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Orphen scion of sorcery (PS2)
by WayneKWilkins
Orphan: Scion of Sorcery was one of the games that I got when I first had my PS2 over a decade ago. The game initially appealed to me because I was a big fan of RPG games and this was the first RPG I had actually seen on the PS2 at all due to not having an Internet connection at the time. However, even though I was a kid, I still knew a ... good RPG game when I saw and played one, and sadly, I never really liked Orphan. Years after, I played it again, quite recently for the sake of this review, and I really still dislike this game. There is just nothing that keeps me hooked...
The gameplay initially looks like what you would expect from an RPG. You have the ability to roam about town and interact with people, you can hunt for treasure chests and explore dungeons. However, I could never get used to the confusing battle system; it was an unnecessary twist of convention for this game and I believe they should have kept an authentic battle system. That would have made it a bit better, but I still don't think it would have redeemed itself. The storyline was mediocre and I didn't find it memorable at all.
The graphics are also a let down. There is some nice design in regards to characters, enemies and movements, but it is the area design that really annoyed me. Nothing looks polished or complete at all and even loading screens do not make sense. You can enter a door that looks like one thing and then you exit into the same area, it looks completely different. Basically, the area design doesn't make sense to me, and the music isn't memorable either. Combine bad graphics, nothing special music with an unconventional battle system, and you generally have a bad RPG.
Price wise, this game can be bought for next to nothing. I remember seeing it for around 2 pounds in CEX and this is the similar price you can expect online. I would say give it a go if you are an RPG fan - but I am a huge RPG fan and I am usually open to twists in convention - but this, to me, just wasn't worth the effort. There are just too many flaws that are constantly thrown in your face; give this one a miss, unless you see it on the cheap and want to try it for yourself.
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Dark Cloud 2 (PS2)
by WayneKWilkins
Dark Cloud 2, otherwise known as Dark Chronicle, is the sequel to the critically acclaimed and now cult-classic, Dark Cloud. The game perfectly combines a masterful storyline with gorgeous graphics, a flawless soundtrack and a multitude of gaming elements including action RPG and building simulation. Dark Cloud 2 is a gem of a game that ... can be enjoyed by all; but be warned, this game is a challenge despite its easy controls and its simple concept - do not be deceived, this game is really one of the most challenging I have ever played for a number of reasons.
The gameplay element of this game is truly masterful. If you played the original Dark Cloud game, you will see4 many similarities only much more expansive. The towns, this time around, are much more rich and versatile in regards to NPC life and they may wander the town to live their own lives as you play the game. There are plenty more mini games and even town events and festivals for you to enjoy. A new camera system allows you to take photographs of certain things which can be crucial for recruiting new NPC's to your train and even upgrading to new weapons. Both of these new systems are welcome additions.
In this game you can only play as 2 characters, but one of the characters possesses the power to transform into monsters for additional fun. Aside from the town life, the building element makes a return. You must crawl through levels of the dungeon - which is necessary in order to progress onwards with the main storyline - and in doing so, you collect pieces of Georama which can be used to rebuild the town. The building mode is much more versatile this time around, but you must still build in certain ways in order to complete the town to 100%. This is a very fun aspect of the game that I always thoroughly enjoy.
This game is a cult classic and it can be pricey if you want to buy it these days. Expect around 30 pounds if you want this in perfect condition complete with the box and manual, but it is 100% worth every penny. Players can expect:
An epic storyline
Great character development
In-depth gameplay
Lots of additional elements such as a real time system and camera system
challenging dungeons
A great building mode
A customizeable NPC train which can change gameplay
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Eternal Ring (PS2)
by WayneKWilkins
Eternal Ring was basically one of the launch titles on the Playstation 2 that, at the time of its release, was really under appreciated. These days, the game is more of a cult classic, but it still doesn't get the recognition it deserves. I have always been a fan of this game. A little bit of trivia: This game comes from the same ... creators of the Bard series of FPRPG games, the company that will be more known these days as being the creators of Dark Souls. So, how does Eternal Ring fair and is it worth a playthrough or two?
The gameplay of this game is quite difficult. You are given a basic storyline and from there, your goal is basically dungeon crawling in order to achieve the end of the game. As a huge fan of Dungeon Crawling RPG's, this was, to me, was a breath of fresh air. IT took all the best bits from the Bard series and combined it with a dark, almost gothic-like scenery, surroundings and sinister storyline and added some cheeky bonuses to make you love the game. The game is difficult; weapons and rings are hard to come by and NPC interaction is limited forcing you to find your own way.
The graphics and music in the game are brilliant and what you would expect from a launch title. They work well with the gameplay. I would say, in terms of gameplay, Eternal Ring was way before its time; if this was re-made and re-released today, in a world where FP RPG's are limited and dungeon crawling games limited to hand-held consoles, I believe that this game would achieve a huge following. I still love this game and will often go back to it, even though I have finished it time and time again. I believe that it is grossly under-rater and highly under-appreciated; you can get this game, quite literally, for around a pound on Amazon, which is a crying shame, but also a bargain for dungeon crawler fans that will actually appreciate this cult classic title.
I would highly recommend this for:
Fans of modern day challenging games such as Demon's Souls and Dark Souls
Fans of old school dungeon crawler games such as the Bard and Wizardry series of games
Someone looking for something a little different to conventional games
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