Longstocking, which is pretty funny. However, she too somehow manages to look up even if things are down. The third main character is the mysterious woman that Vyse and Aika rescue from the clutches of the evil Valuan Empire. Her name is Fina, and she is indeed mysterious. Naive, but definately not stupid, she seems to know more than she would let people in on. However, it's she, who develops the most throughout the game. She goes from being someone who is naive, to someone who is very caring, a! nd could practically become a leader if she wanted to. I feel the characters in this game are extremely advanced well beyond Final Fantasy. Though I always liked FF, and always will, this game just blows it away. But hey, there is still more to come.
The storyline is also excellent, despite being the standard "gotta save the world" affair, to me, this part has become nothing when it comes to doing reviews. Now it's "How well is it executed?" Well now, you're going to be quite pleased. As it is executed extremely well. Facial expressions play a part in this game, as if you make the right choice, your Swashbuckler ranking will go up. Anyways, the story is about the three main characters that I mentioned above, you see, Vyse wanted to explore the world ever since he was a little kid. Little did he, and his friend Aika actually know that this dream was going to come true sooner than he thought. When he saved Fina from the clutches of the Valuan Empire, this gave him the ultimate excuse to start on his journey to retreive the 6 moon crystals, and stop the empire from using them to unleash the power of the Gigas. The story takes many a twist and turn from here. And you will encounter many people willing to help you. However! , this is all I can tell you as I do not want to spoil it.
Gameplay wise, the game itself is executed brilliantly too. There are a couple of gripes though, mainly one with too many random battles in the outer world. The problem is the outer world is so huge, that you'd want to explore it all, and find all the "Discoveries" or hidden landmarks. However, sometimes it does get to the point where random battles can hamper it. Still though, this does not ruin the game's almost perfect score. As it more than makes up for it in the mazes, and towns, that you explore. When you explore them, you'll be amazed at how huge this world really is, and how well the gameplay intertwines with it. The battle system is brilliant too, as it makes the "Spirit Meter" apply to every member of the party. And the interface itself is easy to navigate. You'll get used to this in no time if you played Final Fantasy.
Ahh, finally, at long last, I can praise the music! The only thing I can say is WOW! The music in this game is some of the best I have ever heard, hands down! It always, and I repeat ALWAYS suits the mood. I can start by saying with The Great Silver Shrine, they made the music in that part so soothing, and the fact that there is no monsters in this maze is an added plus. And the towns of Maramba, Yafutoma, Esparanza, and Ixa'taka, all have songs that sound like they're supposed to. But, the creme de la creme is the boss battle music. The music is actually three different pieces that weave together into one. There is one part when the boss is kicking your butt, one where you and the boss are on even grounds, and one where you are kicking the boss's butt. The part where you are kicking the boss's butt, in particular, is so beautiful, that it moved me to tears! Never had a song from a video game done that to me before. I repeat never! When music does something like that to y! ou, then it HAS to be good. Hands down, the best stuff I heard in a game!
To sum things up, yes, this game is a must have, I am not praising this game for the sake of praising it though, I am praising it, because it deserves to be praised! If there was ever an RPG of the Year Award for 2000, this game would be the winner, hands down! If you own a Dreamcast, and can forgive the glitch of random battles, then by all means get this game! It's worth it's weight in gold!
- Justin Melanson |
