Enjoying hardcore RPGs is right up there with watching professional wrestling and enjoying the tunes of Diana Ross in the list of things not to admit to.
Although most people think of the likes of Square’s money spinning Final Fantasy titles when the phrase RPG is uttered, there’s a whole avenue of deeper and more involving adventures out there just waiting to be discovered.
Though the SMT franchise has been a big hit in the US – it only made it over here last year – Lucifer’s Call barely made a blot on the great gaming sales copybook.
The same plodding and exploring RPG action remains – thankfully still taking place in a post apocalyptic world – but with an even darker twist. This isn’t one for kids as cannibalism runs rife.
So does Digital Devil Saga excite us hardened RPG nuts? Or will it be cast away as meaningless tripe?
They say:
Eurogamer: “The story is excellent, both mature and involving - a far cry from the fantasy worlds of many other RPG titles.”
Gamespot: “The Junkyard is a fascinating place, and its inhabitants are no less so. The entire world is fleshed out with Indian myth and lore.”
We say:
As Serph, the traditionally mysterious Japanese hero who doesn’t have much to say for himself, you lead one of the few tribes left battling it out amongst themselves in order to reach ‘Nirvana’. Wonder if Kurt Cobain’s a resident?
In a typically odd and confusing opening, a horde of demons are unleashed upon the world and take great pleasure in getting down to the dirty business of gobbling up anyone and anything they can find. Not that kind of people you invite round for a house party.
Playing Digital Devil Saga is a much more simplistic prospect than your average PC based hardcore RPG with its 300 word manual, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on the details.
In battles, for example, there’s an innovative ‘block’ feature that allows you numerous attacks on your enemies without even scratching a nail. Just call us Muhammad Ali.
The aforementioned cannibalism plays an extensive part in levelling up your squad too, since devouring flesh is required to improve your character’s stats.
The story itself – no more detail here as it’ll spoil your enjoyment – stands as one of the game's huge plus points with its mature and adult feel.
It also shows up a huge minus though. Unfortunately you won’t get much closure since the second half of the game has yet to hit our shores. You’ll have to wait months for the chance to tie up the story with a nice little bow.
So the great reviewer get out clause for this one we’re afraid. If Japanese hardcore RPGs are your bag, then this is pretty much the best example of recent times. If not, avoid like it’s like a plate of raw sushi.
Like this? Try these:
Final Fantasy X – PS2
Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer’s Call – PS2
Dragon Quest VIII – PS2
FORMAT REVIEWED
PS2
OTHER FORMATS
None
POSTED...
Mon 14 Aug 2006 at 11:40pm
