Eternal Sonata

"Just what the 360 needed"

Eternal Sonata is a brilliant example of why the Xbox 360 needs more Japanese RPGs. From it's jawdropping visuals and art direction, to the unique story and amazing soundtrack, one can tell that Tri-Crescendo truly went all out in making this gem.

The game states that about three hours before his death, the famous composer Chopin has a dream about a 'heaven-like world'. Along with the time spent in this dream world, Eternal Sonata contains several segments about Chopin's life. These segments, while sometimes a bit long, are well done, containing compositions by Chopin himself as well as real life photos of places significant to his life.

Story - 10/10

One of the major draws to Eternal Sonata is it's unique storyline. As stated in the introduction, the premise is that on his deathbed, Chopin had a dream of a fantastic world, and Eternal Sonata is the story of his dream.

While in the dream, the story is nothing special. It contains all of the necessary elements to be a standard Japanese RPG story. Corrupt count? Check. Rebels? Check. Mysterious character with a troubled past, present, or future? Check. It does throw a few twists at you to make it interesting, but these, especially in the beginning, are usually not very well done. For example, possibly the biggest revelation of the game is done in a simple, offhand comment.

So, if the story is not that special, why did I give this section 10/10? The reason behind that is the character development, which Eternal Sonata does very, very well. The plot seems to exist only as a means to move the characters along. Throughout this plot, each character grows and changes, and it is done in a believable way.

Graphics - 10/10

Let me start by telling you to do something. Go on whatever gaming website you like, and find the best picture of Eternal Sonata you can possibly find. I can almost gaurantee you that whatever screenshot you have, it doesn't do the game justice.

For players on SDTVs, you'll be happy to know that the game still looks amazing. The text is all quite large, and is very easy to read.

However, it's in HD that the game really shines. Throughout the game, you can expect to 'ooh' and 'aah' at nearly every new place you come across. The cities, while quite small, are exceptionally beautiful, as are the many fields and forests between them. The dungeons suffer from a zoomed out camera, but this is generally necessary in order for the players to find their way through.

Despite Eternal Sonata going for a cel-shaded style instead of the photorealism certain 360 fans expect, I can safely say that it is one of the most visually impressing games on the system, and will likely remain that way for quite a long time.

Gameplay - 9/10

The gameplay is where Eternal Sonata houses it's only real faults. Yet these are minor, and don't really subtract from the overall experience.

Outside of battle, Eternal Sonata plays like a standard RPG. Other than score pieces, items are not usually hidden in random objects, saving you from hugging every wall mashing the A button so you don't miss anything. There are items hidden around the towns, but these are almost always in obvious locations. One major fault is that the game is incredibly linear. On a first playthrough, you can expect not to be able to backtrack often, and when you can, there is virtually no benefit in doing so. This changes somewhat on encore playthroughs, where you can easily go back to collect items and score pieces.

The battle system is really well done, even if it is a bit simple. It contains elements of both a turn based system and an action system. Each character takes turns to attack. The character then has a certain amount of time to plan, and a certain amount of time to attack. The attacks are done in an Action-RPG format. The 'A' button attacks, while the 'Y' button uses various special attacks. What special attacks you can use changes depending on what level of light the character is standing in. While in shadows, the characters can use shadow attacks, and vice versa.

As you continue through the game, you gain party levels, which allow you to do more things, but limit the amount of time you have to do them. For example, at party level 1, the time you have to perform actions in doesn't go down if you are standing still. When you get to party level 2, the time begins to go down constantly, but in return you are able to equip more items and power up your special attacks with echoes (combos). In writing, this sounds like an annoying thing, but it actually works out quite well.

Overall, the game plays like a fine tuned JRPG. It gets a bit linear at times though, so that takes a point off.

Sound - 10/10

In a game based around Chopin, it should come as no surprise that the soundtrack is phenomenal.

Eternal Sonata features several pieces composed by Chopin himself. These play mostly during the segments on Chopin's life, but are none the less a nice touch. The music in the rest of the game are all original pieces, a small amount vaguely influenced by Chopin. The music is at times catchy (always a plus) and greatly helps out the atmosphere of the game.

Replay value - 8/10

RPGs are not usually known for their replay value. Yet surprisingly, Eternal Sonata provides quite a few reasons to pick up the game a second time. Aside from just being able to go through this wonderful experience for a second time, the majority of the achievements are only available on a second playthrough.

Because of this, Eternal Sonata features a new game+, which, keeping with the musical theme, is called encore. Score pieces and party levels are carried over, while items and levels are not. Various items are added to the game during an encore playthrough as well.

Overall - 10/10

Eternal Sonata, while having it's flaws in it's linearity and sometimes simple battle system, is truly a blessing for the Xbox 360.

This game is a must have for any RPG fan, and is at least worth a rent for anyone else.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/24/07

Game Release: Eternal Sonata (US, 09/17/07)