Enchanted Arms

"RPG Cliche's up the wazoo, but you'll like it too!"

Woah boy, how do you start to look at this RPG? Well, we'll start off with what you've probably already heard. If you're looking for something out of the RPG box, and unique and different, pass by this entirely. However, despite all the RPG cliches being used by this game, I found it quite enjoyable.

Gameplay

The gameplay itself is not too bad at all. First things first, an option EVERY game should come with, there is an Auto Battle feature. But, onto battle and gameplay itself. Battles are done on a 4X3 grid on each side of the field, one for your team, and one for your enemies. So you have to move into position, and chose attacks that have the correct length and whatnot. It is entirely turn based, so you have a huge advantage right off the bat by going first 9/10's of the time. The battles usually aren't hard, and they are fast. Even boss battles don't normally go more than maybe 5 minutes, and you can always restart a battle rather than reload. A very nice feature. Overall, battling is typical turn based affair with some tactical aspects.

After each battle, you have your HP and EP (or whatever you wanna call it) all restored to full, and you earn your EXP and SP. SP is used however you want, whether it is to upgrade your stats, or to learn new skills. So, if you want to create a total attack, focus on upping your HP and "Direct" attacking stats. It's a nice change from having no say in how your characters level. Skills themselves are fairly self explanatory, but do cost a pretty penny to BUY, nevermind learn.

The main difference in this game compared to others are the Golems you can make. These are robots essentially that do your fighting for you, inplace of other team members. They aren't useless, but eventually they become basically specialty use only. But an interesting idea that is actually brought out well. And Golem battling available on XBOX Live? It's like Pokemon on steroids.

Story

EVERY CLICHE is in here. You are the hot headed, do first, think later kinda guy. Your best friend is the smart one that everyone pays more attention to, that you look up to. Granted, you have a transvestite as your other friend, but it adds to the dialogue, which can be quite funny. But of course, you're just simple students who are about to get caught up in the throws of a long forgotten war, where you have some sort of relation to it all. Add in the other characters, including a hot headed gal, the strong silent type guy, and a gal that reminds me too much of Riku in FFX... and you've run the gauntlet of cliche. Despite that however, it's an interesting story overall, if you don't concentrate on all the cliches.

Other Stuff

The voice acting is done quite well, despite my personal dislike for some of the voices, even if they are acted well. The CGI and cut scenes are done very well, on par with the majority of 360 games out right now. The music is there and it's fine. Doesn't stand out, for being great or horrible, it does its job. There is also something similar to the Monster Battling in Dragon Quest 8 in the game with the Golems, but you can just battle them with your own human party. Missed opportunity there.

Overall

As I said, if you're the type to break down each game and notice the bad stuff first... just move along. You'll spend more time complaining about the cliches over enjoying it. However, if you're like me, and can turn that part of your brain off, or dull it a bit at least, you'll find an enjoyable, fun game in the mix.

GAME STATEMENT : Time filler RPG! (fills gametime between bigger hits)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/07/06