Grandia II

"The best RPG I've played on DC... although this is the first one."

I don't usually think games deserve a 10... the only ones I ever thought were good enough were Final Fantasy 7, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Final Fantasy 9. This however, lived up to the standards I set for it. Grandia 2 is one of the best games I have ever played, and the best on the Dreamcast. Well... on to the review.

GAMEPLAY-
The gameplay is quite amusing. I love how the characters run around to attack and don't stand in a straight line. It gives the game more feeling of control (even though you can't control them when they run...). The level up system is just traditional, and the Star Coins and Magic Coins idea is SLIGHTLY overused. As the game progresses you gain Skill Books and Eggs. The Skill Books can perform multiple tasks, such as raising stats or reducing SP loss. The Eggs are your magic for the game, and they supply a few really useful magics, but most defensive magic is useless.

STORY-
I always wanted to keep going in this story, it got me hooked in the first dungeon, as I was trying to figure out what was behind the whole problems of the world (I won't spoil anything, just see for yourself). Near the end the game kept me so entranced I stayed up till 5:00 A.M. playing it. Contrary to what some people say it isn't a traditional RPG, it is pretty original in my opinion.

AUDIO/VIDEO-
Voice acting is in most parts of the game, and surprisingly, is GOOD. I know, hard to believe. They don't sound like scripts being read like some games do, for example Shenmue. The battle cries can get annoying at times, but nothing too bad. Music fits the moods of the game and the battle theme is fun to listen to.

REPLAYABILITY-
The way this game is told, replay value is not very high. It is still there, and what is available is extremely enjoyable. Near the end of the game there is a Bonus Stage, which has some pretty strong monsters. And after beating the game once, in a new game, you can find new items that weren't there before, although it is nothing special.

TO BUY OR TO RENT-
Definitely rent. Everyone I know loves this game, and so do I. If you however, do not like epic RPG's, then I guess you should rent this game and see if you like it.

GAMEPLAY- 10
STORY- 10
AUDIO/VIDEO- 10
REPLAYABILITY- 9
OVERALL- 10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/13/01, Updated 03/06/01