SH II - Day 2

We think Shadow Hearts II is a meld of Parasite Eve 2 and Final Fantasy X. It's weird, you can see elements totally ripped from both in terms of sound effects and menu animations. I'd even argue that part of the look seems a little FFXII.

The mechanics of combo-ing, equipment effects and timing are all tricky and effective. The camera panning in battle works extremely well, chopping and changing while you ponder menu actions in this turn based battle.

Visually things hold well, although you notice a lack of anti-aliasing when it comes to character overlay; a shame as otherwise this would be very slick visually.

I'd say the biggest issue leveled at this game though would be lack of experience gained in battling makes leveling tedious; yet battling is also not a 3 step commonality as associated with other Japanese games. This creates a double edge of frustration iced off by timing that darn battle wheel; sometimes things are pleasurable and it goes well, other times you just want to kick and scream at the game.

As always, we continue.

[EotM]

I'mafeelin: tuckered
I'malistinto: screaming wife at bad combo breaks