Vanguard Bandits

"Its the enemy!"

To start off I just loved this game from start to finish.

Game Play 9/10
Ok you start off as a punk named Bastion traveling with some old dude. Sadly this game has almost no tutorial. The empire is attacking the village! Lets go! First of all if you played final fantasy tactics don't expect that combat system but do expect its movement system. Its a bit like chess with mechs! If Bastion dies the battle is over, so please protect the King! This games does feel like an rpg/fighting game. You choose from a menu what to do in battle. Simple yes you think at first but it will get harder. Some of the enemies in this game are a force to be reckoned with.

Music 7/10
The music is alright. It isn't going to make you put tin foil on your head and sit in the closet for a month. Music was alright. A little repetitive at times. This game does have a singer during the title screen. She actually sounds pretty good to me. It could of been better.

Controls 9/10
The controls are simplistic but this game is very well rounded. You approach the enemy and attack. Controls are pretty smooth but very simple. Even a child of ten could figure this out.

Story 9/10
Its actually better then average. The mechs are called ATAC. Don't ask me why. Its kind of like midevil times with mechs. Depending on what you do you can fight for the empire of the kingdom. You start off thinking ok another good vs evil and well your right. But who is evil and who is good? It depends on the plot and which endings you already have. You can get five endings and a blooper thing.

Replay Value 8/10
Very good because you actually know more about the over all story by going down different roads in the game. Its kind of like having a path that branchs as you get further into the game. I wont spoil it for you but somethings you find out are a bit startling.

Over all 9/10
Im glade this game is in my collection. Its really good to actually beat a legendary atac after all your training. Its a well rounded game for around thirty five bucks.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/06