kewlbeans's Full Review: Baten Kaitos for GameCube
It's no secret that the GC definitely lacks RPG titles. With the release of Tales of Symphonia, I thought that perhaps it could redeem the GC, and while it was a fun game, I was ultimately disappointed by it.
I guess that would explain the reason why I was skeptical when I heard of Baten Kaitos. I am, however, quite the optimist, so I decided to give it a shot.
My optimism paid off.
You actually don't technically play as the main character, but rather as a 'Guardian Spirit' bonded with our little hero, Kalas. Occasionally, you will be asked for advice, and with the given options, pick what to say. The story is quite linear, and to my knowledge, what you decide to say doesn't affect the game. But it is a neat aspect of the game that was fun.
Most reviews I read criticized the story above all things. Honestly, I found this a bit surprising; I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. The first disc of the game acts as an exposition for things to come, but the second disc is filled with tons of character and story development that I found to be excellent. There are a couple of genuine twists that will shock you, and the ending was great and provided me with a sense of closure. RPG-wise, if the game does not have a good story, I will gradually lose interest and not finish it. However, with Baten Kaitos, I was enthralled from beginning to end. No complaints here.
Graphically, this game is amazing. The pre-rendered backgrounds and use of various colors makes the world of Baten Kaitos an absolute joy to explore; it's definitely one of the prettiest games I have ever played. Graphics may not be able to salvage a mediocre game, but if used correctly, can add to the overall gaming experience.
Please, please, please do not deprive this game of a chance because you found out that the battle-system is card based. It plays much like any other turned-based RPG, except not with the generic FF-like battle system. Along your journey, you will acquire many cards, otherwise referred to as 'Magnus'. The real strategic element of the game is actually based on arranging the deck. Much like Chrono Cross, there is an elemental system that can either hinder or help the overall damage to an enemy. During each turn, you have a certain limit of cards to select for attacks, healing, or defense. If you're attacking, having contradicting elements in the same turn will cancel out each other, decreasing the amount of damage (same goes for healing and defending). If the enemies in a particular area are water-based, for example, it would be awfully wise of you to arrange your deck with fire-based magnus. Also, when an enemy attacks you, you don't actually have to just stand there and take it; there are magnus made specifically for defense. This adds a bit more challenge, as you will need to balance your deck with attack, defensive, and healing magnus. On each card is a number in the corner(s), called 'Spirit Numbers'. These play a large factor in the battle system: you can get pairs (more than one card with the same number), straights (card #s are in order), etc., which will add a 'prize', or percentage, to the base damage done.
Another unique feature of the game is that it actually uses time. In other words, magnus evolve over a certain amount of minutes (or hours, even). If you obtain a milk magnus, it will turn into yogurt, eventually turning into cheese. It can either be for the better or for worse, depending on what you need it for.
Originality is something Baten Kaitos has. Levelling up and earning money greatly differ from other RPGs as well.
Levelling Up: There are two different types of save points. One is red, and the other is blue. The blue save point will allow you to visit the church, where you can level up by praying (using EXP gained through battles). The red save point only lets you save your progress.
Earning Money: Instead of enemies dropping money, they will drop magnus for you to choose from. This actually makes sense, because I don't think you would generally expect a random flying creature to be carrying much money on them. You have to take pictures of an enemy and sell them at a shop. While normal enemies' pictures may not be worth much, bosses and the like will earn you a big hunk of change.
To top it all off, Baten Kaitos has an excellent soundtrack. Each time you hear a new song, it will be added to the Music option in your menu, which lets you listen to any song that you've previously heard in the game. My only real complaint about Baten Kaitos is the voice acting, which you can turn off. It sounds awful.
Ironically, Baten Kaitos is made by the same team who created Xenosaga, but BK has no CG cutscenes (besides an opening). You read a dialouge box with the character's facial expresions, which is sufficient enough (and is much better than hearing the voice acting!).
Other info:
Hours Logged - 55
Sidequests - 3 that I know of
Finishing Level - My strongest character was at 82, which made the final boss extremely easy
All in all, Baten Kaitos is a must play for 'Cube RPG fans. I'd recommend over ToS anyday. Greatest RPG release of the year.
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