Shadow Hearts

Getting tired of those clich?d, done-to-death RPGs where a boy sets out to be a hero and save the world? Want a change of setting from the ordinary mystical land full of dragons and elves? Then you may want to give Shadow Hearts for the Playstation 2 a look at.

What?s that? You haven?t heard of Shadow Hearts? Well to those who haven?t, don?t be ashamed. You were probably busy being googly-eyed over Final Fantasy X, which was released only six days later. Similar to its indirect prequel, Koudelka, rather than take you to a land of magic and mysticism, Shadow Hearts takes you into the dark world of 1913 China. And this game does not waste any time in introducing the dark world you are about to embark to, with the introduction detailing a priest?s murder.



The story of the game focuses on the ?Rude Hero? Yuri Hyuga, a Harmonixer who fuses with demons. As he makes his way through China and Europe in the early 1900s, Yuri will encounter comedic allies and battle mischievous demons. The unique setting in this game is one of death and demise that will keep its audience hooked with plot twists, warped view on reality, and comedy. As you tread more and more into the game, you will find even darker and creepier locales and situations. I know I said that Shadow Hearts was different from the usual ?save the world? RPGs, but that isn?t the complete truth. It is another one of those games, but with the unique characters and dark setting, Shadow Hearts may very well seem to be the contrary.

Shadow Hearts gameplay is a little different than other RPGs with the introduction of the Judgment Ring. This is a ring with one or more areas with which you must strike with an indicator that swings in a clockwise motion. In battle, you attack or miss depending on your accuracy on hitting the areas on the ring. The ring is not restricted to battles, however. At times, on the field you must accurately hit the area on the Judgment Ring to gain access to areas or. By using this, the game makes the player more involved with what is going on in the game.



The sound for Shadow Hearts is very well done. Squaresoft?s Yasunori Mitsuda and Yosh*taka Hirota work together to create dark, yet somewhat hopeful music that blends well with not only the overall theme of the game, but also with the mood of what is currently going on in the game. Unfortunately, there is a distinct lack of voice acting when there very well should have been some. The only voiceovers you?ll hear are during the occasional full motion video.

The game?s graphics are pretty good for the time it was released. Though they?re no Final Fantasy graphics, they are decent enough to associate with the game?s dark nature. Large piles of skulls, air drenched with blood, and monsters you?d want to keep your daughter away from greatly help to bring out the sinister gloominess of the game. The FMVs, however, look exquisite and detailed.

Despite Shadow Hearts being in Final Fantasy X?s shadow, its combination of creepy environments, dark plots, unique gameplay, and comedic characters make it a distinctive and noteworthy game. Fans of RPGs should find this game a welcome breeze of fresh air.

4 star(s) out of 5

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