Evolution Worlds

"Evolution Worlds: Bigger and Better?"

When this game first came out on the Dreamcast, it was two separate games. But since its makeover on the Game Cube it has combined the two in to one massive RPG. Here’s my two cents on Evolution Worlds for the Game Cube.

Game play: You are the main character (Mag) and you pretty much just explore dungeons from either an overhead view or in third person mode. The battles are semi-random as you can actually most battles just by walking right past them. Battles are carried out in turn based form. While in battle, you have three characters at your command, each with special “talents” that you can use in battle and you can even develop these skills to make them more powerful. After you win a battle you gain TP (talent points) and Experience points. After you gain enough experience, you gain a level and your various stats go up. Talent points, on the other hand, are under your control. Once you have enough talent points you can learn various new talents that you get to choose. When you aren’t exploring a dungeon, you a left to explore an amazing town of shops, friends, and just about anything else that comes to mind. Although this game doesn’t have as many elements that you can control as some other RPG’s, it makes a good effort in giving you the freedom do make characters the way you want them.
8/10
Story: The story is highly addictive once it gets going. There are times when you just want to get through a dungeon to find out what happens next. With a rich plot and mysterious characters to learn about, the story of the game will keep you pushing on for hours after you want to stop.
8/10
Graphics/Sound: The graphics of the Game Cube version of Evolution Worlds have been slightly revamped. The characters are smoother and less blocky. The frame rate of this game is up to par, but there is an unusually long load time between battles (1-2 seconds). There are actual voices that act out what each character says, making the story come to life in a sort of comical way. The music that is played varies through dungeons and will leave you wishing for a remix since the same song is played over and over.
6/10
Play Time/Replay Value: The average gamer can beat this game in about 40 hours, but if you want to experience Evolution Worlds in it entirety, then take your time and enjoy everything you can about this game. Once you beat the game for the first time, you can replay it with a few extras that make it worth playing again, although it can be tedious the second time through.
7/10
Final Recommendation: If you played either version of this on the Dreamcast, then don’t get this, there aren’t enough new things to keep you entertained for too long. If you’ve never played this before or just love RPG’s, then by all means I would recommend this game to you.
Final Score: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/16/03, Updated 01/16/03