Video Game Reviews: ‘Grandia III’ fulfills expectations but pilters out on replay value
Titles in GameArt’s stimulating “Grandia” series have always faithfully combined two elements that have successfully set the franchise apart from the unending plethora of “Final Fantasy” wannabes and “Star Ocean” rip-offs: An elegant, colorful design scheme and the most engaging turn-based battle system this side of a six-sided die.
While there have been disappointing entries in the “Grandia” series (most notably the dungeon-heavy spin-off “Grandia Xtreme”), the high production values and engrossing narrative that enriched gamers in “Grandia 2” instilled fans with lofty expectations for the franchise’s inevitable successor. And while the series’ latest installment may not have the provocative, twist-filled storyline of its chronological forerunner or the traditional length of other respectable RPGs, “Grandia III” manages to expand on the series’ most fundamental strengths. And while the changes are not particularly revolutionary, innovation is not necessary for a series that has already established itself as one of the best in the genre.
Many of 2006’s upcoming RPGs, like the oft-delayed “Final Fantasy XII” and Level 5’s “Rogue Galaxy” appear to draw inspiration from the classic Dreamcast title, “Skies of Arcadia.” The prevalence of a “sky pirate” motif is also noticeably apparent in “Grandia III” with Yuki, the game’s central protagonist. Unlike “Grandia II’s” taciturn Geohound, Ryudo, Yuki exhibits the same adventurous spark that ignited Justin’s epic quest in the original installment of the series.
Aspiring to become a legendary pilot like the famed “Sky Captain Schmidt,” Yuki makes an ill-fated attempt (his 19th, actually) to get a plane airborne and ends up crash landing in the forest because of additional weight from his stowaway mother (who, you’d swear was his sister!). The two soon befriend Alfina, a young “communicator” chosen to act as a mediator between celestial beasts and the worlds they watch over, and become entangled in the search for her brother that went missing years previous. The story sounds like the same tired RPG fare, and it definitely is. But the implementation of top-notch voice acting and gorgeous cinemas helps to keep things interesting even when the strength of the narrative starts to falter near the game’s conclusion.
But, as is often the case with a title that possesses compelling gameplay, this story is merely the background noise for the game’s real showstopper: “Grandia’s” trademark battle system. Like tri-Aces “Radiata Stories” and other games in the “Grandia” series, enemies appear onscreen and the concept of random encounters is completely discarded. The battles themselves make use of the series’ most predominant staple, a turn dial that allows players to anticipate their enemies’ forthcoming actions. If timed correctly, players can launch critical attacks that cancel the moves of their opponents and make them vulnerable to air combos and finishes – the series’ latest battle system refinements.
And unlike the commonly stagnant disposition of most RPG characters engaged in turn-based combat, “Grandia III” allows Yuki and his comrades to respond expressively, often by running throughout the immersive battlefield while attacking and evading spells that take advantage of the in-game camera’s remarkable depth of field. The return of Mana Eggs and Skill Books for the game’s complex magic and skill system is also a welcomed inclusion.
It’s unfortunate, however, that a game that so effectively combines options for strict tactical precision and the sporadic, variable-laden intensity usually identified with real-time battle systems is hindered by such a significant lack of replay value. The game will probably take your standard player an average of 30 hours to complete and the disappointing lack of side quests solidifies this game as one of the shortest turn-based RPGs currently lining the shelves. Despite its inadequate length, however, “Grandia III” delivers gamers another impressive entry in the series with breathtaking visuals and the most absorbing turn-based battle system on the market.
Mack Perry is a critic at the Utah Statesman. Comments and questions can be sent to him at mackp@cc.usu.edu.