Developer: Mistwalker

Blue Dragon Plus (2008)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Blue Dragon Plus: A Worthy Sequel to a Classic JRPG

Blue Dragon Plus is a direct sequel to the original Blue Dragon, released in 2006 for the Xbox 360. The game was developed by Mistwalker, a studio founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series. Blue Dragon Plus was released for the Nintendo DS in 2008, and it features a new story, new characters, and a new battle system.

The story of Blue Dragon Plus takes place a year after the events of the first game. The world has been at peace since the defeat of Nene, but a new threat has emerged. The Jade Empire, a powerful nation to the east, has begun to invade neighboring countries. Shu, Jiro, and Kluke, the heroes of the first game, must once again team up to stop the Jades and save the world.

Along the way, they will meet new allies and face new challenges. They will also learn more about the secrets of the Blue Dragon, the powerful artifact that gives them their name.

The gameplay in Blue Dragon Plus is similar to that of the first game. Players control a party of three characters as they explore the world, fight enemies, and solve puzzles. The battle system is a turn-based affair, with each character having their own unique abilities and attacks.

One of the new features in Blue Dragon Plus is the real-time strategy element. During battles, players can use the stylus to move their characters around the battlefield. This allows them to position their characters for attacks, or to avoid enemy attacks.

Blue Dragon Plus also features a new class system. Each character can choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique abilities and strengths. This allows players to customize their party to their own playstyle.

The graphics in Blue Dragon Plus are impressive for a Nintendo DS game. The characters and environments are all well-detailed, and the game runs smoothly even during the most intense battles.

The soundtrack is also top-notch. The music is composed by Nobuo Uematsu, who is known for his work on the Final Fantasy series. The music in Blue Dragon Plus is both beautiful and epic, and it perfectly complements the game’s story and setting.

Overall, Blue Dragon Plus is a great sequel to the original game. It features a new story, new characters, a new battle system, and beautiful graphics and music. If you’re a fan of JRPGs, then you should definitely check out Blue Dragon Plus.

Characters

  • Shu: The main protagonist of the game. He is a young boy who wields the Blue Dragon, a powerful artifact that can control water.
  • Jiro: Shu’s best friend. He is a skilled swordsman and a loyal companion.
  • Kluke: A young girl who is a member of the Dragonians, a group of people who can communicate with dragons.
  • Marumaro: A talking cat who is Shu’s constant companion.
  • Nene: The main antagonist of the first game. She is a powerful sorceress who seeks to conquer the world.

Gameplay

  • Exploration: Players control a party of three characters as they explore the world, fight enemies, and solve puzzles.
  • Battles: The battle system is a turn-based affair, with each character having their own unique abilities and attacks.
  • Real-time strategy: During battles, players can use the stylus to move their characters around the battlefield.
  • Class system: Each character can choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique abilities and strengths.

Graphics and sound

  • Graphics: The graphics in Blue Dragon Plus are impressive for a Nintendo DS game. The characters and environments are all well-detailed, and the game runs smoothly even during the most intense battles.
  • Sound: The soundtrack is also top-notch. The music is composed by Nobuo Uematsu, who is known for his work on the Final Fantasy series. The music in Blue Dragon Plus is both beautiful and epic, and it perfectly complements the game’s story and setting.

Reception

Blue Dragon Plus received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its story, characters, and battle system. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to the first game, and they felt that it didn’t do enough to innovate.

Overall, Blue Dragon Plus is a solid JRPG that is well worth playing. If you’re a fan of the first game, or if you’re just looking for a good JRPG to play on the Nintendo DS, then you should definitely check out Blue Dragon Plus.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Lost Odyssey (2007)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 8 minutes read

Summary

Lost Odyssey: A Timeless JRPG Gem

Released in 2007 for the Xbox 360, Lost Odyssey is a traditional turn-based JRPG developed by Mistwalker, a studio founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series. The game tells the story of Kaim Argonar, a man who has lost his memories and is searching for his purpose in life. Along the way, he meets a group of companions who help him on his journey and fight against the forces of evil.

Lost Odyssey is a beautiful game, with lush graphics and detailed character models. The world is full of life and color, and the environments are varied and interesting. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with sweeping orchestral pieces that perfectly capture the game’s atmosphere.

The gameplay in Lost Odyssey is classic turn-based JRPG fare. Players control a party of up to four characters and explore the world, fighting enemies in random encounters. The battle system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth.

One of the unique features of Lost Odyssey is its “Thousand Years of Dreams” sidequest. This sidequest tells the stories of Kaim’s companions through a series of flashbacks. These stories are often heartbreaking and emotional, and they help to flesh out the characters and make them more relatable.

Lost Odyssey was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of the Xbox 360 era. The game’s story, characters, and gameplay are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Story

Lost Odyssey is set in a world where a “Magic-Industrial Revolution” is taking place. While magic energy existed in all living creatures beforehand, it suddenly became far more powerful thirty years before the beginning of the game. Because of this, it has affected society greatly, with devices called “Magic Engines” harnessing this power for lighting, automobiles, communication, and robots, among other uses. While previously only a select few could wield magic, many magicians gained the ability. However, such progress has also caused two nations to develop new and more powerful weapons of mass destruction. The kingdom of Gohtza and the Republic of Uhra (which recently converted from a monarchy). Uhra is building Grand Staff, a gigantic magic engine, while the heavily industrialized Gohtza actively pursues magic research of their own. A third nation, the Free Ocean State of Numara, remains isolated and neutral, though it is falling into disarray due to a general attempting to stage a coup d’etat. Uhra, at war with Khent, a nation of beastmen, sends its forces to the Highlands of Wohl for a decisive battle at the start of the game.

Kaim Argonar is a soldier from Uhra who is part of this battle. However, he is separated from his unit and ends up lost and alone in the wilderness. He is eventually found by two travelers, Cooke and Sarah, who take him back to their village. Kaim has lost his memories, and he has no idea who he is or where he came from.

Cooke and Sarah tell Kaim that he is a “waker,” someone who can remember the past lives of others. They explain that the world is in danger, and that Kaim must use his abilities to help save it. Kaim is reluctant at first, but he eventually agrees to help Cooke and Sarah.

Kaim, Cooke, and Sarah set out on a journey to find out the truth about Kaim’s past and to stop the forces of evil that are threatening the world. Along the way, they meet a group of companions who join them on their quest. These companions include:

  • Ming: A young woman who is a skilled magician.
  • Jansen: A swordsman who is fiercely loyal to Kaim.
  • Sed: A thief who is always looking for a good time.
  • Mack: A dwarven engineer who is a master of machines.

Together, Kaim and his companions must travel the world, fight powerful enemies, and uncover the secrets of the past in order to save the world.

Gameplay

Lost Odyssey is a turn-based JRPG in which the player controls a party of up to four characters. The game’s battle system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth.

Each character in Lost Odyssey has their own unique abilities and skills. Players must carefully consider which characters to use in each battle, and how to best use their abilities to defeat the enemy. The game also features a “Ring” system, which allows players to equip characters with rings that grant them additional abilities and bonuses.

In addition to the main story, Lost Odyssey also features a number of sidequests. These sidequests are optional, but they offer players a chance to learn more about the game’s world and characters. One of the most unique sidequests in Lost Odyssey is the “Thousand Years of Dreams” sidequest. This sidequest tells the stories of Kaim’s companions through a series of flashbacks. These stories are often heartbreaking and emotional, and they help to flesh out the characters and make them more relatable.

Characters

The characters in Lost Odyssey are one of the game’s strongest points. Each character is well-developed and has a unique personality. The player will grow attached to the characters as they travel the world and fight alongside them.

  • Kaim Argonar: The protagonist of Lost Odyssey, Kaim is a soldier from Uhra who has lost his memories. He is a kind and compassionate man, and he is always willing to help others.
  • Cooke: A young woman who is a skilled magician. She is intelligent and resourceful, and she is always there to help Kaim and his companions.
  • Sarah: A young woman who is a skilled archer. She is brave and determined, and she is always willing to fight for what she believes in.
  • Ming: A young woman who is a skilled magician. She is shy and reserved, but she is also very powerful.
  • Jansen: A swordsman who is fiercely loyal to Kaim. He is strong and courageous, and he is always willing to protect his friends.
  • Sed: A thief who is always looking for a good time. He is charming and charismatic, but he can also be reckless and irresponsible.
  • Mack: A dwarven engineer who is a master of machines. He is intelligent and inventive, and he is always willing to help his friends with his creations.

Themes

Lost Odyssey explores a number of themes, including the nature of memory, the importance of friendship, and the power of hope. The game asks the player to consider what it means to be human, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

One of the most important themes in Lost Odyssey is the nature of memory. Kaim has lost his memories, and he is searching for his purpose in life. As he travels the world and meets new people, he begins to piece together his past. The game explores the idea that our memories are what make us who we are, and that without them, we are lost.

Another important theme in Lost Odyssey is the importance of friendship

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Blue Dragon (2006)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 4 minutes read

Summary

Blue Dragon: An Enchanting RPG Adventure

Introduction

In the realm of video games, few studios have left an imprint as enduring as Hironobu Sakaguchi’s Mistwalker and Artoon. With the release of Blue Dragon in 2006, these creative powerhouses joined forces to deliver an epic role-playing experience that captivated gamers on the Xbox 360. Boasting an illustrious pedigree that includes character designs by Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball Z) and a musical score by Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy), Blue Dragon stands as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional JRPGs.

A Classic Tale of Good versus Evil

The narrative of Blue Dragon unfolds in a vibrant and fantastical world, where the forces of light and darkness clash in an age-old struggle. The story revolves around five young heroes: Shu, Jiro, Kluke, Zola, and Marumaro. Each possesses a unique ability to control shadow creatures, powerful beings that mirror their masters’ actions.

As the story progresses, our heroes embark on a perilous journey to confront Nene, the evil ruler of the Grand Kingdom. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, forge unbreakable bonds, and uncover the secrets of their own destiny.

Immersive Gameplay and Turn-Based Combat

Blue Dragon embraces the classic tenets of JRPG design, offering a deeply immersive gameplay experience. Players traverse a vast and detailed world, engaging in turn-based combat encounters that demand strategic thinking and skillful execution.

The game’s combat system is both accessible and rewarding, allowing players to experiment with a wide range of abilities and character combinations. Each shadow creature possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, adding a layer of tactical depth to every encounter.

A World Brought to Life

Blue Dragon’s world is a feast for the senses, rendered in vibrant colors and intricate detail. From the bustling towns to the treacherous dungeons, every environment exudes a distinct personality and charm.

Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs breathe life into the heroes and their adversaries, while Nobuo Uematsu’s sweeping score perfectly complements the game’s epic narrative and emotional moments. Together, these elements create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Legacy and Impact

Upon its release, Blue Dragon garnered critical acclaim for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals. It quickly ascended to become one of the most beloved JRPGs on the Xbox 360, leaving a lasting legacy on the genre.

The game’s success spawned a number of spin-offs, including an anime series, a manga adaptation, and a sequel titled Blue Dragon Plus. These expanded the lore and introduced new characters, further enriching the overall Blue Dragon experience.

Conclusion

Blue Dragon is a timeless classic that continues to enchant gamers to this day. Its compelling story, immersive gameplay, and stunning presentation combine to create an unforgettable adventure that transcends time. Whether you’re a seasoned JRPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Blue Dragon is an essential experience that will leave you captivated from beginning to end.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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