Mystic Heroes

"Mystical Hack and Slash Action"

This game is based off of some chinese book that I can't remember the name of.Basically the game takes place several years after Tai,and Naja did battle with Emporer Kang and his wife Sheva.Kang and Sheva were defeated and sealed in Mt.Hoshin.Now Kang and Sheva have been released,and seek revenge on the world.

Graphics 9/10

The graphics in this game are good,even on my crappy T.V.The textures on the ground are pretty bland,but most of the time the combat will be too intense for you to notice.Your characters are vivid with color,and so are the magic attacks.I have yet to see any lag on the game,and I have played with 4 characters doing magic attacks at the same time.

Gameplay 8/10

The gameplay DOES get a tiny bit repetetive(but what game doesn't?)since most levels you are just running around hack and slashing everything you see.The magic system does work nicely.For about 30 seconds you have no clue how to use it,then it becomes second nature.What starts out as button mashing becomes...advanced button mashing.It becomes almost an art-form to the point where you need to think about what buttons you are mashing.

Controls 9/10

At first the controls are somewhat confusing,then become very easy.You have the A button doing a basic sword slash(will adjust depending on the enemies location),B is jump,X will do a sword magic attack,Y-tap will be straightforward,Y-hold will let you aim and hone in,B+X will do a jump then throw a magic attack downward at the enemies that are now like 20 feet below you,and R+X will let you charge up magic.Easy to pick up,hard to put down.

Sounds 7/10

The music is good for the moments...I think.Its hard to pay attention.Its not bad music,hummable,but not great.The only bad thing about it is your stupid allies.I only notice the annoying NPC's are the girls.One of them will only yell a few things to me from ''Help me!'' to ''Leave some for me Tai!'' and things along those lines.

Multiplayer 10/10

Here is where the game is incredible.4 players on one screen at once.You have the ability to do combined magic attacks when atleast 2 of you have full magic meters,and press X at the same time.Think of it,2 characters using their equipped element to destroy everything.Very fun.I have yet to see the game lag,which is good for playing with 4 people on one little T.V.We will all be in different areas,30 enemies on each persons screen,and firing off magic blasts.

Replayability 8/10

I haven't gotten everything possible yet,so I'm not completely sure,but the game rules.You can replay to collect all the runes to beef up your character,to get all the power ups to level up your character strength,health,magic,defense,rune attack,or rune defense.Also there are hidden weapons that give special stuff.Very fun.

Overall 9/10

Mystic Heroes is a sleeper hit.Great game that hasn't recieved nearly as much attention as it deserves.If you're a fan of hack and slashes,this game is for you.If you like games that involve like midevil china,this is also for you.If you like party games,this is also for you.Basically this game is for YOU.

Rent or buy?

If you can rent it,you might want to.I bought it used for $25 dollars,and personally I feel like I ripped them off.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/15/03, Updated 02/15/03