After redefining the goal of dungeon-crawlers with Dark Cloud/Chronicle, Level-5 proved that they could also be ambitious storytellers with Rogue Galaxy, a space opera adventure that brings their narrative side to the forefront. In the process - however, their old structure virtually transformed into a regular JRPG. On the gameplay level, DC2's dual-wielding hack 'n' slash is squeezed into brief conventional encounters here, while new additions like stamina (that function more like magazines in a shooter game), Secret of Mana's control-swap and A.I.-piloted allies were (somewhat questionable) attempts at diversifying combat's pace and movesets. On the systems level, they still display a knack for elaborate minigames (crafting & monster raising this time), but their takes on weapon synthesis (in place of spectrumize) and character skill trees (that employ the item requirements of Build-Ups) are relatively restrained. Compared to the versatile, eclectic dungeoneering of before, Level-5's updated brand of ARPG is a tad more compromised with the PS2 canon, perfecting their production skills at the cost of complexity, even though their signature loot-farming is still alive and well.
And sure enough, the project excels above all in the visuals. Its artstyle not only continues the lessons learned with DQVIII but also acquired a stronger identity from this change of scenery: Armed with vibrant graphics and lengthy cinematics, they depict a classic sci-fi universe in which Dark Cloud's enthusiastic, contagious (and certainly more sincere-feeling than the average) spirit could fully shine.
And sure enough, the project excels above all in the visuals. Its artstyle not only continues the lessons learned with DQVIII but also acquired a stronger identity from this change of scenery: Armed with vibrant graphics and lengthy cinematics, they depict a classic sci-fi universe in which Dark Cloud's enthusiastic, contagious (and certainly more sincere-feeling than the average) spirit could fully shine.