Enchanted Arms

"Better than I expected"

This is one of those RPGs that tries to do things differently and either does so or fails. This is one the few I have played in the last year that has succeeded in doing this.

When I first started this game right away the way in which dialogue is presented threw me off. When two (or more) characters are talking the screen has a giant image of both - one of the left and one on the right side of the screen. At first I didn't like this because I wasn't used to it, but I actually ended up appreciating it a lot within the first few hours or so of the game. They actually used nicely rendered moving models on the characters for this, and they change expression as the conversation progresses. Not only do the models look really nice, but some of the expressions are very well done.

Right away the game is slow and it really doesn't pick up for about the first 5 hours of the game. The first part of the game actually ends up being pretty important though so pay attention because it sets up the ground work for the rest of the game and it does it pretty well.

Graphics: 9/10

The graphics in this game are some of the best I have seen in an RPG. They get incredibly nice about half way through the game. This is one of the only games I have ever played that caused me to stop in various areas throughout the game and spin the camera around just looking at the environment.

The environments range from frozen areas, to spring time areas, to caves, to volcanic areas, and to mountainous areas. The spring time areas are incredible and perhaps the best in the game. Frankly I was amazed the PS3 could handle some of them.

There is almost no slow down on 720P (this games max setting). Some environments though are so detailed it does slow down a bit.

You should definitely play this game in HD to fully appreciate it.

Story: 8/10

The story is very nice. It uses some new ideas. For example, in the games world a big part of the story involves enchanting. Basically everywhere you go in the world you will run in to creatures that are artificial (like dolls and even food) that have been enchanted and essentially brought to life. These things can be good and evil and some of them are incredibly powerful. You can collect them as you go and have them fight on your side if you defeat a powerful version of the creature.

The game also sets up the story well. Nothing is really forgotten or told without some point to it. Everything is also linked together very well. The story is pretty easy to understand as long as you pay attention, and it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next. It also has some surprises.

Basically unlike some of the recent RPG releases in the last year this game actually does have a real story so if you like that in an RPG this game delivers.

Characters: 9/10

Some of the best character design I have seen in an RPG. Each character is unique. Each character has a reason for being present, and no character is forgotten. Each one has a story behind them and the game lets you explore each of them.

Some of your characters are very entertaining. Some even actually had me laughing in a good way.

The characters are also rendered very nicely. Obviously careful thought was put in to dress and presentation of the characters.

Audio: 7/10

The audio is overall pretty good. There are some unique songs that go with different places you will visit. Usually they fit pretty well and are original. Sometimes though the background music felt kind of off…. Like it didn't go well with what was going on at that time in the game.

Voice acting is very very good. Each character has voices that fit them, and you can tell they put effort in to the acting.

Battle system: 6/10

The battle system is pretty original. It works on a grid system and is turn based. The game explains it pretty well at the start of the game.

The only major problem I had was that this game does require some heavy leveling up especially later in the game.

Also there are optional bosses you can fight in this game that you really really have to work hard to defeat. So if you like maxing out your characters in order to defeat a super boss this game doesn't let you down.

Overall: 9/10

Overall I was very impressed with this game. It was better than I thought it would be. Not only was it fun, but it also let me experience more of what my PS3 was capable of especially in the graphics department. This is one of the only PS3 games out right now that I would say is worth buying instead of renting.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/11/07