The Granstream Saga

"One of the best unnoticed RPGs of all time."

First, let me start by saying that this is one of the best RPGs I've played. Ever. It's even up there with the final fantasy series. Back when this game came out, 3D graphics were still being fleshed out to a good extend on the PSone console. Of course, the influence at that time was more anime themed video games (which at that time were a delicacy). Luckily, this game delivers in more areas than one. While it has very well done anime cutscenes, the game also has a great story and great gameplay to back it up.

Gameplay 10/10
It's fun. Seriously, it is. The control sceme for the battles are smooth, as I found each and very non-random battle to be a source of entertainment, as opposed to the common laws which declared that battles must be a form of drudgery. The game has a nice menu interface, and everything's very well explained. The controls a good, the battle's great, and the game always offers up interesting and entertaining ways to play.

In more ways that one. Even if you're not in the really well done battles, the regular game progression does a job well done. Outside of battles, its still fun to talk with the townspeople, do different things, and learn about this unique and mysterious world.

Story 10/10
This game has one of the best stories I've ever played through. The ending is really dramatic, and all of the quests are very well done. There's more than one tear-jerker throughout the story. The story of this game is one of the most well performed stories of any video game, deserving an honoring "bravo!" from the gamers.

Another amazing thing is that the stories run smoothly into eachother. They never catch on jagged edges. Whether you're on one world doing one thing, the transition between that world and the next actually fits in. Also, for those of you who like plot twists, there are plenty here, especially a huge, unexpected one at the end of the game that'll knock your socks off.

Graphics/Sound 9/10
The graphics were good. They were pretty good for the age of the console, and the anime custscenes were great. The only problem would be the sound. I'm sure there were a couple of good themes (some really beautiful ones), yet some of them are just forgettable. Also, there's some lagging throughout battles. Not really lagging, but the graphics of the engine seem to slow things down. It's nothing big, but it does make a bit of difference.

Replayability 9/10
There's some pretty good reasons to play through this game a second time. There are many choices within the game which vary from one world to the next, some even making a dramatic difference. Of course, if the story isn't enough, there's also a split ending, not to mention that the different actions you take during the ending also result in a change in the overall closure of this fantastic tale.

The replay value is good. It's got plenty to keep to busy with the second time around. I'd definitely say this game deserves, at the least, two play-throughs.

Overall 10/10
It's an excellent game, and I give it a 10/10. I remember renting this game years ago and loving it. Now I purchased it only 1 year ago, and I still think this is one of the best games of all time. I would definitely recommend you purchasing this game, especially since it's only worth 15 to 4 dollars at some game stores, as it was a completely unnoticed RPG. This game didn't get the respect it deserved, but with your support of this title, maybe it will.

This game is one of the best RPGs I've played. I've said that before, and I'll still say it. This game goes right up there with the rest of the final fantasy series. Let's face it. With a game this good selling for 4 to 15 bucks, you have no good reason NOT to get this game. Now that you've read this, go out and buy the game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/09/06