White Knight Chronicles Review

More Game Info (Print This Article)

Graphics:

8.0

Gameplay:

8.6

Sound:

8.4

Control:

8.5

Replay Value:

8.9

Online Gameplay:

8.0

Overall Rating: 8.5

Publisher:

SCE

Developer:

Level 5

Number Of Players:

1 (2-4 Online Co-Op)

Genre:

RPG

Release Date:

February 2, 2010

Screenshots

RPG games aren't very easy to develop, and they especially take a long time to bring over to a region outside of Japan. White Knight Chronicles is one such example, and it was not only in development for a number of years, but it also took a long time to finally arrive stateside. Now, I've been playing WKC for a number of weeks, before it even arrived on store shelves, and admittedly, every time I sat down to play, I was enjoying myself. Now, I normally never bring up other reviews, but when I saw some of the absolute bull some of these critics wrote about WKC, a certain feeling came over me...I can't explain what, but it wasn't a pleasant one. One major online site says WKC is worth a 5.1 - and that's absolutely moronic, because a 5.1 is practically unplayable. And unplayable this game is not...

...in fact, White Knight Chronicles is a solid RPG game. What beef these high-strung critics have are unknown. This is basically a Final Fantasy XII clone, and that's a very good thing! The story revolves around a young hero named Leonard, who during a siege, stumbles upon a mystical armor called the White Knight. Leonard sees no choice but to try and use the knight, and when a princess by the name of Cisna, recites a spell, Leonard and the knight are bound together. Cisna had unknowingly recited the words, perhaps occurring only because she sensed danger and her instincts kicked in. But it turns out she may be tied to an ancient race, and so she is quickly kidnapped in hopes that she will bind her captors with the remaining knights scattered around the world. So, of course, it's up to Leonard and a cast of characters, including one of which you create, to embark on a journey and save Cisna, defeat her kidnappers, and bring peace to the world.

WKC borrows heavily from not just FFXII, but also from other Square games, such as Final Fantasy VII (the story) and Xenogears (the knights). You'll notice the FFXII similarities almost immediately when you realize the combat system is practically identical, save for the targeting lines. Combat is turn-based, but engaged in real-time, just like FFXII. There is even a small set of gambits you can enable for your A.I. fighters, allowing to either heal first, fight as they please, attack only your target, and a few more. The 'gambits' here are certainly nowhere near as in-depth as FFXII, but for general purposes, they do the job quite well. Though it is the Skills system, which is essentially this game's Licenses, that reminds me most of FFXII. Although, in all honesty, the Skills are laid out much neater than the license board in FFXII, and they are also broken down by categories.

In combat you will be able to use your knight only when you have enough action chips, so make sure you save those for when you really need to use your knight, such as during portions of a quest where a number of giant high-HP enemies stand in your way, or a boss fight. Just like many other Level 5 games, you can bind weapons together, enhance numerous items, fix weapons, and so forth. But of course, it all comes with a small price. Now, something other RPG games typically don't do are combos, which WKC does. You can enter the options menu and setup a chain of combos you'd like for your character to perform when you timely hit the action button. But be careful, using certain stronger attacks will use up your action chips, so choose your battle strategy wisely, you never know when you'll need summon your knight.

A multiplayer mode good for up to four-players is here for your enjoyment. It's composed of 50 side-quests, and you'll embark on these using your created player. The side-quests are pretty decent, for the most part, and there's certainly nothing to dislike here, especially considering they're just extras to an already lengthy adventure. With that said, WKC is a game full of value, and if you're looking for a solid, traditional RPG, you really should ignore most of the negative reviews, this is certainly a solid playing RPG title.

Visually, this isn't Final Fantasy XIII. But don't forget, this is a game that's been in development since before the PS3 launched. Still, the art looks pretty nice, and you should enjoy the towns and locations all throughout the game. Character detail is a bit on the simplistic side as far as textures, but this is still a game good enough to be in this generation. The framerate is super smooth, albeit there is some minor draw-in of enemies off in the distance, but it's not that bad, because you'll see little markers where the enemies are, even if they haven't been drawn-in yet. The environment are nice, and there are some sharp textures to be found in numerous places. Lastly, because there is such a lag of aliasing quirks, it makes WKC a fairly pleasing game on the eyes.

Audio is abundant here, as much of the game's dialogue is voice acted. The voice acting is done pretty well, with every response and line on cue and using just the right tone. All of the voices give each unique character their distinct personality, as well. And the soundtrack is traditional for a J-RPG, so you'll likely get a lot of these tunes here stuck in your head. As far as miscellaneous effects, you won't get blown away like you would with a large-scale shooter, but some of the cut-scenes still do provide enough 'oomph' to shake the floor.

All in all, even though White Knight Chronicles may not be the pinnacle of innovation, it still does a lot of things right and manages to create a fun game. This is an enjoyable Japanese-RPG that fans of games like Final Fantasy XII should eat up. The combat is great, the back-end mechanics are solid, the graphics are nice, and the voice acting is more than fair. I'm probably a harder critic on games than anyone I know, but even I coudn't deny that this is a very good game. Don't ignore this just because it doesn't have a Final Fantasy logo on the cover, White Knight Chronicles is a winner!

2/11/2010 Arnold Katayev

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Comments (106 posts)

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Jawknee
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:30:25 PM
Reply

Been playing for about 20 hours so far. Its been great. Like you said, this is no Final Fantasy but its still a great JRPG none the less.

8 up, 0 down

Akuma07
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 3:44:55 AM

Even Final Fantasy doesn't have a Final Fantasy logo on the front anymore ='(

1 up, 4 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:55:31 AM

I work till Sunday but we need to game together soon. I'm a lvl 34 Mage.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 4:05:05 PM

ooh I'm behind you. doesn't matter though right?

I'm only lvl 19 Knight.

0 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:33:10 PM
Reply

I've definitely been enjoying the game so far. This is a much more reasonable review than most. I'm not a huge fan of the battle system but its not so bad as to take much away from the experience as a whole.

0 up, 0 down

mexgeo86
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:34:51 PM
Reply

I'm about 10 hours in and concentrating on the single player at the moment. I've gotten a taste of the multiplayer though and I can assure anyone that it is a lot of FUN. It should keep me busy 'til Heavy Rrain.

1 up, 0 down

Riku994
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:36:10 PM
Reply

I just finished it tonight:) Not gunna give anything away, but I can't wait for the sequel!

5 up, 0 down

johnld
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:30:42 AM

i kindda wished it didnt need a sequel because who knows how long its gonna take them to bring it to the US. This first one took forever. But i do like the idea that this games story is bigger than 1 game release.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:53:44 AM

We...must...learn...Japanese
With how some American critics are treating jrpgs, it might become a no-no for publishers to want to release them in the US anymore

I can't believe that's what's happening....but yeah :( Just look at Namco-Bandai and Tales of Vesperia (bet they gave that a poor score too)

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:38:36 PM

They should just hire Japanese speakers.

0 up, 0 down

archs13
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:36:27 PM
Reply

hmmm.. i'm thinking if i should get star ocean international or this....

0 up, 0 down

Riku994
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:39:26 PM

Ben will tell you to get WKC, we all know of his dislike of Star Ocean 4 :P

0 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:40:11 PM

honestly I've been enjoying star ocean more but this is definitely good

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:51:24 PM

I'll be getting both, Star Ocean at the cheaper price though.

0 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:04:24 PM

Hmm..Ben hated Star Ocean 4 ? I remember that he played that game in his 360.

Last edited by Oxvial on 2/11/2010 10:04:34 PM

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:10:56 PM

I never said I hated Star Ocean: The Last Hope. I played it for about 30 hours but the combat really started to wear on me, so I got rid of it.

Yes, I do like WKC more (just played a bit of it tonight) but right now, my focus is on Bioshock 2 and a third play-through of Heavy Rain. :)

5 up, 1 down

archs13
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:38:56 PM

ugh.. i wanted to focus on jrpgs but it seems that there are too many great games other than jrpgs that are getting released.. the choices are not so simple anymore like the ps one days :(

1 up, 0 down

johnld
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:32:41 AM

yeah, i would agree with picking white knight chronicles. simply just watching star ocean being played just put me off to it. dont get me wrong, i tried it a few times but i couldnt get into it at all.

1 up, 0 down

ExhumeART
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:42:08 PM
Reply

While dated, if you take into consideration how long ago the idea of this game was conceived, then you'll have a blast. Too bad graphics whores and impatient bastards ruined the reputation of this game through rude, idiotic, and ignorant reviews. Fun game, I suggest it to all looking for a good time consumer.

3 up, 0 down

Roach721
Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 3:18:33 AM

I am 16 hours into WKC and the story and gameplay just keep getting better the more i play. The lands and monsters are colorful and creative, very smooth looking. I can't wait to see the rest of the knights.

Me and my friend both bought this the same day so that we can play the side quest together and we are having great fun, playing and discussing the game and all of its items,weapons,and enhancements there is on it.

If you enjoyed Final Fantasy X or Xii you'll love WKC,defitnetly recommend.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 4:07:25 PM

I agree that graphics aren't everything, but FFXIII and GOWIII were both conceptualized at the same time as WKC, so that's really no excuse.

But, as I said, it doesn't really matter.

p.s. I this ends up a double-posting, I apologize and will attempt to delete it.

0 up, 0 down

NightHawk17
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:46:37 PM
Reply

Finally an honest review about WKC, I really enjoyed it. The reviewers were being way to harsh and most didn't even mention it online.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 9:49:40 PM
Reply

Awesome Arnold, and totally wierd that you handled a JRPG review and not Ben!

I'm still waiting for this game to arrive (slightly worried I have been swindled on ebay) but if I have then I will file a case and get it when the case is resolved. I want this game to play alongside Dante's Inferno. Action and RPG in separate games is where those two terms belong.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/11/2010 9:51:59 PM

2 up, 2 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:28:48 PM

I usually handle RPG games. I'm an RPG freak.

5 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:39:41 PM

Then there's two freaks! 3 if you count John ;)

3 up, 2 down

Highlander
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:44:31 PM

@worlds,

Sone would argue that you can't really be a gamer and not like RPGs...

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 11:01:31 PM

And I might be one of them, but there is an inordinate amount of JRPG lovers around here. Which is good, suits my taste just fine. A lot of twitchers these days are against them though, and ruining them I might add.

3 up, 2 down

napoleon85
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:50:35 AM

RPG freak #4.... Present! lol...

The only reason I have a ps3 is because of the upcoming RPGs, but the lack of them have kept me away from gaming. It is a good thing though; after all I'm a senior in college and wouldn't be able to play anyways.

1 up, 0 down

Arvis
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 9:10:14 AM

I'm with you guys. Is this a meeting?

-Arvis

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:14:19 AM

A meeting? An informal one perhaps, you know that the twitchers will try to have JRPGs outlawed right? Just as they eradicated turn based play, their next target will be the JRPG, and we're next....

0 up, 2 down

Roach721
Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 3:24:04 AM

Am with you guys RPG whore right here, and proud of it. Ever since I played Adventure,with those fat looking dragons slash ducks,lol.

0 up, 1 down

DIsmael85
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:01:14 PM
Reply

I love the score you gave this game, it is deserving of it. I love the game, and cant stop playing it. The other critics really tore it up for no good reason. JRPG's are not dead.

Last edited by DIsmael85 on 2/11/2010 10:01:25 PM

4 up, 0 down

godsman
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:40:52 PM
Reply

I don't understand why can't we customize the main character to look like us instead of adding the mute avatar. Everything, including cutscenes are rendered in-game, so there's no reason why we can't do that. Maybe they can do that on the sequel?

Honestly, the main character doesn't look so special, I bet, if i can customize him, he'll look more like an FF character.

Last edited by godsman on 2/11/2010 10:41:42 PM

0 up, 2 down

OtisFeelgood
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:41:20 PM
Reply

I'll be picking this up tomorrow.

2 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:57:55 PM

did you ever get a PS3?

0 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 7:20:22 AM

No... He's picking it up so he can put in his toaster. ;)

10 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 5:07:20 PM

lol, Orvisman, Otis always talks about games he is going to get, but somewhere along the way he let us know he doesn't have a PS3. I think his broke.

0 up, 0 down

Kiwi of DOOM
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:41:51 PM
Reply

This game is definately worth any RPG lovers time just like you said Ben. i can't seem to stop playing.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:59:59 AM

It's Arnold!

Hmmm! The game's addictive?
I remember cloking in 224+ hours in Final Fantasy XII

If this game can hook me like that it'll be one of my faves games this year :O

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:45:51 PM
Reply

Thanks Arnold for a fair and balanced review. The oddly harsh reviews from other sources are really strangely negative, almost as if the reviewer had an axe to grind with someone, or a butt to kiss with someone else... It's nice to see that PSXExtreme is not subject to such pressure.

6 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:44:05 AM

They were negative becuase I really feel their has been a backlash towards JRPGS. JRPGS need not be innovative, simply give the fans what they've always enjoyed and they will be happy. I don't care that the storyline is blah, I love the gameplay and collecting the various accessories.

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:21:39 AM

THANK YOU!

OMG finally someone else says what I have been thinking for years now. I am sick to death of people demanding that JRPGs evolve and give something different. If I wanted something different, I would buy a different genre of game.

I want a bloody JRPG. The more 'new' they become, the less JRPG they are. Changing the game to appeal to western fans equals movement away from what makes a JRPG a JRPG. Stop innovating for the sake of innovating. And stop listening to Microsoft, they wouldn't know a good JRPG if it sat up and bit them.

7 up, 1 down

Mr Bitey
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:41:45 AM

I enjoyed Dragon Age a lot. But it was a re-imaging of The Lord of the Rings. Plus it was one of the ugliest games I've put into my PS3.

Seeing how the critics swooned over DA:O and slammed WKC, it makes one wonder.

WKC is cliche, but DA:O was original? WKC's graphics are bad, but DA:O's were good? WKC's online modes don't amount to a hill of beans?

I think most critics are already set in the mind frame of WRPG=good JRPG=bad. It's pretty obvious.

2 up, 1 down

Snaaaake
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:46:52 PM
Reply

Thanks Arnie.......WKC has been added BACK to my wishlist.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:47:37 PM
Reply

I was losing hope in this game. Glad to see you gave it a decent play through before pumping out a review.

I gotta say though, I'm totally shocked at the 8.9 replay value. That's quite high and yet you don't mention in your review why that is. You've really piqued my interest with that one.

0 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 11:30:56 PM

Well, the main story is about as long as you'd expect from a J-RPG game, and the additional 50 side-quests help too.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:30:12 PM

Damn. Sounds like a really good game.

0 up, 0 down

Roach721
Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 3:30:07 AM

Leveling up and killing monsters certainly gives it it's replay value for me. I love just walking around its vast land just slaughtering creatures for experience. ;)

0 up, 1 down

Deleted User
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 10:50:41 PM
Reply

Cant wait to play it. This reminds me of old school rpg goodness. Certainly better than watching FF 13 ...eer I mean playing it.
Heh.

End of Line.

4 up, 1 down

NeoHumpty
Thursday, February 11, 2010 @ 11:19:36 PM
Reply

Ok. I'm still wondering if I should get this or Bioshock 2. Already buying Heavy Rain, so I have no room in my budget for all 3. I loved Bioshock, but FFXII was one of my least favorite in the series. What do you say, Ben? Probably Bioshock 2, I'm guessing?

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:42:01 AM

WKC will give you more gameplay for your buck, that I can promise you.

4 up, 1 down

Fane1024
Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 4:14:30 PM

...unless he REALLY likes the BioShock 2 multiplayer.

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:23:28 AM
Reply

I'm still on the fence. Arnold, I appreciate your enthusiasm for this game, but I'm curious. IGN called out specific arguments against the game. Did you find the combat system unfair, or poorly designed? Basically, the IGN guy claimed the monsters can hit you from anywhere -close range, or not- and, yet, the player cannot do the same. Also, he cited the -area of effect- spells as being spotty at detecting enemies. He also dinged the game for having a boring combat system with lots of waiting with few logical choices to be made other than using your most powerful attack, and recovery spells. I've had my eye of this game for some time now, but the specific arguments made against it have me concerned. Is this IGN guy over-reacting to issues that aren't as bad as he made them out to be? I'm not into games like Bioshock or Heavy Rain-though, I may give HR a chance given the time- WKC is most appealing to me, so it has me the most curious.

0 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 9:00:07 AM

I watched the IGN review. I don't think the reviewer understood the battle system.

It's a real time system, but battles have a turn based feel. Once an enemy locks on to you, he will be able to hit you. You can break the lock on, by moving or running away.

Enemies will not lock on until you go into their range. So they won't be hitting you from across the battle field.

Battles tend to be on the easy side. Even a little too easy IMO. IGN made the battle system sound cheap/broken, but it's not.

Also the review captured enemies hitting players through walls. I'm 29+ hours in, and I have yet to see that happen.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:25:12 AM

It's a turn based combat system and I am not sure that walls and distance are factors in the combat system. Certainly they are visual factors, but if they lined up the allies and foes as in a conventional turn based system people would complain about that. So you have real time movement during combat, but it's still a turn based combat system underneath the graphical presentation.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 4:47:33 PM

I don't want to defend the IGN review, since I haven't played WKC and therefore don't know whose opinion is right, but the same reviewer gave Folklore a 9.0, so he's not adverse to "Japanese" games. He isn't one of the many people on IGN who clearly favor WRPGs, as ADAM WEST suggested earlier.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 2/13/2010 4:50:40 PM

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:36:09 AM
Reply

the only thing i dont like about white knight chronicles is that after beating the game, i was at 36, its hard to find a good place to level up. and you need to level up to max multiple times if you are after some trophies. kinda felt weird when i check my trophies after beating the game, 5%. hahaha.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:41:36 AM

Play more online. I LVL up a lot during quests. After I get an S rank me and several friends just mess around on the quests leveling up, not worrying about the time.

0 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:50:18 AM

Nah, ours isn't the highest.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 1:04:22 AM
Reply

All you needed to type was "FFXII" for me to get this game.

If this game shares a lot of similarities with it I'm getting this ASAP!

In fact, it's on my list now (wasn't sure before this review)

Oh ho ho! I knew bastard sites who get paid (proven) to make reviews like Gamespot and IGN were just hoping they were reviewing FPS #1000 instead of WKC
----

The online has me intrigued. The fact that other people can visit your created towns has me REALLY interested. Towns to me in rpgs are a big deal.....it's what paints memories in brain

The story sounds awesome, and I love the design of the characters (unlike in FFXIII)

Should be solid! And so getting White Knight Chronicles 2 when I learn some more Japanese

3 up, 4 down

DIsmael85
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 1:11:51 AM

Please get man, and let me know, we can play online together on it. It's an awesome game.

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:40:32 AM

The gameplay is not as complex as FFXII so be warned. There are about half a dozen options you can select for each character you don't control but nothing close to matching the gambit system found in XII.

1 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 9:39:45 AM

Hey Scarecrow.

I get it on the 19th, add me and i'd love to co-op with you at some point.

That goes to anyone else willing to co-op

PSN: HouseQuake

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 4:15:49 PM

Gambits were great!

2 up, 0 down

spiderboi
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 3:05:45 AM
Reply

A question to Ben (or any others who've played through WKC):
Since its most apparently a FFXII clone, is the story likewise a clone? Coz I for one didn't enjoy FFXII story. The most forgettable among all FF's IMO.

0 up, 2 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:39:28 AM

No, not at all. The storyline is IMO the weakest thing going for the game and has nothing similar with FFXII. The gameplay while similar to FFXII is a little weaker than it IMO. Either way it's a very enjoyable experience. Especially if you know people that have it and have mics. Like I've said before I find myself playing the SP just to unlock new quests to MP with fellow friends.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 4:15:13 PM

I too found the gameplay to be a dumbed down version of FFXII. But that's not bad thing. its still very enjoyable.

As for the story, its nothing like FFXII. it could be told better but so far im enjoying that as well.

0 up, 0 down

Masry_XI
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 3:34:10 AM
Reply

Star ocean the last hope international review Please :)

1 up, 0 down

Ricochet
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:28:50 AM
Reply

Righteous review Arnold. It seems in this current generation, "pretentious" reviewers pave the way to WRPG and set them as standard to all RPG's hence the poor/above average reviews on JRPG's. I'm glad you pointed out the review very nicely and I will buy this game as soon as I get my pay.

1 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:37:37 AM
Reply

Hell ya, so glad you found the same fun I did in the game Arnold. This was a day1 purchase for me and so far I'm 30+hrs into the game and I've only played 7quests thus far. I'm really enjoying all there is to do in the game and quite honestly I enjoy the gameplay more than MassEffect2 anyday.

1 up, 0 down

Milonakis
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 7:31:39 AM
Reply

At least WKC has towns. If FFXIII spent time making towns they probably wouldn't have achieved the graphics they did.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:28:26 AM

They did spend time making towns. Unfortunately they were cut, along with "enough content to make a whole game" prior to release, because SE and perhaps MS wanted to have DLC that they could goug....er...charge players extra for.

4 up, 1 down

Lotusflow3r
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 8:04:40 AM
Reply

PSXExtreme....

My respect for you guys has boosted MASSIVELY.

Not because i suddenly agree with a review but, this game is CLEARLY not a 4-6/10 game! You just know at the videos (meaning people's own videos on youtube playing it).

It's fantastic that you brushed off the mysterious hatred for this game by other so-called critics.

This remains my most wanted RPG above every other. It speaks to me like no other RPG this gen...the cockney frogs, communication birds, vibrant colours, huge towns, world map, save the princess story with a newly added mature theme, Uematsu style music...and mostly, it keeps in touch with all roots of an RPG, something many new "RPG's" have failed to do. It's all i have missed in an RPG.

I'm just glad (and impressed) that you actually saw it for what it was....a great JRPG.

Much respect to the site and consider me paying more attention to your opinions!

Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 2/12/2010 8:19:52 AM

4 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 8:29:55 AM
Reply

The IGN guy is just some 24 year-old who shouldn't be reviewing games because of his inexperience. I don't know why these major sites rely on young people to give opinions on games that probably are usually hastily written, dishonest and lazy.

1 up, 1 down

Mr Bitey
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 8:52:41 AM
Reply

The game isn't perfect, but giving the game 40-50 is just asinine.

I think the single player is good. The online modes are are a great. Georoma and Geonet are incredibility original.

So as a total package, the game is amongst the best RPGs of this gen.

2 up, 0 down

Arvis
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 9:18:24 AM
Reply

Great review, Arnold. It's nice to read a review where the numerical scores actually match up with what the reviewer is saying.

Check out this AMAZING (wink-wink) blog entry on the subject. The writer had a lot of the same problems as you guys did.

http://www.gametrawler.com/node/20

-Arvis

2 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 11:31:12 AM

Good write up. The IGN review was full of contradictions.

During the coarse of the review it seemed like he was reviewing a game he was pleased with, but then there it was, 51. ?

1 up, 0 down

darxed
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 9:27:36 AM
Reply

Well that's it, getting it as soon as I can. I'm really glad that finally some goods JRPGs are getting to the PS3... took long enough eh? now I just have to wait till my FFXIII copy comes... Ahh It's so good to have a PS3! It only does all the games I like!

3 up, 0 down

tes37
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 9:30:48 AM
Reply

Great review. This really is a good game. Been able to play a little online and the people were very friendly. It's kinda cool playing an rpg with real people controlling the other members of the group.

1 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 10:53:12 AM
Reply

Man, I'm happy so many of you like the game!

7 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 11:22:32 AM

It's been on my 'get list' for a long time. Thank you again for the substantive review.

Last edited by Highlander on 2/12/2010 11:22:45 AM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:25:07 PM

I TOLD you they would. :)

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:33:23 PM

I was very interested in WKC but the initial reviews definitely made me nervous. You, however, obviously understand the appeal of most jrpgs. It's on my "to get list" and is again ahead of my FFXIII purchase.

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 4:10:58 PM

I bought this before i read any of the reviews. I knew it would be as good as Final Fantasy.

For me and JPRGs there was always Final Fantasy...then everything else. WKC does sit with "everything else" but its certainly much better then most reviewers have been saying.

Once again, PSX delivers a fair review.

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 5:00:36 PM

Solid review, Arnold, for a solid game.

1 up, 0 down

SILVERAMMO
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 11:00:54 AM
Reply

thanxs for gret review i felt the others to biased becsasue of the coparison to ff13 . plus 13 has no towns from what i have heard

1 up, 0 down

Robochic
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 11:05:44 AM
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Arnold thanks for the review, I couldn't believe either the crappy reviews other sites were giving it. I haven't played it was waiting for a true review to decide so just waiting to see what I get for my birthday.

1 up, 0 down

Bandit King
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 11:19:58 AM
Reply

Glad to see an honest review of this title, not because of the score but because you clearly have a better understanding of what a Japanese RPG is. I really can't believe IGN slammed this with a 5.1, it just boggles my mind that this game could be that bad. Either way I bought this but have yet to start it, as with this, Star Ocean, and FF13 all so close I want to wait until they are all out so I can pick which one to start. I have got to say I found this site a while back just by chance but it is becoming the only place I trust for reviews online (even if I disagree sometimes).

1 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:03:24 PM

My thoughts exactly, Ryo.

Question: when are you going to change your clothes?

2 up, 0 down

Random_Steve
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:07:44 PM
Reply

5.1 is average, not unplayable

0 up, 0 down

ArnoldK PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 5:26:10 PM

A 7+ is average.

When you got 50s on your tests back in school, did you pass? Didn't think so. It's been the standard grading method for decades and decades.

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 6:19:00 PM

yea i dont usually but any games with less then 8 average review score. I only bought this one because i figured it would be good before reading reviews. IGN and most of the other low review scores are a joke.

0 up, 0 down

Drodin
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 12:46:08 PM
Reply

This was a day-1 buy for me, but I couldn't give it anything higher than a 7.0.

The battle system is really only like FFXII in how the fighting starts, and that there are party members that act on their own. Both games has an MMO style and feel, but WKC character development is nowhere near FFXII. You could learn 5 skills and pretty much never use anything else. All the weapon sets pretty much play out the same, aside from the bow and magics. And the use of MP or combat chips really doesn't make any difference in the attacks power for some reason.
For example, with a sword there is a Lunging Strike attack that takes no AC and often times does more damage than another attack that takes 3 AC. That just makes no sense and is frustrating. There is not enough distinction among any attacks to justify moving to different moves other than sheer boredom of waiting for the circle to fill up.

But, Battle is my biggest complaint. The rest of the game is just above average. Towns are nice to have, and the graphics and sound are pretty good. The georama is a lot of fun, and the online parts work well enough, kind of redundant after a while.

One final complaint about this game is the microtransactions and the Makeover Ticket DLC works. The developers thought for some reason it should cost $5 to recustomize your avatar, each time it costs that much. This type of flat out scam really makes me hesitate each time I start the game. But since it is optional for the most part I can let it slide.

If I weren't desparate for a JRPG to play I probably wouldn't play this game anymore, but it's good enough to spend time with, even with its disappointing gameplay.

1 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 4:30:19 PM
Reply

Will PSXE be doing a Last Rebellion review?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 12, 2010 @ 8:37:50 PM

I'll try but I can't guarantee anything.

0 up, 0 down

Hestar
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 12:01:23 PM
Reply

8.5 no way,the games more like a 6.5.ff13 blew this game away I just can't see it getting a 8.5.

Last edited by Hestar on 2/14/2010 12:03:14 PM

0 up, 5 down

Knightedrik
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 12:02:40 PM
Reply

If your looking to pick this game up.. here's a few things you might wanna know in advance.

1. The story is a mear 25 or so hours long. It's so short, I was actually shocked. I didn't even realize I was at the final boss until the credits started to roll.

2. If your looking for trophies, look elsewhere. There are only 24 trophies in this game, and they take a long damn time to achieve.

3. This game can take upwards of 1,000 (yes, that's one thousand) hours to platinum. I hear the japanese are doing it in about 700-800 hours, but as we all know.. they're well organized, and armed to the teeth.

4. The meat and potatoes of this game, is the multiplayer aspect. Having fun and completing missions with friends kind of makes up for the severe shortness of the story mode. And in order to get the trophy for 50 rank S mission completions, you and your friends had better be damn good at this game.

So, in short.. If your looking for a great JRPG with a good story, you should pick this one up.. if you enjoy coop games with friends, be sure to get this. But, this game was not made for trophy hunters.. it's basically made for the fans. Although I will say that having this platinum would kinda be like the crown jewel in your rpg trophy collection.

I hope you enjoy this game as much as I have.

3 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 2:32:09 PM

I have a feeling most ps3 owners don't give a flack 'bout trophies

Oh, I'm one of them

0 up, 0 down

Shikoro
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 3:48:50 PM
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This is THE best WKC review out there, period.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 7:34:01 AM
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I would like to say that i waited for this game for about 2 years. I heard about this game before they had announced release date for japan and with the first video i saw my interset was peaked. Over the course of those 2 years my interest and desire to play this game grew and grew.

Have you ever gotten so hyped about something that you were afraid it would be a let down even if it was really good? Thats how i felt a few days before this game released here, i thought for sure that i would get the game and be disappointed just because it didn't meet my own hype. I can gladly say, i was not disappointed. Thanks Arnold for a real review of this game.

I'm the kind of rpg player where if you can beat the game in 50 hours it will probably take me at least 125 hours. I have to explore every map, every crevice, every house, hole, and corner i can find. Personally i think if you beat this game in 25 hours you need to go back to your fps and realize rpg just isn't for you. (personal opinion tho) I think people forget that rpg stands for Role Playing Game. I've already put 65 hours into this game and i'm barely getting started. Every time i turn this game on i become a part of it and everything else just melts away.

I've heard over and over about how the graphics aren't that great. I have to disagree. Are they like heavy rain in that the characters are depicted as being true to life, no. However art has many styles and i think the graphics on this game have chosen to be more exaggerated and fantasy like than realistic. I feel like saying wkc has bad graphics is like saying picasso was a bad artist because his drawings weren't lifelike. I happen to love the graphics and find them beautiful.

Amazing soundtrack, great voice acting, and i'm personally glad to see an rpg where i'm awesome, but i'm not the main event. I don't have to be the center of the story to enjoy the moment.

So far i've personally enjoyed this game more than ffxii. For a long time the gambits on ff12 were enjoyable but later i felt they required to much micromanaging. Wkc feels like the ai players at least have some of their own brain power and don't require my help to tie their shoes.

I could go in to greater detail on many area's but my comment has been long winded enough. Thanks again to psx for giving reliable and trustworthy reviews. I hope more people will wake up and see how amazing this game is.

1 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ 3:08:29 PM

Thanx for that. I enjoyed reading it..

I'm also as hyped as you, i get it on the 26th and i think it will be ps3's best jrpg and better than FFXlll easy.

0 up, 0 down

Cabalavatar1
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 1:34:35 PM
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Such reviews are what I love about this site and why I think that its popularity is not nearly high enough. Honest, detailed, thorough reviews, so far every time that I read them. I've disagreed only with CODMW2, but not even that much.
I suppose this entry is simply meant as encouragement for the reviewers on this site to continue their dedication to such helpful and, to my mind, appropriate reviewing.
I use you all as a guide before purchasing (though that doesn't mean I always just follow lol). Thank you.

0 up, 0 down

rezenu
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 5:34:57 PM
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Thanks for the honest review. I'm definitely going to check it out now.

0 up, 0 down

stemon
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 4:10:29 AM
Reply

I aint read a review on IGN since Cross edge the guy who did that obvioulsy played it for about an hour n based his opinion from that I for one will deffo pick this game up as I have played every Level 5 game and enjoyed them all.

1 up, 0 down

NeoHumpty
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 9:00:00 AM
Reply

Ok. First time I disagree with a critique on this site. I bought it used, luckily, so I can return it today. The fighting is so headache inducing that I had to turn it off after two hours. The targeting is convoluted. The characters are annoying. You were right that it is a FFXII clone, because it reminded me of what I hated about that game. And the camera is mildly retarded. I was really hoping for a great RPG. Oh, well. Heavy Rain, here I come.

0 up, 3 down

Irievibes
Friday, March 05, 2010 @ 9:37:52 AM
Reply

this game is good, a good rpg with that classic feel, dont let the naysayers keep you from trying it...

did you like suikoden, old FF's , and all those old jrpgs?

then if so you will most likely find this game awsome like i do,

my ONLY complaint is the story is kinda cliche / predictable, but i guess thats the "teen" rated aspect of it

1 up, 0 down

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