A nice RPG diversion

When discussing the game, the mileage I get may be different for you. It depends on your tolerance levels, among other things. The story isn't moving mountains. Miranda and Yuki have a relationship which makes up the best aspect of the storyline... but is she really old enough to be his mother? Alfina fills the magic user role, and is also filled with the sort of cliche, disasterous optimism that perplexingly inhabits most jRPG females. The games j-pop opening may put some users off to the music immediately, and they wouldn't be wrong to be so. It's generally Idaware's weakest work, and it has the sort of static pointlessness that you saw in Suikoden III. Disappointing considering the talent. One, it has arguably the greatest combat system in an RPG. And two, the graphics are just phenomenal for a PS2 game. The addition of Aerial Combos is a fantastic treat, adding layers to the strategic nature of the combat. It's usually very fast paced, with unique skills mixing it up and allowing you to customize your strategy to a very high degree. Mana Eggs are back, and they as well allow for a very nice amount of flexibility. This is the star of the show. It is what helps the game transcend traditional jRPG fare, and become something nearing true greatness. Visually, it's outstanding. From gorgeous character models and shadows to amazingly varied environments (desert vistas, Mendi city, etc) help keep the game looking like you expect from such a high calibre developer. And that's a compliment, because it truly does stand among the best looking RPGs of this generation. This is something that does not let down, and hopefully when Grandia IV comes around on PS3 or 360 or Revolution, we can expect something just as good for its generation. In the end, the startling polarity of the games quality almost makes it like a fight against itself. But it ultimately is a victory, and a good enough one that I can reccomend it to any fan of the genre.