Blackshadows
2001
I absolutely loved this game as a child, and as I still love the game because of nostalgia, playing it as an adult really made me realize how badly designed (but charming) the game is.
All in all I still loved playing it, so I'm gonna try to break down pros and cons (for me, at least) without writting a wall of text here.
PROS
+It's intriguing to see your divine beasts evolve as you go.
+Combat format is unique (not saying it's good). You don't see that in a lot of games and it's refreshing. You can like it. I for the most part do.
+Breeding system can get adicting and it's interesting to try and get all divine beasts, or at least try a wide variety.
+The game retains that feeling of old style gaming, where things aren't as explained and you don't know all the info of how it all works. You try and make the best of what you have based on how you think things work.
CONS
-Dungeons can get repetitive real quick, as you do the same most of the time with little variations.
-Battle system feels limited by how it's designed. One skill per monster per side, no targeting, and no normal attack until out of MP is not for everyone. It can be enjoyed tho.
-Dialogue in this game. IS. ATROCIOUS. I couldn't do it worse even if I tried. It feels forced and tells nothing of interest most of the time. Nico is a savage with no feelings.
-Even normal battles can last very long if battling vs the wrong enemy (battling 3 divine monsters whose only attack is to sleep your party until they run out of MP, everytime, everyfight, is not my definition of fun).
-As I stated earlier, the game is pretty obscure about a lot of mechanics or how it works half the time. It could be as charming as much as a freaking nightmare.
All in all I still loved playing it, so I'm gonna try to break down pros and cons (for me, at least) without writting a wall of text here.
PROS
+It's intriguing to see your divine beasts evolve as you go.
+Combat format is unique (not saying it's good). You don't see that in a lot of games and it's refreshing. You can like it. I for the most part do.
+Breeding system can get adicting and it's interesting to try and get all divine beasts, or at least try a wide variety.
+The game retains that feeling of old style gaming, where things aren't as explained and you don't know all the info of how it all works. You try and make the best of what you have based on how you think things work.
CONS
-Dungeons can get repetitive real quick, as you do the same most of the time with little variations.
-Battle system feels limited by how it's designed. One skill per monster per side, no targeting, and no normal attack until out of MP is not for everyone. It can be enjoyed tho.
-Dialogue in this game. IS. ATROCIOUS. I couldn't do it worse even if I tried. It feels forced and tells nothing of interest most of the time. Nico is a savage with no feelings.
-Even normal battles can last very long if battling vs the wrong enemy (battling 3 divine monsters whose only attack is to sleep your party until they run out of MP, everytime, everyfight, is not my definition of fun).
-As I stated earlier, the game is pretty obscure about a lot of mechanics or how it works half the time. It could be as charming as much as a freaking nightmare.
Still good and I enjoyed it, but IMO this is the weakest section of the game. It's interesting, but some mysteries are not resolved or even talked about. Last chapter is hard to resolve even if you already pieced everything together.