Eternal Sonata

GAME: Eternal Sonata

DEVELOPER: Tri-Crescendo

PUBLISHER: Bandai-Namco

PLATFORM: Xbox 360 (Also released later on PS3)

RELEASE DATE (North America): September 17th, 2007 (October 21, 2008 for PS3 version)

GENRE: Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG)

 

SHORT REVIEW

A hidden gem of a game that you probably didn't hear about. One of those games where, after playing through it and loving it, you say to yourself, "How did I not hear about this one?"

 

LONG REVIEW

(Note that a PS3 version of the game was released 13 months after the 360 version, including two more playable characters and other additions. I am reviewing the first version, the 360 version.)

 

At first glance, Eternal Sonata will stupefy you with its artsy graphics, beautiful environments, and incredible music (by the man himself, Frederic Chopin). Beyond that veil, Eternal Sonata is an extremely solid RPG that is both accessible for people who are new to RPGs and deep for RPG veterans. Basic RPG elements are blended with features from other game genres, resulting in new, innovative, and extremely fun gameplay.

 

Aside from its amazing art direction, the most noticeable feature of Eternal Sonata is the combat system. It is a rare mix of real-time strategy gameplay, turn-based strategy gameplay, and action-adventure gameplay. The fastest character begins, starting out with "Tactical Time". Tactical Time is a period (usually from 0 to 5 seconds) in which you may plan how you will spend your "Action Time". Action Time begins when you move, or when your Tactical Time runs out. You have until this time runs out (4-5 seconds) to do whatever you want; attacks, special attacks, moving, or using items. After your Action Time runs out, your character finishes whatever they are currently doing, and it's the next character's turn.

 

The battle system also features a strange way of deciding which special attacks your character can use. There are Light Special Attacks and Dark Special Attacks, which can be used when you are standing in sunlight or in shadow, respectively. Torches, sunlight, and some enemies (among other things) will produce light for you to stand in and use your Light Special Attacks, while standing in shadows cast by walls, obstacles, and even enemies/party members will allow you to use your Dark Special Attacks. Perfecting how to position your characters based on their special attacks may give you that last little boost you need to overcome a tough boss.

 

Finally, the coup de grace of the combat system, the "Party Level" system. As your characters grow in level when you defeat enemies and gain experience, your party can grow in level as you progress through the game. Your Party Level affects many aspects of the combat, such as the number of items you can hold, how much Tactical Time you have, and how much Action Time you have (among other things). Generally, as your party level progresses, you get less Tactical and Action Time, but obtain more item slots and other bonuses.

 

Outside of combat, the game functions like any other RPG (if slightly more linear than usual). Basic traveling, reaching objectives, killing enemies along the way. But yet another great aspect of Eternal Sonata is its story.

 

Eternal Sonata follows the story of a 39-year old Frederic Francois Chopin, a famous composer and pianist from The Netherlands. On his deathbed (note; in real life, Chopin died at the age of 39, the age he is in the game), Chopin phases back and forth between reality and a world that seems to only be in his dreams. He befriends a terminally ill young girl named Polka, and a street rat named Allegretto. They travel together to ask a simple question to the king of their country, but are quickly swept up into a conspiracy and a revolution. Along the way, they meet a cast of unforgettable characters (such as the revolutionary Jazz and the ever-tough Viola) and embark on an incredible and unforgettable journey. I won't spoil anything, but the story is exceptionally well-told, and complemented nicely by the exceptional art and the music of Frederic Chopin.

 

In closing, I'd give this game a hearty recommendation to anyone, especially RPG fans. The gameplay, art, music, story, and the entire feel of the game blend together to create something nothing less than perfect (or, as close to it as we've seen in a long time).

FINAL SCORE:

10/10