Jeanne D'arc
Sony Computer Entertainment - Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony PSP
Release date: 2007-08-21
Video Game
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Jeanne D'arc
Date undefinedLets face it, even some of the greatest JSRPGs of all time can be a bit slow. (FFT,Disgaea) Jeanne D'arc also suffers from this issue, the problem is magnified however by the CPU AI taking a very long time to complete even the most basic of turns like a "wait, wait, move 2 squares,wait, attack" etc...
The game has very sharp and cute graphics one would expect from this noted developer. Unfortunately we are stuck with only 2 perspectives, far away, and very far away. This results in a sometimes obstructed view of the battlefield.
Another issue, while there is auto leveling of characters you do not use, they don't level nearly enough and you will find yourself either completely ignoring 2-5 characters or wasting time leveling up in free combat.
The game does provide customizable characters in a sense that you have skill slots and the ability to fuse skill gems into other skills. The problem is the first time you fuse 2, you don't know the outcome. This can often result in a final gem that you don't want or need and a wasted powerful/useful gem.
This is further magnified by the inability to change class types. I had many fighter types, far more than I needed by chapter II and no ability to change them to casters. You can slot them w/ caster abilities and it works ok, except you won't have access to the "staff" weapon type which also allows more caster abilities.
I am really nitpicking and you can see how the developers really focused on balance. Battles have a turn limit. No more infinite leveling up like in FFT etc..., you must finish the battle in say 12 or 20 turns (larger battles allow more turns)
Many of these battles can become too easy once you discover fusing skill gems. Unfortunately the process of fusing skill gems consists of selecting one gem, selecting a second, pressing a button and then watching the animation of a frog swallow, chew and spew a new one. This animation can take a few seconds each time. It doesnt sound like much, but when you want to create say a +100 hp gem and are starting with +25 it can quickly add up to a sizable amount of playtime for a portable game.
By the time you are done "binding skills" as the game calls it, your train ride may be over.
Even tho I find these flaws a real drag to the pacing, overall this is a very addictive, visually pleasing and fun game w/ a neat spin on one of histories most classic war fantasies of a young girl called by god to liberate a nation.
Throw in some monsters and anthropomorphic beasts and its a very Dragon Quest looking RPG that can be quite cute and enjoyable.
Definitely a game for JSRPG fans only, and those with patience for battles that are slowed down by pointless CPU AI not moving quickly enough.
Jeanne D'arc
Date undefinedFun?! ZERO
Since I can't properly rate this, I'll have to rate it here in the commentary.
How much fun is this game?.......... ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO
How do you rate this game overall? ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO
The story may be fine in my opinion of what little I've seen in this bought game, but the game mechanics itself is AWFUL! You're allowed only a set of a few turns on every map and I'll understand that if the map's conditions require it. Like if I have to get out of the area before backup for the bad guys show up and such...
But EVERY STICKING Map has this turn limit in IT!!! I truly enjoyed the PSX Final Fantasy Tactics, because the creators knew of that idea and limited the turn limit to a few nerve racking stages. Good Lord those d'arc idiots didn't have the common sense to have a menu selection option to shut down this insane concept!
>:<
Jeanne D'arc
Date undefinedJeanne D'arc is one of those games that I initially blew off. The cover art and basic premise of the game left me really skeptical about the quality of game that was contained within. I have to say that I am glad one of my friends showed this game to me because I otherwise would have ignored it.
Basically, Jeanne D'arc is a fantasy retelling of the Joan of Arc legend and the 100 years war. I'll admit, it took a bit of getting used to seeing the great deal of liberty taken with the story, but overall it is quite good. The game is a turn based strategy game a la Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre, Vandal Hearts, and Fire Emblem games. As far as turn based strategy games go, I have to say this game ranks among the best and fans of the genre should pick it up.
Pros:
+ Vibrant graphics (usually)
+ Compelling (albeit quite weird) storyline told with animated cutscenes.
+ A deep character customization system that doesn't require users to micromanage for hours on end to build the perfect party.
+ The ability to go into free-battle mode on a number of maps in order to gain treasure and experience.
+ Individual battles are usually fairly quick, ideal for portable play.
+ Some absurd but funny French and English stereotypes.
Cons:
- The frame rate is kind of jerky at times
- For history buffs, seeing Joan of Arc fighting orcs, lizardmen, and dark elves takes a little bit of getting used to.
- Some levels have atmospheric effects such as fog that look just plain ugly.
- Some absurd stereotypes and a few really annoying character designs that make you say "Hmmmmmm..."
- The menu controls are not as intuitive as other games in the genre
- Battles usually limit you to a small number of characters on the battlefield. On the plus side, battles don't drag on forever and ever.
Overall, this is an excellent game and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the strategy RPG genre. The game obviously contains some very religious overtones due to the source material (Joan of Arc) but approaches the subject in a relatively inoffensive manner.
