Okage: Shadow King

"--Okage: All humor, no game.--"

I do reviews so that innocent gamers like yourselves don't waste your money on bad apples. That said, I hope that NO ONE blows their wad on Okage: Shadow King. I am still trying to figure out how they managed to release the game, much less profit on it...

Here's the breakdown -

Graphics: 8/10

While the Burton-esque style of graphics is rather odd at first, it can grow on you. Sure, the people looked funny. Sure the towns made little of no sense. Sure, EVERYTHING appears totally out of place. But I really didn't mind over all. (It's just a shame the rest of the game couldn't live up to this part....)

Music: 6/10

Nothing to write home about. I actually liked SOME of the music, so this area gets a six. But quite honestly, the music never seemed to fit into the theme of the game. Most of the instruments had that SNES feel. Most annoyingly, the music had a tendency to cut out at the worst times. Or suddenly shift without any good reason.

Gameplay: 5/10

The menus never seem to work right. You hit buttons and something unexpected happens. For crying out loud, you can't even see how many XP you need to get to the next level! Despite all this, I STILL gave the gameplay a five. Sure, you have no control over your characters development. But, then again, the game is designed so you don't NEED to.

Battles: 2/10

Wow. I really don't have the words. After momentary disorientation, you will start to see the basis for a mediocre ATB system. In fact, when your guys meter gets charged you get to direct your attack right away. So much so that it will freeze all the action just to let you do so. But look closer. You characters have an unnerving tendency to attack the wrong enemy. Or cast spells on the wrong ally. In short, after letting my PS2 play Okage FOR me for a while, I quit playing.

Sound: 5/10

Never have I heard such a bad combination of sword thwacks, fireball explosions and *pizaz* noises before. Enough said.

Characters: 6/10

It's really is a shame. They could have made the people so funny. But all the text seems misplaced. They always react stupidly or incorrectly. I can't help it. Humor or no, I want a main character who at least acts SENSIBLY.

Dialouge: 1/10

The games purpose was to make a farce out of other RPGs. The text is aimed to be humorous and witty. And it is! At first. After a little bit though, you realize that your responses don't change the dialouge at ALL. Example:

Girl: Should we stop and rest now?

Three choices - ''Nah, I gotta places to be!''
''Sure, I'm pooped!''
''Heck, I could sleep anywhere next to you!''

Girl: Okay. Sounds good.

That may seem odd. The fact is: No matter which response you choose, she will always respond the same. Without fail. This is true in almost 95% of the dialouge.

Overall: 3/10

This is giving Okage the benefit of the doubt. If you can at all avoid it, refrain from buying this game. If you meet someone who tells you this was a fun game, slap them.

That's all.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 01/27/02, Updated 01/27/02