Rogue Galaxy

Most of you are still probably fighting your way through the world of Ivalice, but some of us have already climbed to the top of that particular mountain. Although the memories of our time with Square-Enix's latest opus is still fresh in my mind, the need for the next great RPG game has been building ever since the ending credits began to roll.

A quick scan of the RPG landscape turned up a few promising titles on the distant horizon but nothing really jumped out at me--at least, not until I put a copy of Rogue Galaxy into my PS2.

PROTIP: Got worms? They'll give you the runs when they're on the outside too.

PROTIP: Got worms? They'll give you the runs when they're on the outside too.

Talk about having your prayers answered. Rogue Galaxy is nothing short of excellent. It's the little sibling to developer Level 5's previous successes, Dark Cloud 2 and Dragon's Quest VIII, and it does just about everything right. Although it doesn't stray far from the tried-and-true RPG formula or genre conventions--the story, for example, follows the "restless youth must rise up to save the world/universe" formula to the letter--Rogue Galaxy is so brilliantly designed and paced that it's less a video game and more a genuine adventure.

The Rippling Muscle of Cel-Shade

Traditionally, RPG gamers have been the most forgiving when it came to a game's graphics. Take a look at some of the early efforts on the PC, if you need proof: games from that era relied on simplistic pixels and blocks to represent monsters and treasure chests. Of course, the emphasis was on the story and the experience more than the graphics--it was the video game equivalent of the old adage, "It's what's on the inside that counts."

PROTIP: Every boss has a weakness. Pay attention to your surroundings and use them to your advantage.

PROTIP: Every boss has a weakness. Pay attention to your surroundings and use them to your advantage.

However, thanks to a little title called Final Fantasy VII, console RPG gamers have become accustomed to a certain visual standard. Rogue Galaxy clearly has the chops to reach that lofty peak. The game has some of the finest graphics seen on the PS2. With smooth outlines and vivid color, there is so much detail in every character you can actually see the definition in their muscles. (Sorry Vaan, those tattooed on six-pack abs don't quite cut it.) The quality of the cinemas are also amazing; it's no exaggeration to say that they bring to mind the work of Hayao Miyazaki, the critically acclaimed director of such movies as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke.

Adding to the richness of the storytelling is the superb voice acting, which gives every character, no matter how minor, unexpectedly rich personalities. Your party members will constantly talk to you, lending advice as to the task at hand, or simply to fill the quiet spaces with chatter. It's a nice touch, and one that really fleshes out the gaming experience.

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pichikid

Level-5 games are some of my favorites. Ever since I played the Dark Cloud demo my brother had. Rogue Galaxy is so much more. I'm usually not one for English voice acting, but the voices didn't seem weird to me at all. Which is a good thing. Plus the battle system is one that is simple to use!

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