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 Real time battle system provides a real challenge. >>> by firesenshi (??.??.2000)
Granstream Saga is my first RPG and I found it quite memorable and entertaining. Eon, Larramee and Arcia are unforgettable characters with a mission to save the Earth's remaining continents. Expect a little more surprise in the other characters such as Slayzer (most unforgettable in my opinion) and Valos. However, in this RPG, you only get to be Eon.
There are no other party members who will join you. Larramee and Arcia are with Eon all the time, but only to play specific roles in the story. (Besides, what can Arcia do in a fight scene?) These two will be vital to you in the end.
The graphics are very good but don't expect rounder or polygonal graphics as in the recent RPGs. (This RPG was done in 1995--1996?--anyway...) When you engage in a fight scene, you can see that the enemies are "drawn" very well and each motion seems to be very fluid or agile. Castle walls and backgrounds even have intricate carvings! There are a lot of anime sequences here which you can look forward to!
The battle system is done in real time, which is my preference in RPGs actually. However, Eon seems to move a little slow and you may find your fingers hurt from pushing all those buttons just for your sword to come in contact with the enemy! The overall strategy: find the enemy's "blind" spot. Should you choose to use magic, you may consume a lot of MP and the magic spells only do few damage. Better just use it for healing.
The puzzles in the game are easy overall. No need to panic when you're given riddles. No time bound quests you have to hurry for. No worry to get lost in mazes, but you have to watch out for enemies. (Hide behind a wall or something to evade 'em!) You won't even feel the need for level up. When the enemy comes, fight him. I think you'll only lose if you're careless.
Sounds cynical? Look at my rating above and you'll see what the strengths of this game are. Of all games I played, this is the RPG that seems to be more concentrated on the story, which is really original and nicely done. However, there is not much for you to build on as the game is highly linear with little possibilities.
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