xenosaga
16-02-2003, 05:46 AM
Closing Comments
Dark Cloud 2 takes the standard sequel road and gives us everything that made the original Dark Cloud great, only bigger and better. Actually, I take that back. Dark Cloud 2 takes everything great from the original Dark Cloud and super sizes it, up sizes it, and then king sizes it just for good measure. The leap in quality between the two games really is amazing. From the incredible graphics, to the great sound, to the refined gameplay, Dark Cloud 2 just oozes of quality and polish. It truly feels like that game that Level-5 always wanted to make with the first Dark Cloud.
As good as this game is, it's not for everyone, especially those who were not fans of the original's dungeon crawling and town building. Because many of the same gameplay elements made their way from the first game, you're still going to get a similar experience, although it'll be a lot prettier this time around. But, if you're main complaints about the first game involved small details, like the frequent breaking of your weapons, or it's lackluster graphics, then definitely give Dark Cloud 2 a try. It fixes almost every problem found in the first game and then adds some sugar coating on top.
In the end, Dark Cloud 2 is a superb RPG that doesn't disappoint. Buy it, play it, then play it some more. You can thank me later.
-- Kaiser Hwang
Presentation
The superb opening credits and cinemas found early in the game make this game feel like a million bucks. Plus, there are a ton of options placed in some incredibly slick menus. 9.0
Graphics
Quite possibly one of the best looking games out on any system. What's not to like? 9.5
Sound
Great music and good voices litter the game at all times. It just could have used a little more oomph... 8.5
Gameplay
A great mix of several somewhat related genres, along with some new ideas thrown in for good measure. The best part is, it all works beautifully together. 9.0
Lasting Appeal
A lengthy quest, customizable weapons and vehicles, good mini-games, and goals for every dungeon that yield special medals when met make this game worth playing for hours on end. 9.0
OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 9.0
:)
Dark Cloud 2 takes the standard sequel road and gives us everything that made the original Dark Cloud great, only bigger and better. Actually, I take that back. Dark Cloud 2 takes everything great from the original Dark Cloud and super sizes it, up sizes it, and then king sizes it just for good measure. The leap in quality between the two games really is amazing. From the incredible graphics, to the great sound, to the refined gameplay, Dark Cloud 2 just oozes of quality and polish. It truly feels like that game that Level-5 always wanted to make with the first Dark Cloud.
As good as this game is, it's not for everyone, especially those who were not fans of the original's dungeon crawling and town building. Because many of the same gameplay elements made their way from the first game, you're still going to get a similar experience, although it'll be a lot prettier this time around. But, if you're main complaints about the first game involved small details, like the frequent breaking of your weapons, or it's lackluster graphics, then definitely give Dark Cloud 2 a try. It fixes almost every problem found in the first game and then adds some sugar coating on top.
In the end, Dark Cloud 2 is a superb RPG that doesn't disappoint. Buy it, play it, then play it some more. You can thank me later.
-- Kaiser Hwang
Presentation
The superb opening credits and cinemas found early in the game make this game feel like a million bucks. Plus, there are a ton of options placed in some incredibly slick menus. 9.0
Graphics
Quite possibly one of the best looking games out on any system. What's not to like? 9.5
Sound
Great music and good voices litter the game at all times. It just could have used a little more oomph... 8.5
Gameplay
A great mix of several somewhat related genres, along with some new ideas thrown in for good measure. The best part is, it all works beautifully together. 9.0
Lasting Appeal
A lengthy quest, customizable weapons and vehicles, good mini-games, and goals for every dungeon that yield special medals when met make this game worth playing for hours on end. 9.0
OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 9.0
:)