AirPirates and a great story makes this an epic role playing game. A classic remade for the Gamecube (Skies Of Arcadia Legends (GC))

Member Name: chiefo

Product:	Skies Of Arcadia Legends (GC)
Date:	16/05/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Story, Graphics, Audio, Hours of game play. Humour. Huge world.

Disadvantages: None that are worth mentioning.

Originally released on the Sega Dreamcast, Skies of Arcadia was remade on its way to the Gamecube in 2003. This is game that deserved a lot more recognition that it received. It is a turn based role playing game (RPG) that is set in a world dominated by 'air pirates'.

You play the role of Vyse, he is the main character in the game but you also get to recruit others as the plot thickens. As you would expect the game has you needing to help a person in need. You'll take on an empire, air pirates and other enemies in epic battles. One thing I loved about the game was the exploration, the gaming world is massive! And, it also has depth meaning you can fly your vessel up and down. You are given a map which shows your current position and uncovered areas you have visited.
Once you reach new destinations they are added to the map, exploring these places is a lot of fun, make sure you stock up on supplies though because getting to the end which might involve battling a boss like enemy might be a bit too difficult if you are not prepared.

So anyway, about the battling, you earn XP through your victories. You also get to upgrade these gems that give you different powers based on the elements. Air, Fire, Wind etc. It really is good how in depth they are and you get to develop your own fighting style. Furthermore, there are special moves that you can pull off through the usage of your special points that you accrue each turn. The fighting is turn based so each of your characters gets to choose an action such as spell, item, fight, defend, and then your foe chooses theirs.

The game proceeds from there, you follow the story doing side quests along the way such as looking for discoveries, collecting bounties. This all adds to what is a pretty amazing game. You'll also get the chance to develop your characters and ship! This is done by buying items from shops or finding them around locations in the world.

The gameplay is smooth and well paced. You don't notice how quick times goes by when you are playing it and before you know it a few hours have passed. The only drawback is the saving, you cannot save whilst in a dungeon/temple type area. They can take a couple of hours to finish so make sure you don't have any plans if you are going to attempt to finish them. Apart from that and the enemies possibly being the same too often you have a nicely polished game that is fun to the end.

It offers a lot of hours gameplay, good graphics, audio and story. Well worth buying if you have played the original and definitely worth owning if you haven't.

5 out of 5

Summary: A great RPG that shouldn't be missed.