ARC THE LAD 2 (Jap)

Developer

G Craft

Options

Distributer

SCE

1 Player

Game Type

RPG

Mem. Card

Review Date

Nov '96

Setting the Scene

Finally! A long awaited game arrives for the PlayStation. With the story being left hanging in part one, gamers were left to wonder what happened to Kukuru and ponder the some of the decisions Arc made when the game ended. Oh well, something is better than nothing right??? Absolutely!

Genre

RPG Adventure game.

Graphics

The CGI-rendered cut scenes are as as good or even better than part one`s - they`re smooth and flawless. The characters are well animated and are drawn in 2D cartoon-style graphics. As for magical spells, they`re part polygons and sprites. The graphics are very mediocre for all of the characters but excellent for spells and cut scenes.

Sounds and Effects

G-craft continues with its tradition of making excellent compositions of game music. In fact, its so pleasing to my ear that I actually crank up the Hi-Fi while playing it. Although most of the compositions are reminiscent of part one`s they`re still good enough to bowl over most Rpgs ( Hear that Beyond the Beyond developers?? ) . Sound effects are excellent! Effects for magical spells are crisp and clear compared to other RPGS ( Take Arc`s Lava Burst spell for example. You can hear the growl when its building up before it explodes right smack in your face!

Playability

This game should keep you going for hours on end. Part one was rather short, but this one is much longer. This is a game which is part action and part strategy. As you go around getting characters and solving quest after quest, you won`t know where the time disappears when playing this one!

Value for Money

This has gotta be the BEST RPG for the PlayStation so far. Move over Mystaria, I`d prefer Arc The Lad II anytime, anyday. Most RPGs don`t offer great music or graphics but this one does. It`s best feature has got to be its ability to continue off from where you left off in part one. With this in mind, You`d better brush up your old characters in part one or they`ll start off rather weak in part two.

Opinion

SOO

GRAPHICS:

11/20

This game stands out head and shoulders above any other RPG to date and only serves to wet the appetite for the forthcoming RPG Final Fantasy V11..

SOUND:

6/10

PLAYABILITY:

46/50

VALUE:

17/20

OVERALL
80%