This game's most trivial system would be a main feature on other RPGs. At the same time, mechanics such as Break Arts (weapon-exclusive supers unlocked via use-based mastery), Chain Abilities (that evolves SMRPG via quasi-unlimited, unlockable offensive/defensive follow-ups), and especially the aptly-named RISK (a secondary meter that trades accuracy and defense for crit-rate and healing power as chains accumulate) add even more rules and layers to this peculiar brand of strategic-action.
Fire, Undead, Piercing) tied to both gear and enemies. elements, species and weapon blades, respectively), and partly governed by mutating stat levels (e.g. The most striking aspect is probably how one's equipment factors into hit/damage calculations, utilizing not one but three sets of resistances + weaknesses (affinity, class and type, i.e.
But in reality, it's the systems that tower over the rest dense and overwhelming in a vein similar to Ogre Battle (another Matsuno-led project).
#Vagrant story ign free#
Equally original is the gameplay, ostensibly a mix of action-adventure, platforming and action-RPG whose combat combines free movement with menu-selection pauses (reminiscent of Parasite Eve minus the ATB gauge) and target-able limbs a la Front Mission. Its structure, both narratively and functionally, had little in common with JRPGs largely indifferent to the hero's journey and to the village-to-dungeon format (basically a gradually-unraveling dungeon-crawler that disposed of the hub, shops, friendly NPCs, currency, etc.), which becomes an attraction in itself. The best moments - in particular, emit an immersive yet disorienting atmosphere that reminds one of the more abstract, ghostly experiences of Xenogears' second disc, while others are boss fight intros rendered in creative and dramatic ways. Alongside the visuals, what immediately stands out are the main cutscenes: A minimal and reckless form of storytelling, packed with refined - almost cryptic language and portrait-worthy shots in which characters enter, ponder and exit with (seemingly) little to no regard for identity nor coherence, only to slowly decode a tragic plot and cast as it proceeds. It's not only one of this year's best games - it's one of the greatest of all-time.ĩ0% EmulatedSquaresoft and Yasumi Matsuno's second collaboration spawned the painstakingly crafted Vagrant Story, a hyper-intricate and hyper-mystifying gem, perhaps the culmination of the former's acrobatic presentation and the latter's disquieting writing. Simply put, Vagrant Story is a true work of art and is one of the most cinematic experiences you'll find on PlayStation. The game's goodness doesn't stop there as Vagrant Story is also blessed with a tremendously deep battle system, beautiful in-game graphics, and an engrossing musical soundtrack. Not only is the game's story one of the best you'll find in a videogame, but it also rivals many of today's films. Vagrant Story does not fall into this predicament, as it has met or surpassed all of my expectations. The problem with wanting a game, or anything in life for that matter, so much is that it can lead to disappointment if it doesn't truly live up to your lofty expectations. And when the game's first playable demo was released, it just fueled my desire to have this title even more. Everything about the game, from the artwork to the storyline, just seemed golden. 96% No Platform SpecifiedEver since Square in Japan first announced Vagrant Story, I've been eagerly anticipating it.
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