Thousand Arms

"...Worth the Money?"

The only Atlus game I remembered playing recently was Brigandine. Not a FF Tactics by any means, but still a game worthy of purchase. When they released the first dating simulation here in the states, I figured I'd give it a shot.

I started the game with high expectations, but was let down because I felt the graphics were rather poor. Meis (pronounced Mice) looked like a weird blob on the screen until the battle system and close-ups of the characters kicked in in certain situations. The characters were portrayed beautifully and voice acting was executed very well instead of most the other games I've played. I won't give you any examples, you can probably think of quite a few.

The dating aspect of the game would most likely appeal to the majority of gamers. (i.e. guys) The chicks are attractive, and Meis confesses his love for each one. The higher the intimacy level, the stronger the swords that Meis forges. But as far as I can tell, that's it. Dating is never taken to the 'higher level', 'third base'. It's just a matter of choosing between the two choices. Sometimes, the choice that sounds right, actually makes the girl angry.

The twelve hours of recorded voice dialogue is put to waste if you try and choose the correct reply all the time. Have fun and say those naughty things to her, because sometimes, she doesn't mind!

Besides just the dating there is an actual plot to Thousand Arms. The writing is appropriate for the game, as most every choice you're given involves "Let's go get some chicks!" But, the entire story revolves around being a blacksmith. A Spirit Blacksmith to be correct. Once again it's the same old Light versus Darkness routine, which is fine, but gets very reptitive as the game progresses.

The battle system is like the close-up conversation view with the 2D animated characters but is one of the game's high points aside from from dating. You choose the strongest character to put in your front line and two supporting characters in the back. Same goes with the enemy, and once you choose an action, the time bar must decrease, resembling the FFVII/VIII's Active Time Battle. It seems rather simple and, well, it is.

And finally, the music. It suits the game just fine, but the same track is used for boss battles and random ones, which gets VERY old quick. If you're in the same area too long, you'll get sick of the music fast.

On a scale of 1-10 I'd give Thousand Arms a 7. With it's originality, and bland music, and nice battle system, it's an average game for hardcore RPG gamers.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99