Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity

"Think of this as... FFT-Lite."

Now, it is probably unfair to compare Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity to FFT... for the simple reason that FFT will undoubtedly always be considered as the greatest SRPG, and it may remain there for a very long time. But, just to give a 'frame of reference' as to what to expect, I did mention FFT in that regard. Anyway, on to Stella Deus.

GRAPHICS - 7.

The graphics are probably what most would expect from an SRPG with sprite-based characters, made for the PS2. The sprites are obviously an improvement over games of the genre released for PSX/PSOne. Stella Deus does have an Anime intro, plus an Anime FMV cut scene between each chapter; but many of the regular in-game cut scenes took an annoying turn which both surprised and disappointed me. You see, for whatever reason, they decided to play out the better half of these in-game cut scenes as full color comic book styled character drawings laying on top of a background matte-drawing of the location where the scene is supposed to be taking place. Dare I mention the name... Unlimited SaGa? I'm not kidding. Thankfully, though, the remaining in-game cut scenes are standard SRPG fare.

GAMEPLAY/CONTROL - 9.

Stella Deus has a lot going for it in these areas. Players have choices when it comes to controlling the grid-based tactical battles. If you prefer typical, menu-driven SRPG battles, the default setting 'Command' is left selected in the options menu. However, if you would rather have button-driven battles reminiscent of some Action RPGs, you can select 'Direct' in the options menu. As for the rest of the actual gameplay, it's pretty much your regular SRPG mechanics. The world map is point-and click, and each Town is a menu. In 'Town', you may visit the item/equipment Shop, or use the Guild if you want to do a fetch/do/fight quest for cash or a reward of some kind. The Guild is also the place where fusion (blacksmithing) occurs. Fusion* makes a new or better item out of two other items. Some rare and even necessary items can only be acquired through fusion. Also, if you need to level up, each 'Town' offers the progressive dungeon called the Catacombs... which is actually the only place in which you can level up between missions. Period.

JOB MECHANICS - 6.

A job system is part of every SRPG. Stella Deus is no exception. Jobs of every usual generic class are here, but sadly each job's path is practically set in stone... even mercenaries you choose to recruit cannot switch jobs. For instance, a Lancer can be promoted within his job, but he/she will never be anything but a Lancer with a different title. Additionally, no character can even be promoted within their job unless they have one of the required job-specific item; which usually can only be created, though easily, through fusion*. Your characters also get SP after battle, which can be spent to learn new abilities within their job or to improve their stats. Sometimes special abilities from certain items may be learned, which also uses SP. All in all, Stella Deus has slightly downgraded the job system; though it likely was not their intention.

MUSIC- 7.

It's good, solid music... but nothing special.

VOICE ACTING - 7.

Again, good... but not great. Certainly not as bad a some people say.

STORY - 7.

Somewhat interesting, and original. Nothing like FFTs complex storyline; but then, no other SRPG stories are quite that involved either.

REPLAY - 5.

There's not that much different to do, other than finding or recruiting secret or special characters on another playthru.

So, to sum it up, Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity is a solid, entertaining SRPG despite some disappointing areas.

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Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/16/05