Rogue Galaxy: One Last Excellent RPG for the PS2
Written: May 04 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great gameplay, no load times, fun to play...
Cons: Story isn't quite as complex as some genre fans may like...
The Bottom Line: Are you still stuck with your PS2? No cash left to buy the PS3? No worries...just get Rogue Galaxy and be very, very happy.
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| lambchops's Full Review: Rogue Galaxy (Japan Version) for PlayStation 2 |
I'm female, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good RPG every now and then. Over the years I've discovered I'm particularly fond of the Suikoden series (I own III-V), Final Fantasy series (I own VII-XII), Atelier Iris, Dragon Quest, and even Kingdom Hearts. I haven't dug enough into the genre, but I do know there are other titles I'm not a fan of (Xenosaga in particular). I've been wanting to play Rogue Galaxy for a while now and only just got around to making the purchase. It has turned out to be everything I love about RPGs...and more!
Rogue Galaxy was developed by Japanese company Level-5 (Dark Cloud, Dragon Quest VIII) and released by Sony for the Playstation 2. It lives up to my expectations and actually exceeds what I hope for in any RPG. It was originally released in Japan in 2005 but didn't hit shelves in Europe and the United States until 2007. I read some outstanding reviews that peaked my interest. I also got some good word-of-mouth recommendations that were pretty impressive. Of course Rogue Galaxy cost $50 at that time. Now that it is $20 I can't imagine a reason not to buy this exciting Playstation 2 title.
The Story
The science fiction game follows young Jaster Rogue. He is an orphan from the planet Rosa and dreams to being a space pirate. He gets his opportunity when he is mistaken for Desert Claw, the most successful bounty hunter in the galaxy. During a fight with a gigantic monster that attacked Rosa two pirates, Simon and Steve, see him using a legendary sword and almost immediately ask him to join their ship to seek out new treasures and adventures. It is on Captain Dorgengoa's ship that Jasper meets Kisala (Dorgengoa's daughter), Steve (a robot), Simon (a pirate), and Zegram (a mercenary). Throughout his journey he also encounters other friends--planet Juraika native Lilika, ex-military man Deego, and master hacker Jupis.
The group travels across the galaxy to various planets hoping to find the fabled Planet Eden which is rumored to be the source of unlimited treasures and immortality. Along the way, they face many foes, multiple landscapes, and tons of challenges (not to mention puzzles). Each twist and turn offers up new surprises, enemies, monsters, and opportunities to upgrade skills, gear, and weapons.
Gameplay
As is the case with the vast majority of modern RPGs, Rogue Galaxy offers players the opportunity to choose which character to control. Each character has a different aptitude. Some shoot bows, other wield daggers or swords, and some even whack at enemies with specialized gloves, energy beams, and axes. There are both human(oid) and mechanical heroes, each offering something a little different (some being better at killing some opponents than others).
Unlike some of my favorite RPG titles, Rogue Galaxy is not turn based. When you enter into battle, you control your chosen character. There are of course options during battle--you can even change which protagonist will do your bidding. The options are pretty normal for these kinds of games. You can select whether to use an ability, item, change equipment, go to the main menu and tweak some settings, or just hack n' slash (my favorite method). Different creatures/baddies may require different abilities or methods. There are also special challenges which ask players to complete a specific task to earn a coin that can be turned in for special licenses.
Worlds are interactive and have different shops, characters, dungeons, treasures, and bosses. I wouldn't say they are TOTALLY interactive. It's not like there are different vertical levels nor do they offer the ability to climb in trees or caves beneath the surface. There are however multiple ways to get to the same point and exploring all avenues will yield special encounters and rewards. There are items spread throughout the worlds that can be collected from enemies and as treasure. These items can be combined to form new, improved items and powerful weapons. Weapons and armor are synthesized using a helpful frog in your inventory while a factory earned on another planet and blueprints collected throughout the worlds allow for the manufacture of other items.
There really are lots of ways to play Rogue Galaxy even if the story isn't the most original (though I do believe it is outside the box with it's science fiction slant). Controls are predictable. The only caveats are that you use the directional buttons to choose an enemy, you have to run away LITERALLY to escape powerful foes (and you can't if they are bosses, mimics, or specifically part of the story), and the characters you aren't controlling (there are three in the party) will make battle suggestions to which you have to replay with a L1 or L2 (or just ignore).
Sound & Graphics
Fans of previous Level 5 titles will not be surprised at the look of this game. It resembles Dark Cloud 2 in particular. With that said it is also beautiful, colorful, detailed, and fully imagined. This isn't a realistic looking game. The characters and settings are cartoon-like and fantastic. The creatures are unlike anything on Earth, but most of the characters both major and minor are humanoid. Some live in large cities, others in the desert, and still others in jungle tribes. There are lots of different looks, sounds, and music to go with each location. This is top notch design. Everything is perfect and connected to the surroundings and characters. You feel like you are a part of what you are playing.
Of course the graphics would be nothing if the actual load times were impossible to stomach. I frequently am disturbed by times that last as long a thirty seconds and even a minute. I hate cut scenes you can skip through. None of these things applies to Rogue Galaxy. In fact, there are NO load times during the actual game. Load times are masked by trips on trains, elevators, and even smaller and less predictable places. They are almost completely invisible. I also love the fact that all the story cut scenes can be skipped through. Just hit one little button and then confirm your choice and all will continue with out annoying and unnecessary videos (stories are important, but they get in the way of gameplay).
Sound is also key to the success of any game. The music here is lovely, atmospheric, and not at all distracting. It doesn't feel as repetitive as some other games (Dragon Quest VIII comes to mind immediately) and does support the story. The music is scored by Tomohito Nishiura of Level 5. The voice actors are also adept in their roles--kudos go to Will Friedle (of Boy Meets World, Batman Beyond). I'm also impressed by all the other main actors.
Conclusion
I have no choice but to recommend Rogue Galaxy to fans of the genre. The story isn't as "deep" as, oh, Suikoden or Final Fantasy but I think the fast-paced battles, lack of load times, graceful score, and beautiful animation make up for that flaw. I definitely enjoy PLAYING a game more than getting to know its characters. I don't want flat, two-dimensional main characters either but I don't care much about their childhood or love life either.
If you've been hoping for one last shining star for your basically defunct Playstation 2, then Rogue Galaxy is for you. It is very clean (rated T), though because fo the sheer time it takes to play and complexity of the story not appropriate for anybody younger than 13 or 14. I really enjoy this game. Highly, highly recommended--especially now that it is easily gotten brand new for just $20. A classic for the PS2.
Recommended:
Yes
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lambchops
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Member: Shelly T.
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
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Bye-bye CL hat. Hopefully I'll write some new reviews some time soon!
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