Super Street Game Reviews
| Console: PlayStation2 |
| Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. |
| Genre: RPG |
| Hot: Cinematic turn-based battle sequences |
| Not: Challenging for some |
| Score: |  |
Enter the world of Filgaia, a hostile place of desert plains known as "the Sea of Sand." Times are tough and the barren badlands are filled with drifters in search of adventure and fortune. If you are a fan of traditional role-playing games, then Wild Arms 3, Sony's latest release in the Wild Arms series, should be on your "gotta have it" list. Set in the wild west, Sony continues in the Wild Arms series adding some sophisticated new graphics, new turn-based fighting, and great music that is more like a movie soundtrack.
Choose a character and set off on the quest. A mythical, powerful object draws you to a common place where you form an alliance with three other characters in order to save your world. You have four very different characters to choose from: Virginia Maxwell, "The Dual Pistol Dreamer"; Gallow Caradine, "The Man Who Makes Freedom His Policy"; Jet Enduro, "The Rebellious Treasure- Hunter"; or Clive Winslett, "The Proud Sniper." Each character is equipped with their own special weapons and skills.
The controls are smooth and reaction time is fast. Characters can walk, run, jump down, pick up and throw objects, push or pull an object, turn handles, and hang from things. Mastering the moves is critical in order to find vital hidden items, solve puzzles, and engage in turn-based battle sequences to acquire points, build up your character's magical powers, and add to your skills.
The graphics and camera angles of the cell-based animations in the battle sequences are amazing; they really show the power of PlayStation 2. Not to say that the rest of the game doesn't look fantastic, although sometimes the camera gets stuck but can easily be moved by using the L1 and R1 buttons.
If you are not familiar with the RPG genre, then there might be a bit of a learning curve before you get the hang of the game play, but the curve is not too steep, and you will be into it before you know it. For RPG fans, this game is multi-layered and challenging. It's not something that can be finished in a weekend and you should have many long, happy playing hours ahead of you.