Summary

Jeanne D' Arc is one of the top games for the PSP. If it's true that every system has a handful of titles that define the desirability of that console, then JDA is definitely a title that qualifies for the PSP.

JDA is a strategy RPG vaguely similar to games like Advance Wars, Tactics Ogre, and so on.

But SRPGs have a well deserved reputation of having mediocre story lines, due to the strategy element. The games are, after all, about the strategy style game play, and the story has to take a back seat due to the need to focus on battle and item micromanagement and other minutia.

However, JDA smashes that mold. It has one of the most compelling stories ever encountered in a video game. The endgame especially has a strong emotional appeal, and I found myself asking over and over, 'is this really a SRPG?'

JDA is not all about story telling, however. It features an excellent battle system, lots of beautifully designed 3D maps, and awesome character development.

The game is loosely based on the 100 Years War between England and France, and revolves around the relationships and adventures of three young people from the village of Domremy in France. But even with that historical background, this is a fantasy game with magic, monsters, and unique weaponry and equipment. And the three main protagonists end up up with eleven more friends, each with their own unique set of modifiable stats and battle specialties.

From this total of fourteen characters you must decide who to use in the various battle stages. Very often you'll find that you need to re-fight the battles and use different characters than you did initially.

Characters can be constantly modified via the use of Skill and Weapon/Armor slots. JDA is heavily biased towards the Skills game play element. There are many dozens of Skills that can be found, mostly through enemy drops, and many dozens more that can be created via item Combination. Weapons are limited but are graphically represented on screen.

There are Archers, Ax Wielders, Swordsman, Mages, and so on. Jeanne, the main character, is a swordswoman with a strong magic using streak.

Stages come in several flavors. There are those that advance the story line, and most of them can be replayed, often with surprising changes. Then there are the Free Stages that are not required to advance in the game but offer unique prizes and challenges.

Graphically this is one of the nicest looking titles on the PSP. All stages are fully 3D rendered and can be rotated a full 360 degrees. Some are amazingly complex. The cut scenes are first class anime, and the corresponding voice acting is awesome as well.

The music is good, and is keyed to events in the game. So, there is a bit of repetition in terms of the music used during item and skill management, character selection, and battles. But, there is quite a bit of variety during the numerous cut scenes and other events that advance the story.

I am a completist when it comes to above average games and I logged about 60 hours in Jeanne D' Arc, making this game a great value. If you are a RPG player, then you won't find a more immersive and enjoyable title on the PSP.

Strength

A great story line, beautiful graphics, awesome gameplay.

Weakness

none