Evolution Worlds

"This game will blow you away!!!"

Evolution Worlds is one of those games in which it's hard to find anywhere, and required me to pay a visit to the U.S. just to get it. It was worth the purchase though, as I've never played any RPG like this before!

Graphics: 8/10

No problem with the graphics here. The Gamecube's superior power allows you to see the textures clearly, and oh my, this is probably the first ever Gamecube game to incorporate moving mouths far different from other moving mouths (Such as those from NOLF and NOLF 2). Otherwise, despite some faults in this part, it's pretty much self-explanitory.

Gameplay: 10/10

Holy cow! I didn't give this a 10/10 for no reason whatsoever! This is a turn-based RPG, but unlike others, you can tell whose turn is which, and if a monster's turn is about to come up, then you'll know what to do to get yourself ready for their vicious attacks. Most of the characters (Mag Launcher, Chain Gun, Carcano, and Pepper Box) use Cyframes instead of casual weapons, and you can upgrade them up levels and even add new slots so you can use different parts to them, such as Laser shots, Hammers, Axes, and so on. You'll be going through several dungeons in the game, and there are two types: predefined and random. For random dungeons, you'll never know what the structure of the floor will be next, whereas you'll know ahead of time what the floor will look like in predefined dungeons, if you're revisiting the dungeon and/or entering it on your 2nd time through the game.

Difficulty: 4/10

With an exception with the final bosses, this game is somewhat on the easy side, but then again, getting the appraisal items and whatnot is a real challenge. Also, try everything you can, because it could make you a better player, and the only way you'll find out how good you did is by completing the game.

Music/Sound: 10/10

Flawless. Music is catchy and corresponds with the area you are at, whether it be a town or a dungeon, or a battle. Get caught by an enemy behind, and the music sounds as if you're gonna lose, but catch the enemy by surprise, and it sounds like it's no problem at all! This is also one of the RPGs in which voices are given to the characters and listening to what they say is better than reading the subtitle IMO.

Story: 8/10

You are Mag Launcher, an adventurer in search of the legendary Cyframe, Evolutia. Linear Cannon, who arrived at the Launcher household 3 years ago before the start of this game, and always goes with Mag on all his adventures. Meanwhile, the 8th empire has a few tricks up it's sleeve as it's also unveiling the truth about Evolutia, while another mysterious figure later on in the game for reasons unknown and also in fear of spoiling the game. Pretty average but unique storyline that develops as you play farther into the game.

Replay: 10/10

This is no joke. It has simply blown me away and kept me up all night that I almost forgot that it was 1:00 am in the morning. Especially if you're finding all the appraisal items and stuff, and paying off the debt, you'll want to play through this game a few more times.

Overall: 10/10

Superb, awesome, and takes the meaning of turn-based RPG to the next level. Don't hesitate to buy this game, because it just might blow you away in the same way as it did to me!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/03, Updated 01/05/03