This game is a rather good rpg for the xbox 360, a system that is not exactly heavy on this genre. Then again, what does one expect considering rpg's are more popular in Japan and the xbox 360 is an American video game system. Made by those responsible for the innovative Chrono Trigger, this game boasts great graphics, a pretty good storyline, and a likable group of characters. It is, however, not all that innovative. A standard rpg for the most part, which would usually be fine with me except for two flaws. One, the character's attacks come in the form of shadow creatures that stand behind our character's. While our character's have unique personalities and are full of life during cut scenes and such, during battle they might as well all do the same thing, because they all can do the same things if you wished and they all wear the same armor. There is just not enough uniqueness about them in combat. The only thing they do different is a special attack not acquired till nearly the end of the game. They also do the same battle dance wrap up every time as well. Second, the fighting tends to be a bit annoying at times. No random battles, but at times there are so many enemies present you would prefer it. You may be able to flee one, but another will get you. Near the end this was especially annoying as I just wanted to win the game and they kept flinging enemies in my path. By this point I was slaughtering them, but the fights here still take a long time even if you are super strong. Still, it was a fun little game...the story, a boy named Shu and his friend's Jiro and Kluke hatch a plan to stop a creature known as the land shark from terrorizing their village. They end up on board a huge ship in the sky where they meet the evil Nene and are imbued by a strange power that allows their shadows to take the form of massive beasts that fight for them. They are later joined by two others as they journey to stop Nene from his rather bizarre plans. A couple of surprises near the end too. The music is sometimes just okay, but then at other times it really stands out. The voice work is good too, though the one character was a bit annoying at times, and if you have played it you know which one. A few tweaks here and there and this good game could have been great, but I still prefer "Enchanted Arms" to this one as I liked the fighting better there and while I prefer story to fighting in an rgp when you do have to fight as much as you did in this one it can detract from the game. Also, the final boss is a pain...just make sure you save as instructed by the game, otherwise there is a possibility of having to start entirely over. Thankfully, I pulled out a win and got lucky.
