Vagrant Story: A Timeless PlayStation Classic
Premiere Date “Vagrant Story” is an action role-playing game developed by Square for the PlayStation console. It was first released in Japan on February 10, 2000, followed by North America on May 16, 2000, and Europe on June 21, 2000. I bought myself original on premiere and have it to this day in cd case.
Units Sold The game saw a strong start with 100,000 units sold in the first 20 days of its release in Japan. Despite being released alongside other popular titles like “Final Fantasy IX” and “Chrono Cross,” it carved out its own niche among gamers.
Battle System “Vagrant Story” features a unique battle system that combines real-time exploration with a pause-and-play combat mechanic. When engaging enemies, the game pauses, allowing players to select targets and plan their actions in sphere of character skill.magic reach and choosing body parts to attack (like VATS in Fallout) . The combat also includes a risk-reward combo system, where successful strikes and defenses increase Risk points, affecting the player’s accuracy and damage. Higher risk factor more damage, but also less accuracy.
Story Set in the kingdom of Valendia and the mystical city of Leá Monde, the story follows Ashley Riot, a Riskbreaker agent. He is tasked with investigating the ties between a cult leader and a senior parliament member. The narrative unfolds with Ashley being framed for murder, leading players through a tale of conspiracy and dark magic, abduction of Duke's son and dark secret of the Leá Monde and cult of Mullenkamp, and on top of that game shows not everything is as it looks... Story is very captivating, when you start to understand whats really going on you will like to start New Game+ mode, multiple times! To unlock new areas and items.
Item Combine System, yes... One of the game’s standout features is its item combine system. Players can merge weapons, armor, and shields to create new, more powerful gear. This system allows for a high degree of customization and strategy, as players decide how to best equip Ashley for the challenges ahead. Item combine system consists items and materials which they are made of. For completing full armor of Damascus (best metal) armor you need to go through game multiple times, meanwhile opening new secret areas and weapons (Iron Maiden Dungeon). Player can also reach max hp and mp stats of 999 with Elixirs you rarely find in chests and bosses.
Playability “Vagrant Story” is renowned for its challenging gameplay and intricate puzzles. The game’s difficulty and complex systems have made it a cult classic, with fans often discussing its depth and replayability. The lack of friendly areas and NPC interactions focuses the experience on combat and exploration, providing a unique and immersive experience. Only "safe zones" are empty workshops still functioning in cursed city. Yes, Leá Monde is a cursed city reminding me of old anime Weathering Continent... Leá Monde is far more complicated though, and exploration and understanding what the city is in real is revealed in game.
Whole game has one of a hell soundtrack. Exploring Leá Monde and fighting plethora of monsters and bosses has great impact. Like one of the most memorable areas is Undercity, area of city in dark blue light full of dark magic, possessed dolls on strings with daggers and Death itself... This eerie soundtrack really is worth listening.
I personally played like 3 months ago Vagrant Story on my phone, it is great title for phones. Graphics is very unusual in game and looks stunning even this day, like manga in sepia without voices which makes it like reading not watching movie. It will really get you deep inside the story more like a book than movie.
“Vagrant Story” remains a beloved title for me for its deep gameplay mechanics, compelling story, and innovative features. It stands as a testament to the creativity and ambition of early console RPGs. Also it is one of the bes Squaresoft games up to this day, really...
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