Introduction
Dark Cloud is a really good Action-RPG for the PS2. It offers fairly good graphics, although kinda cartoony, pretty good sound, awesome gameplay, and long lastability. In this game your characters don't level up, your weapons do. I feel this gives a new twist to RPG's, which is always welcomed to me. You play through the game as 6 characters, all of which have changable names. Toan, Xiao, Goro, Ruby, Ungaga, and Osmond. You start as Toan in Norune Village, which soon gets destroyed by the Dark Genie. Your quest begins to stop the Genie and rebuild all the villages he destroyed. I hope in my review you'll find why this game is so great. Enjoy!
Graphics |
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The graphics aren't great due to the fact that it's an early PS2 title, but they're still good. They give a very cartoony feel, which is sometimes nice depending on the situation of the game. All weapons are completely different, and not many have similar features. The characters are very well defined, and there isn't much of what I like to call "Pixelated Goodness". So basically, this game has very good cartoony graphics, although they could've been drastically improved.
Sound |
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I rate the sound so low because the characters never talk. They make noises when hurt or attacking, but they never speak. They have speech bubbles hovering over their heads, which is my mind is a huge step backwards. Of course I'm speaking of an early PS2 title, but they definately could've taken the time and the money to give the characters working voices. A lot would be added to the game if only the people had voices. But overall, the music and sounds fit very well with the game. I really enjoy this game's music, it goes well with wherever it's placed. I especially like the Norune Village music. The sound is definately not the game's main attraction, but it's suffice.
Gameplay |
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I LOVE this game's gameplay. It allows you to level up your weapons, not your characters. However, your weapons CAN break. And if that happens, you can't get it back. So you always need to keep repair powders with you. Plus you can change characters whenever you want (unless you're in a city/town area) so you can always have a different battle style if you want it. The story is also very well developed. You always know where to go, and it's always a clear path getting there. So I give props who came with these great ideas!
Lastability |
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This game lasts an incredibly long time. You have a very long story to complete with 6 different dungeons and a hidden one. Plus you'll always be searching for new ways to level up your weapons and build them up into more powerful ones. There's even a fishing mini game! So you'll never be bored with this game, because there's always something to do waiting for you!
Overall |
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Overall I give this game an 8/10 due to it's lack of sound and graphic quality, and it's impressive gameplay and lastability. I love this game, and I won't stop playing it. I love the fishing mini game, it always keeps me busy. Even my mother enjoys it! So I hope you'll definately pick up this great PS2 title, it's well worth the money. Thank you for reading.
Final Score : 76 %
