Jeanne d'Arc
One of the PSP's hidden treasures that continues to make an impression is Jeanne d'Arc. By fusing Joan of Arc's story with demons, magic, and anime-style storytelling, Level-5 took a risky approach to reimagining French history with fantasy elements, and it manages to pull it off.
The strategic combat system is where the game excels. Battles are grid-based, tactical, and reward strategic placement. A clever layer of planning is added by the "Burning Aura" mechanic, in which attacks set up glowing tiles to enhance subsequent strikes. Boss fights are given a satisfying, dramatic edge by the transformations made possible by magical armlets. Although it isn't as harsh as Final Fantasy Tactics, it still offers enough difficulty to be satisfying.
From a narrative perspective, the combination of historical events and JRPG elements creates an unexpectedly captivating experience. Although the anime dramatization adds charm without feeling out of place, Jeanne is still shown as resolute and noble. The cast as a whole is likeable, and the emotional beats are usually spot on, though some of the characters are a little clichéd.
It looks good for a PSP title. The animations during combat are still entertaining, and the vibrant, almost narrative art direction maintains a light tone despite the darker themes. While not all of the songs are particularly memorable, the soundtrack does a good job of enhancing the scene.
Repetition is where the game fails. If you're not careful with your party setup, grinding can creep in and some maps feel too similar. Additionally, the story's pacing varies, with side conflicts delaying the action. However, the overall charm and depth are not overshadowed by these problems.
Jeanne d'Arc is ultimately a powerful, underappreciated tactical role-playing game. Although it's not perfect, it offers a unique blend of strategy, fantasy, and history that stands out in the genre. It's definitely worth trying for fans of tactical role-playing games or anyone looking for a new take on the myth of Joan of Arc.
Final Score: 82 out of 100 Only hampered by a few pacing and repetition problems, this is an engaging strategy role-playing game that skillfully combines fantasy and history.
The strategic combat system is where the game excels. Battles are grid-based, tactical, and reward strategic placement. A clever layer of planning is added by the "Burning Aura" mechanic, in which attacks set up glowing tiles to enhance subsequent strikes. Boss fights are given a satisfying, dramatic edge by the transformations made possible by magical armlets. Although it isn't as harsh as Final Fantasy Tactics, it still offers enough difficulty to be satisfying.
From a narrative perspective, the combination of historical events and JRPG elements creates an unexpectedly captivating experience. Although the anime dramatization adds charm without feeling out of place, Jeanne is still shown as resolute and noble. The cast as a whole is likeable, and the emotional beats are usually spot on, though some of the characters are a little clichéd.
It looks good for a PSP title. The animations during combat are still entertaining, and the vibrant, almost narrative art direction maintains a light tone despite the darker themes. While not all of the songs are particularly memorable, the soundtrack does a good job of enhancing the scene.
Repetition is where the game fails. If you're not careful with your party setup, grinding can creep in and some maps feel too similar. Additionally, the story's pacing varies, with side conflicts delaying the action. However, the overall charm and depth are not overshadowed by these problems.
Jeanne d'Arc is ultimately a powerful, underappreciated tactical role-playing game. Although it's not perfect, it offers a unique blend of strategy, fantasy, and history that stands out in the genre. It's definitely worth trying for fans of tactical role-playing games or anyone looking for a new take on the myth of Joan of Arc.
Final Score: 82 out of 100 Only hampered by a few pacing and repetition problems, this is an engaging strategy role-playing game that skillfully combines fantasy and history.
Mini Review: One of the PSP's hidden treasures that continues to make an impression is Jeanne d'Arc. By fusing Joan of Arc's story with demons, magic, and anime-style storytelling, Level-5 took a risky approach to reimagining French history with fantasy elements, and it manages to pull it off. The strategic combat system is where the game excels. Battles are grid-based, tactical, and reward strategic placement. A clever layer of planning is added by the...