 Review By: Jared Black |
Developer: | Level-5 |
| Publisher: | SCEA | |
| Genre: | RPG | |
| ESRB: | Teen | |
| # Of Players: | 1 | |
| Online Play: | No | |
| Accessories: | Memory Card | |
| Buy Now: |   |
Then there are the special abilities, which are learned in the Revelation Flow. The easiest way to describe the Revelation Flow is that it’s basically a big flow chart divided into various sections, and learning abilities opens up new sections of the chart for the character to learn other abilities from. Each character has his or her own Revelation Flow chart, and the player can decide which abilities to prioritize learning first. To learn an ability, the player must place items in each of the squares in an ability’s area of the chart. Items that can be used include most of the things found during the adventure (including some items meant solely for the chart), although the shape of the groove in each square determines the types of items that can be placed in each location. Permanent bonuses can also be unlocked on the Revelation Flow, such as improved resistance to fire or increasing wind-based attacks.
On the whole the Revelation Flow is a decent enough system, as it allows the player to have some choice in how each character advances, while limiting them at the same time by the shapes of the items that can be used. Just make sure you’re paying attention to it regularly and unlocking abilities as you go, because having an updated list becomes essential as you progress in the game. One ability that is absolutely essential is the Burning Strike, which is treated separately in combat. Once it’s unlocked, that character can collect Burning Chips dropped during combat by defeated enemies to fill its gauge. When the Burning Strike gauge is full, the character can unleash a deadly barrage of attacks against an enemy, provided of course that the player presses the proper buttons in timed sequence.
That’s not even getting to the other extras that add optional, but welcome, depth to the game. After gaining a trap early in the game, you can collect Insectors (bugs) to fight in tournaments in the Insectron arena. These bugs can also be trained in a Rearing Cage, and will grow depending on the type of bug it is, the cage it’s put in, and the food you feed it. Insectors can also mate with each other to produce stronger ones, although the parents will then disappear, and you can have your own battles with your bugs pitted each other to help them grow stronger faster. The battles themselves in a tournament are sort of like bug chess, as they’re turn-based on a 5x7 grid and one bug acting as the “king” for each side. While this is simply a diversion from the main game, it will certainly appeal to “collect ‘em all” and strategy fans (the same people that get great joy out of Chocobo breeding in Final Fantasy VII, collecting rare Pokémon, etc.). There’s also a battle recorder that tracks your rank in the galaxy against other hunters, and you’ll earn points as you dispatch various targets (known as “quarries” here) and obtain certain hunting record goals (such as defeating 30 of a particular enemy).
Graphically Rogue Galaxy is one of the best looking games on the system, with incredibly detailed environments, vibrant colors that don’t come off as “kiddy,” and a clean and bold cel-shaded look. Cities in particular look great, from the dense jungle to the big city and all things in-between. You’ll find reflection on floors, dozens of futuristic vehicles swarming over your head, and finely appointed rooms everywhere you go while exploring cities. Cities are also huge, and show off a real sense of scale in the larger ones. On the other hand, dungeons were obviously given much less care, as you’ll find that the same areas are repeated over and over again. So, you’ll end up going through the same areas (with only the slightest variations) a number of times. That’s not to say there aren’t some nice touches outside of towns (such as reflective floors and dense foliage), but on the whole this repetition becomes boring towards the end of each area.
Despite the huge areas, both in cities and dungeons, the framerate is rock solid and virtually never wavers. There is a little bit of draw-in though, so you’ll occasionally see an area before you can see the people and/or objects in it. More impressive than its technical accomplishments however is simply the art style, with a bold mix of pirate and space themes, and distinct looks for each planet.
Sound wise, Rogue Galaxy is a treat for the ears. The voice acting in particular is excellent, with each voice matched up well to the character, and an experienced cast that’s done a ton of other work in the past. Characters also have plenty to say as you’re exploring each area, and what they say changes frequently as you encounter new circumstances. However, each area is so big that they aren’t given enough to say, so you’ll find them annoyingly repeating the same few phrases over and over again. The music is epic; militant in some areas, more laid back and moody in others, and overall just a really nice mix that’s never grating and keeps things from getting too stale.
Bottom Line:
Rogue Galaxy is proof that the PS2 isn’t dead just yet, as it outshines virtually everything that’s been released for "next-gen" consoles to date. Before you leave the previous generation of consoles behind for good, make sure you check out Level-5’s stunning RPG.
Hopefully Rogue Galaxy will see the success at retail it truly deserves, and avoid being doomed to obscurity like the last great pirate-themed RPG.
| Pros: | Cons: | Final Score: |
|---|---|---|
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| 9.0 |
Posted: 2007-03-28 21:00:13 PST