Grandia Xtreme

"An Xtreme difference"

If you've played either of the other two Grandias, then be ready to expect something a little different. This version of the series focuses of fighting and dungeons far more than the other two. Or if you haven't played them, then be ready for a large fighting and dungeon oriented game. But in either case, this is a great game.

Story- This is what most RPGs would revolve around. This one, while it has a story, it is apparent that the creators decided to focus on the gameplay over plot. Basically, you have this little hotheaded brat, Evann, who hates the army, and gets kidnapped from his home, and is forced to help the army. As he does, he learns about the elemental disorders, which are like natural disasters. He sets out to stop them, and he winds up getting entangled in a greater, More dastardly plot. Sound a bit familiar? Not extremely original, but is enough to push you forward. (Most of the time...)
7/10

Graphics- I really don't care about graphics, but most of the textures are pretty good, and I liked the character design. They seem to still use the weird little 2 and a half dimension bushes though. Also, gone are the CG spells of Grandia 2. This time, you can almost see the spell hit the enemy, and many of the spells look nice.
9/10

Sound/Music- Many of the sound effects are about right for the environment, but not that special. Now, the music, I have a little problem with. While a couple of areas may are pretty good, (Bosses) most of the other background music is rather dull. Likewise for normal battle music.
6/10

Gameplay- This is where the game shines. The battle system is very unique for first time Grandia players. The system has been tweaked a bit from 2, and is still very addictive. You even have to prepare Evann for battle by holding X, or he'll get surprised a lot! But now for the actual fighting. Here's how it works: You move on the little circle. When one of your characters hits the COM position on the circle, you select an action. Normal attacks (Which there are two types of- combo and cancel. The combo does more damage, while cancel does less, but puts the enemy back a bit on the circle, and really far if they are past the COM point.) will go quickly to the ACT position, at which point your character, or enemy, performs their respective action. Should you do a move or spell though, then you will go slowly across the distance between COM and ACT. It may be a bit complicated at first, but it'll sink in. Beyond the fighting, there are mana eggs to be fused, which gives you magic, and skill books, to give your character more power. This works really well throughout the whole game.
10/10

Replay and Length- Another strong point. This game could take quite some time to get over. With many huge dungeons, and all the eggs and skills, it would be a while to beat the game. However, It doesn't end there. Once you beat the game, an extra 100 floor dungeon opens up for the exploring. There are also extremely powerful optional bosses, and your level may exceed 100. To complete all of it would be a huge task that would take a very long time to complete. To just beat the game could take up to about 40 hours itself. But for all the extras… I have no idea... Possibly hundreds of hours.
10/10

Summary- Story is a bit weak, and the music may be dull, but there is a great battle system to be had, and could take a long time to complete. All in all, a very good game. I would buy over rent, but it may be safe to rent first, just in case. (BTW, this is my first review)

Final overall score- 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/11/02, Updated 10/11/02