Growlanser Generations

[Anastasia]

Harken back to the days of Lunar 1 and 2, when WD released good games at high prices coupled with lots of shiny trinkets.  You'd shell out over sixty bucks for one game, yet gets all sorts of cool fan stuff; Lucia's Pendant that I currently wear is one of them.

Yet, if one got past the glamor and glitz of the 'deluxe packages', there were often superb games hidden underneath. In Working Design's latest foray into the obscure RPG market, will they repeat the successes of Lunar, or is it just another case of pretty packaging and empty contents?

First off, they've decided to be merciful on the poor gamer's pockets. Along with the shiny, super loaded deluxe pack, they've released the games in the normal format for $50. This is an open mercy, and one that I think a lot of gamers will take advantage of. If you still want the watch and the gear, it's in the ballpack of $80.

That said, how are the games? I think the series benefits if you don't go in with overly hyped expectations. First and foremost, it's not a FFX game, graphically or in depth. Nor is it a Shadow Hearts 2 in terms of story depth of character polish, nor a Star Ocean 3 in the essense of the battle system awesomeness. While it is not any of them, it is not poor in any one aspect and is quite enjoyable in general. Both games follow the roughly same mold and system, a fairly loose and fun mix of a free movement system in the vein of Arc the Lad 4 along with an CTB system that's become popular from FFX and SH2. It's slightly quirky, but it's a fun, easy and effortless to get into and understand.

The plot is similiar - it's not breaking any new barriers, but it's pleasant background fluff and offers multiple story branches for the more inquiring player. A nice crew of missable and hidden PCs compliments this, and makes it replay friendly - moreso due to the shortish length, a clear game file, and an actual cheat code that loads you up on a replay. It's the definition of a fast, fun, light game. Go in expecting fun and you'll get it, just don't go in expecting a gaming breakthrough or you might be dissapointed. The second game follows much in the same path, albiet with somewhat less replay - but the option to port in your PCs from 2.

I'd give it a 7/10, and worth picking up if possible. It's also a decent alternative to Suikoden 4 or Xenosaga 2, if you're leery about the way the series are going.

[Roku]

I liked 2 a lot more than 3.  Random dungeons make me sad.