Grandia II

"This game was pretty good, but could definitely have been better."

I'll just start on the piece by piece review:

Graphics: 10/10

This game has some of the best graphics I've ever seen for RPGs. The score would be a 8/10 without the spell effects though. Those were what really impressed me because of the way they combined 2-D, 3-D cutscenes, and in game graphics (the ones I really liked were Poizn, Grudging Claw, and BA-BOOM!). The CGI work was really cool as well. A couple of gripes: the camera could be a little tedious at times and the terrain sometimes made it hard to discern a path.

Gameplay: 6/10

One thing I really like is that battles aren't random. Another thing I really like is the ass-kicking battle system. This game has the best battle system of any RPG I've ever played. It combines real time (sort of anyway) with turn based, allowing a somewhat skilled player to cancel many of your opponents moves, while successfully delivering most of yours. It is very intuitive, allowing much depth. Even towards the end of the game when the battles last a little longer (that is, if you don't Sky Dragon Slash their ass) it's still a lot of fun. Next to the battle system, the rest of the gameplay issues seem rather inconsequential. It's basically just ordinary stuff, although I like how you buy/upgrade new magic and special moves with coins earned at the end of battle, and how you can buy skills for your characters and equip them, which provides a chance for customization. I would give this aspect a higher rating if the game wasn't so damn short. I beat it in just under 26 hours without a guide, and doing pretty much all there is to do, which is very short for an RPG, at least one that has a really great story. Some people may contend that most new RPGs are all too short, but that's not true. At the risk of sounding like a Final Fantasy Fanboy, I must say that Final Fantasy VIII and IX both provided at least 60 hours, and VII clocking in at 99:59:59 (not to mention the hours I played after the clock stopped) and I guess I was just looking for more.

Sound: 6/10

Many people find the voice acting really awesome, and I concur to an extent, but the thing that I REALLY hate and annoys the hell out of me is Roan's voice. I can't stand it. And Millenia, when she gets a little ''animated'' and gives that throaty, enthusiastic yell is just a little odd.
The music is alright, not great, and not the kind of music that makes it necessary to include a soundtrack (which I haven't touched and most likely won't), although I'm sure many people with different tastes in music than me will be ecstatic.

Story: 9/10

This game rivals all Final Fantasies, and Phantasy Stars, and Zeldas for awesome storyline. That's why I wish it was longer. The characters were very lovable, except for that god-awful Roan, for the short time that I knew them. This game has enough plot twists and cliff hangers to keep you playing for many hours on end, unfortunately, playing for many hours on end also means you will beat it within 5 days. My biggest complaint is that the ending was nonsensical and boring, hardly worth playing 26 hours just to reach (although the rest of the games makes it very much worth playing and the ending just seems as an afterthought).

Overall: 7/10

Don't get me wrong, I thouroghly enjoyed the (short) time I spent with this game. I loved the Battle System, the Coin System, and the Story. I hated the Sound, the length and the ending. I think if you really like RPGs, or are looking for a good story, or want an alternative to Final Fantasy's repetative ATB-Based battle system, go out and BUY this game. That's right. BUY. Although you can easily beat this game in the time you'd rent it, it is only $20 at Wal-Mart, and VERY much worth $20. Plus you get a soundtrack, if you're into that sort of thing.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/09/01, Updated 07/09/01