Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu

"Pokemon to the next level!"

Many people have doubted this game would be any good. Especially people who played Crave Entertainment's last, less then stellar attempt of an RPG, Shadow Madness. In this game you play as a young boy names Levant. He is trying to be like his dead father and become a cocoon master. During his training however, a group of giant bugs attacks his village. So basically, you have to capture monsters in order to save your town and become a cocoon master. The gameplay is also very good. Like in pokemon, you can catch monster in battles. Using your ocarina you can catch hundreds of different types of monsters. After that, you can take it back to your village and either spin them into silk for money, tame them so you can use them in a battle, or combine them with other monsters to create a new unique type of monster. Also, like in pokemon you can battle your monsters in the arena mode against your friends or anyone elses. This adds high replay value to the game because you will want to raise their levels and give them more skills for these arena battles! The sound is also very good, as usually characteristic of an RPG. You can also have Levant talk and say everything that's on the text. Finally, the graphics are great! Pre-rendered backgrounds and the CG scenes are really great!

The good:

Gameplay- This is very unique. Although many people may compare it to pokemon it is definitely much better then that, trust me! You will find yourself creating all different types of monsters; the possibilities are endless!

The Music- Ah, what else is new, an RPG with great music is basically the standard today. You'll find yourself just laying back, relaxing, and listening to the great music.

The Graphics- Well what can I say, the graphics in games keep getting better and better! This game has beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds, as well as 3d characters that really like nice. Jade Cocoon also has some really nice looking cut scenes that work really great. Also, the end CG scene is great too.

The Okay:

The Storyline: Well its not too unique, but it certainly works. It was basically another “Hero saves the world” type of storyline. However, I guess it certainly does work in this game.

Sound- Although the voice-overs are nice, they annoyed me a little, so I turned that option off.

Battle System- You can not have Levant and a monster out at the same time! It would have been better if you were allowed to do this.

The Bad:

Items are sometimes hidden in the background and are very hard to see. You will have to be always alert and looking to find something because u need just the right angle sometimes.

Every time you catch a monster Levant has to play that stupid flute!!! It gets so damned repetitive and annoying.

Game Length- The game will only take you 20 hours tops. That is way too short for an RPG, and will leave u wanting more. Although the Arena mode does help, it is just not the same.

So in closing, if you are a die-hard rpg fan this game is for you. Otherwise I suggest you rent it, as 5 days should be sufficient to beat this game.

MY score: 7/10

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