Arc the Lad Collection

"Working Delays...err Designs comes through with another hit.."

This game was delayed more times than I thought possible, which is why the name of Working Delays has come into use by me. Ever since I first heard of the game, I was highly anticipating it. Then, when it came out (after how many delays?), I couldn't wait to finally play it. Oh, how all my expectations were fulfilled and, sometimes, surpassed.

GRAPHICS
The graphics in the first game are nothing to boast about, as they are about average. Instead of realistic looking characters, Arc the Lad used almost miniature models for the in-game character sprites. It gives the game a somewhat anime (Japanese animation) feel to it, which is always a
plus in my book. The world map (and area maps) is nothing more than the shape of the areas you can go to, so nothing special there graphically. The FMVs (Full Motion Video) were average, since they appeared somewhat grainy and were only there for key points of the game.

The second game took what the first game had and improved on it greatly. The game kept the same world map as the first one, but adapted something new to the series. The maps of each area are detailed (and fully explorable, unlike the first). I must say that they are very well done and add something extra to the game. The characters retain the same look from the first game, but with some improvements to their animations, in-battle and otherwise. The FMVs were well done, again used for key points of the game.

Boy did the third game receive an overhaul in the graphics department. When I first started the game, I disliked the character sprites, for they lost the miniature status and gained the more life-like look. After awhile though, the sprites grew on me and I started to like them. Otherwise,
everything about the second game, in terms of graphics, was retained for the third game, with improvements of course. The FMVs are excellent, and I might even say they rival Square's PSX installments.

GAMEPLAY
The first game is kept simple enough in terms of gameplay. In between the main story events, the map screen is displayed. From here, you can save, ''explore'' new areas (and old ones) or continue on with the story. The reason why I emphasize explore is because you don't literally walk around in them. The battle system is typical strategy/RPG fare. All enemies and characters (you can use everyone in this game) are displayed on the map. You can attack enemies by either getting within range of your character's weapon or by using spells. The only problem with the spells is that you need to actually target an enemy with the spell or else you won't be able to cast it.

The second game took what the first one had and, once again, improved on it. Battles are the same, except with the addition of a party member who can recruit monsters. Also, you're only allowed to use 5 members in battle, instead of everyone in the first game. The new addition to the series, and what would become the main focus in the third game, is the ability to take up jobs. They are optional in the second game and are there to allow a break from the main story. Though most jobs consisted of nothing than exterminating monsters, it is a nice stray away from the story. Also another thing is the addition of wanted monsters throughout the guilds. It was sometimes confusing finding a wanted monster, since some of the monsters weren't in the same area where their poster was located. The spells are the same idea as the first game.

The third game, as previously mentioned, centers around the guild jobs. Wanted monsters also make a return and this time, they're easier to find since they're all in the same as their posters. They improved the spell targeting system in this game, since you can now target any square in the spell's area. Battles are conducted the same. Another addition for the third game is item and weapon synthesis. By gathering certain items, you can create stronger weapons and better items for your party's use.

One last thing I must talk about before moving on to a different category. In the second game, you get a character by the name of Diekbeck. This character does not gain experience and always stays at level 1. Now that may sound like something very bad, but the character does power up through other means. What I found to be very interesting is that he gains experience points, but doesn't use them himself. Instead, he can spread the experience points that he gathers from battles to other party members that you have. This is definitely something I've barely experienced in a game and used it a lot on some of my weaker party
members.

STORY
The first game starts out with the main character, Arc Eda Ricolne, waking up one day and deciding that he will set out and search for his lost father. the main heroine, who comes from a very important family who protects a certain seal that holds a very dark power, decides that she is fed up with her heritage and breaks the seal of the Flame Cion. This is also the first time that Arc and Kukuru meet up and the story goes on from there. The story is pretty good for the first game and certainly sets up for a second game.

The second game starts out with Elc, who is a hunter, reminiscing about the hunter who saved him from the Great Disaster. He goes out on a quest to try and find the hunter who saved and thank him personally for that deed.

The third story opens up in a small village with the main character Alec living a normal life until a certain incident happens. After this incident is resolved, Alec decides that he wants to become a hunter and embarks on this personal quest. What I like is that all three stories are tied with one another.

SOUND & MUSIC
As a collective whole, the music in this series is pretty damn good but not on the caliber as say Chrono Cross. It is still a wonderful collection of music with some tracks that are not that good, but which game doesn't have at least a few bad tracks. Most of the battle themes are very well done.

REPLAYABILITY & DIFFICULTY
Most games like this don't usually get played more than once unless special circumstances occur. While the first game is rather short, the other two games are rather long. I'd say you have about a good 100 hours or so of total gameplay with all three games. The difficulty of the games fluctuate throughout the series, with probably the most difficult part being the last boss of the second game.

A wonderful series if brought to us from Working Designs. These 3 games should be played in order in order to get the full effect. If you like strategy/RPGs, then why don't you own this game already?

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/30/02, Updated 01/07/03