Vandal Hearts

"Something to pass a few days if you're really bored."

This had to be one of the easiest and most bland strategy rpg's I have ever seen.. and I played Blazing Heroes. It's not a bad game, it's just not too great either.

Graphics (5/10)
The blood spurting from characters when they're hit was funny, but fake. It adds to the whole excentric idea of the game. When you accept the excentric idea of the game, you grow to like it. Kinda like watching Ghallager on Comedy Central smash watermellons with a hammer. It's cheesy, but pretty enjoyable.

Plot (4/10)
Gag me with a spoon. Anything with a beefcake guy named Clint can't be too deep. Once again, if you can accept the excentric idea you'll grow to like this game. It's like playing a bad action movie. Picture Double Team with Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman. Kinda like that, in a sorta medeival setting.

Difficulty (2/10)
This game is easier than the head cheerleader on prom night. The characters all figure into a rock/paper/scissor damage equation. Sorta like.. Archers kill flying guys, but flying guys can move really fast and beat up on the mages who can cast powerful killer stuff on the golem type warrior guys. If you know your stuff, it's simple. A real "my friends ditched me and went down the shore and I have nothing to do this weekend" game.

Pros:
A silly, fun game. Not meant to be light hearted, but silly anyways.
A time killer. No real frustration factor whatsoever.
Your characters just... look funny.

Cons:
Really, really easy.

The down-low:
This is a really fun game. It's not a great strategy rpg ala FFT or TO, but it's something to do. Rent it if you're bored, definately. Buy it if it's really cheap. You might want to play it a few more times. It's 18 bucks at Funco Land. It's worth it if you got the dough. Just don't expect a great game that will bring you to tears or motivate you to save the world.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99