Review NaN of 1
Price Paid:
$50.00
from Babbages Summary:
As this year draws to a close, it seems that some serious changes are in store for the gaming industry. Namco, a developer best known for arcade titles and puzzle games, has this year published two of what can be considered the best RPGS ever made. And, they are initially, at least, exclusive to the Nintendo Gamecube. The two games are Tales of Symphonia and Baten Kaitos.
However, though the same developer created both of these games, and though they both come on two disks, there are no other similarities between them. They are totally different in all aspects of gameplay, graphics, audio, and overall feel.
At a time when RPGs seem to be trending towards ever more complex battle systems and an ever deeper learning process, Baten Kaitos is like a refreshing breeze in it's simplicity. This game is as close to pick up and play as an RPG can get. However, being easy to learn and play does not alter the fact that the game is almost impossible to put away once you start playing it. Baten Kaitos has an addictability factor that is unmatched, even after almost 60 hours of gameplay. I am reluctant to say any one game is the 'best' at anything, but Baten Kaitos is so immersive, so easy to learn, and so beautiful and original to the eyes and ears that it simply transcends all my previous gaming experiences.
Some gamers are undoubtably avoiding this title due to it's use of cards as a gameplay feature, and this is a mistake. I am very familiar with Culdcept on the PS2 and Phantasy Star Online Episode 3 on the 'Cube, both of which are card-based games. Baten Kaitos uses cards, but in a very original way. Although I'll go deeper into this gameplay aspect later, right now I can say that card based gameplay has never been like this. Baten Kaitos uses a turn based battle system combined with cards that must be used in a very limited time to make what is actually an RPG with strong action elements. In most battles, you have just a few seconds, and sometimes just a split second, to select and play cards. The end result is a battle system that is very addictive and original. Some RPGs force you to travel the same areas multiple times to level up your characters, but with Baten Kaitos, you will want to do so even though the game is structured so that you do not have to. In fact, you will find that you will need to force yourself to stop refighting the same opponents over and over in order to proceed with the gameflow. The cards are drawn randomly, and no two battles are ever the same.
Baten Kaitos has an original set of gameplay mechanics, a deeply involving story line, awesome characters, and a graphic style that will wow you like no other game you've played before. You owe it to yourself to experience this game, as it is a true work of art. It is beautiful to play, to see, and to hear. Get this game. You won't regret it. Report this review >>
| 
5 of 5
0 of 5
