Grandia II

"This is an awesome game!!!!"

Grandia II is one of the first (and last, unfortunately) RPG games for the Dreamcast. I don't have SOA or Phantasy Star or any others, but this tames my RPG craving. Let's go ahead and see why!

Story-10
The game's story starts out like an average RPG. The characters really don't care much about each other, and always poke fun (particularly Ryudo. But what supports this also average story of the good guy vs. bad guy, is that over time, the team shows true feelings for one another. They open their emotions- and pasts - to the others. This is something you sure don't see.

Graphics-8
The graphics are great, but they could have used more work. For instance, when walking around in towns or dungeons/stages, the view is always from a birds-eye-view. This is good for showing more of the stage, but doesn't show as much detail. Also, where in the heck are their mouths and noses????

Music/Sound-10/9
The music is wonderful. Of course, it comes from the genius Noriyuki Iwadare. It can really help set the mood. I really enjoy listening to the woman who sings Elena's songs in Portugese.

The voice actors in this game are wonderful! And to think the person who directed them also directed the voices for Metal Gear Solid. (that's a major difference!) The sound is also great during battle, if its the team calling the moves, the noise they make, or the bosses' strange little taunts they use before they use a move.

Gameplay-10
The battle system used in the original Grandia and this as well is a very innovative method which I hope to see more of. Instead of that repetitive, turn-based mode. Also, this system is very easy to use and learn. Or is that learn and use? Oh well. It's great to get a break from turn-based systems.

Replay Value-8
This was kind of hard to decide a score for. A lot of people beat this the first time and never get near it again, letting this masterpiece collect dust in the dark closet, while others, like me and some other people play it over and over again, to do better the next time, or to find more items and weapons, or to just watch the brilliant story unfold yet again. For me, it's all of the above. I can't keep my hands off this game!

Overall rating-10 (not an average)
This game is, like I said before, a masterpiece. In my opinion, this game is very underrated. Some people don't realize that great games like this don't come by too often.

So...
Buy, Rent, Borrow, or Stay away?
I would buy this game. It's still at Wal-Mart for a cheap price. But like I said before, some people don't enjoy or appreciate games like this. Renting might be safer.

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