Genre: JRPG
Developer: Tri-Ace
Publisher: Ubisoft
Project website: http://www.square-enix.com/games/starocean/
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Sci-fi JRPG outside Japan - a rarity. Exciting able to captivate the player battles in JRPG - a rarity, no less. From this we can conclude that Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - to some extent unique, since the combination of excellent combat system and the typical features of sci-fi jrpg. Once in the Land of the Rising Sun at the beginning of 2003, to an English-speaking audience is not so new piece Tri-Ace has reached only in August this year. However, expectations have been met in full - American and European versions are based on the Star Ocean 3: Director's Cut, which is literally packed with all sorts of supplements, bonuses and secrets. But is all fine and rosy? Did the people that gave birth to a series of Valkyrie Profile and Star Ocean, a project that meets the needs of both hardcore gamers and mass audiences?
Smoke recreation
In the far-distant future, mankind visionary already hard to surf the space, occupying a variety of planets and finding them new civilizations - as developed nations and the backward feudal microcosm. The protagonist - the nineteen-Earthling Fayt Leingod, resting on one of the best resorts in the Milky Way - Hyda IV. In this paradise, he is with his mother, his father - a renowned scientist, and Sophia (Sophia) - childhood friend. All is good, but only in the worst possible moment - during the next session of video games - the planet suddenly attacked by space fleet Vendeeni. This small but technologically advanced civilization had never attacked the territory Pangalactic Federation - the largest political force, which includes many planets, including Hyda IV and, of course, the Earth. Eventually, Fayt and Sophia are evacuated to the space shuttles, but the main character's parents are caught in a Vendeeni.
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After the fact, watch movie, spiced with boring walks on the ships and hotels in the Hyda IV, there is a feeling that you're playing Xenosaga Episode I - that is, in some sort of interactive movie. But the first impression is deceptive - as soon as Fayt lands on a nearby planet and out of the rescue boat to the vast medieval Vanguard III, begins quite standard study locations, covered with all sorts of monsters. The plot develops very slowly and is of no interest, not only for the next few hours, but during the entire first disc. Moreover, after meeting with Cliff'om - a member of the rebel organization Quark, you are covered with backward Vanguard III on an equally undeveloped planet Elicoor II, so that a sci-fi elements can also forget, at least until the label "Insert Disc 2 . Generally, the second half of the game has a slightly stronger storyline component, but to this part yet to be reached. As for the main characters, they are inexpressive and typical for the genre - both in character and design. In short, SO: TtEoT - not one of those pieces that captivate people interesting story or memorable characters. But, as often happens in such cases, a weak plot is offset by the quality combat system.
Star fight Battles are conducted in real time, and all enemies are visible on the screen, although the battle take place in separate locations, as in standard turn-based JRPG. However, and it takes a couple of seconds, which does not reduce the frenzied dynamism of battle. On the battlefield, may be up to three characters, and you manage to choose one of them - the rest are controlled by a fairly intelligent AI, which you can specify the tactics of behavior. As the opponents, and at your wards is a strip of Fury, fill in the stationary and declining at almost any action. If the index Fury is zero, the character for the regeneration needs a little stand on the spot. But at 100% Fury fighter is invulnerable to attack weaknesses - pierce the shield around it will just blow from which, however, it is easy to dodge. Naturally, these rules apply not only to your protégé, but also on their opponents, which adds elements of tactics in the battle.
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Use during the Battle of Magic (referred to here Symbology), items and other standard commands executed through the menu, opening that stops the fight, giving the opportunity to analyze the situation on the battlefield. Here you can change the controlled character and specify the behavior for the characters controlled by AI.
Bleeding in the SO: TtEoT done mediocre, but at higher level fighter, in addition to growth characteristics, gets extra points. They can spend to increase the maximum HP and MP, as well as to improve the AI characters. In addition, the characters learn a powerful professional. attacks, and for each of the buttons X and O you can assign two of the reception - one acts on a long distance from the enemy, the other - in short.Strikes, "attached" to O, is much stronger than those that "lie" on the X, however, and they run long. It is also necessary to pay attention to the "cost" specials. Attack, that is, spent for the use of HP, MP and the Fury.
In general, the combat system leaves a very positive impression. Combining excellent dynamics and high enough strategic, battle in SO: TtEoT not bored even by the end of the game - and that important dignity are the envy of almost every JRPG. But how good battle, is as inexpressive many other aspects of the new creation Tri-Ace.
A long, long road Boring dungeon design - the scourge of most members of JRPG. However, the intricacies and special locations are usually no different - imagine going in a straight path, so the monsters on the way you hit. So, in Star Ocean: Till the End of Time dungeons meaningful not only shabby architecture, but also a giant size. As a result, the bulk of the game you wander around the maze of faceless, trying to get out of them, or find there a certain item. But whatever your goal, the developers have tried to make progress was the most difficult. If, for example, come a long way to the boss, but there is a need to fill medical stockpiles in front of a heavy battle, you have to stomp back to the nearest village with shops. The road back sometimes takes 30-40 minutes, even when avoiding battles. SO: TtEoT can "brag" and other frankly vile moments. Particularly annoying playing the flute, performing the sound depends on the strength and duration of pressing the O.
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Cities, like dungeons, are characterized by larger sizes, resulting in a walk on Human Settlements, consuming much time. Generally, the SO: TtEoT moving on locations and between them is very tiring - the normal means of transport not teleport is also impossible. Of course, this leads to numerous passing the same places.
The above-mentioned shortcomings could brighten up the fun mini-games and interesting quests, but then the developers make a blunder, too: full of shabby amusement park, dvuhsoturovnevoe dungeon creation system items, trophies, obtained under certain conditions - all of it or simply kill outright its unprincipled or bored Half an hour later. The only interesting addition - conversations with members of your team where it is possible to choose a replica, thus forming the relationship of the protagonist with the characters. These conversations are only slightly alter the ending of the game.
With regard to complexity, it depends on your preferences. If the light level (Earth) you're unlikely to encounter serious problems, then in normal mode (Universe) is difficult: common enemy can easily kill all your characters, and bosses sometimes seem to be simply irresistible. However, the flow of fighters and, more importantly, the acquisition or creation of a good outfit usually saves the day.
Old age is no fun  |
As already mentioned, Japanese Prime Star Ocean: Till the End of Time took place at the beginning of 2003. It is not surprising that by today's standards the game looks a little backward. Normal specification of the main characters, a simple modelki NPC and enemies, good special effects - that's all that can offer you a product of Tri-Ace. A large gathering of objects begins to slow down your game, but this does not happen very often. There is a CG-rollers, but their quality leaves much to be desired. Well, that at least the owners of modern TVs can rejoice - the developers have incorporated support for progressive scan and wide screen.
In general, the beauty of the SO: TtEoT not shine, but his views are not frightening. For a JRPG that is enough.
Sounds of Space Musical accompaniment is made ambiguous. On the one hand - great orchestral compositions during key plot scenes, on the other - a lot of malovyrazitelnyh and elusive melodies during the game. However, traveling to planets, Milky Way, you will still find some pretty successful musical works. And fans of the series will appreciate that there are remixes of tunes from the past often Star Ocean.
As for voice acting, the main characters say is plausible, although sometimes they obviously do not have emotion.
An amateur Interesting, very dynamic battle, a primitive plot, a decent soundtrack, huge and dreary dungeon - are all present in the new creation Tri-Ace. Obviously, the mass audience is unlikely to appreciate such a work, but hardcore fans a great battle system will make sure to spend 50-60 hours on the passage, in general, pretty sweet game. Yes, and sci-fi theme, as already noted, rarely found in JRPG, crossing the Japanese border. In general, Star Ocean: Till the End of Time can be recommended to all fans of the genre, and the rest is better to pass this good, but too monotonous and plotless works.
Gameplay: 8
Graphics: 7
Music and Sound: 7
Design: 6
Overall: 7.8
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