Review NaN of 6
, from New Zealand
Price Paid:
$39.00
from Real Groovy Summary:
Although you wouldn't be able to tell from the array of nondescript digits that I've dished out
in the ratings - I really liked and enjoyed this obscure title. 'Obscure', because, judging from the meagre number of reviews on this game I think it would be safe to say that "Guardian's Crusade" has hardly graduated to the level of a universally popular PS classic.
Which is hardly surprising really, when you consider that it had to compete against the likes of Squaresoft's infinitely more polished and refined produce. Few gamers could claim to be unfamiliar with the name 'Squaresoft'. How many people have heard of 'Tamsoft'? Exactly.
True, there are no jaw-dropping graphics, sophisticated gameplay, stupendous storyline, or soaring musical score to boast of. Nevertheless "Guardian's Crusade" (G.C.)is an unpretentious and solidly executed title that probably deserves more attention than it has received.
The artwork on the cover is a good indication of what this game is all about, and more importantly, who this game is aimed at. The somewhat standard, straightforward storyline, absence of highly difficult battles, and overall brevity may fail to capture the interest of the hardened, veteran gamer. (Having said that, I admit that I shamefully died a few times at the first major battle. Then again I hardly qualify as a 'veteran' of any kind and I probably just suck.) On the other hand younger gamers, first-time RPG players, and players who are looking for something that is engaging without being life-absorbing may warm to G.C.
This however, is highly dependent upon the player's response to the three central characters - the generic silent 'Knight' who is the physical vehicle for the plot; the light, running commentary that is Nehani, who is Knight's flittering guardian fairy and self-appointed nagging, wanna-be wife rolled into one; and of course the indefinable pink and graceless "hippo-pig" mass who is the ultimate impetus for any ensuing action in the game. His/her/its name just happens to be (don't groan) - 'Baby'. These 3 characters band together in a search for Baby's mother, no less. Fortunately, the story expands greatly from this narrow objective.
Players will either be nauseated or endeared by Baby. I can imagine many hardcore gamers who would simply refuse to even touch this game 'on principle' (- i.e. on account of Baby's seemingly saccharine pink presence.) Now I don't consider myself to be drawn towards treacle anymore than the average gamer out there. However, after my initial bout of mild distatste towards Baby, I was gradually endeared by the slow-eyed, yet unpredictable and unapologetic ball of cute.
Those who have played the likes of "Zelda: Ocarina of Time" won't miss the superficial similarities between Link and Link's guardian fairy (the name of which I forget) and Knight and Nehani. But unlike Link's fairy friend, Nehani adds genuine colour, companionship, and commentary to the journey, which in my view, makes a great deal of difference. (After a while, repeated high-pitched cries of "Link - look out!" start to get wearisome). Even at her most annoying, Nehani contrives to humanise the potentially stolid and uncommunicative Knight (via her maternal, romantic, yet ultimately pragmatic attitude towards him) and simultaneously clarifies the quest.
Anyway if you're at a loose end, wish to be enertained and want to play an RPG then try this. Report this review >>
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