Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I really, really enjoyed this game.
Let me preface this first by saying I am not a fan of JRPGs; the linear storyline ("interactive movie") doesn't appeal to me. And I confess I am a fan of strategy games. Simple strategy with lots of applications really interests me. I'm an avid chess player as well, though, so take my review with a grain of salt.
I loved this game.
Spectral Force 3 breaks a lot of conventions. Its non-linear storyline will keep you interested for replay after replay. Its character customization will put the burden of power on you. Its completely open-ended gameplay will frustrate you, and reward you.
The storyline is fairly basic - you're a boy, given control of a mercenary unit, and told to save the world. However, what "save the world" means can differ significantly from replay to replay. You have the option to ally with any one of the nine (!) kingdoms, or none of them. You can switch alliances mid-game. You, alone, decide which kingdom wins the ultimate battle - and, therefore, saves the world.
The gameplay is actually simple, and, like all good strategy games, can quickly add up to some fairly deep turn movement. Much of your turn will be used deciding which character to "teamwork" in to the turn. You'll also have to consider placement, status effects, and weapon types. There ends up being a surprising amount of complexity for a simple system.
I admit the graphics are fairly weak, although not as horrible as other people have made them out to be. The budget's been spent on animating movement, rather than cut scenes (and, lord, those cut scenes are horrible). But what animation exists is very tight. Archer units step back and brace themselves for a shot. Spear units lunge forward and strike solidly. Enjoy the bits of animation, and (please) ignore the awful cut scenes.
Finally, the instruction book is bad. Bad. Horrible. Bad. I can't-- there aren't enough words in the English language that I can call here to properly give you an idea of how bad the instruction book is. Throw it out; that's my advice.
Keep at it, though. It took me about four hours to really understand the battle system and the various implements I can bring to bear on the combat. If you persevere, you'll be rewarded with a shockingly good game.
I know it's not for everyone. I know it's difficult, and picky, and suffers from the anime-cliche. I know, furthermore, that the instructions are nothing short of a biblical atrocity. I know that this game won't sell very well. I know.
But Spectral Force 3 is good for gamers who want a choice; gamers who enjoy pitting strategy against a computer. If you're looking to get the powerup and win the game, this isn't necessarily the game for you.
If, however, you're looking for a surprisingly innovative and deep set of challenges with high replay value, this is a good game to pick up.
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Magic Era 996. The ten kingdoms of the land, seizing the opportunity provided by Overlord Janus's death, are attempting to unify the continent under their own banners. This is the beginning of the Great Neverland War. In order to bolster their defenses, kingdoms have begun hiring mercenary units. As new members of the Norius Mercenaries, you and your friend Diaz are eager to prove yourselves. When the squad's commander Judo is mortally wounded in battle, the mantle of leadership is entrusted to you, so the adventure begins.
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