Summary

Release Year: 2005
Genres: Adventure
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Developers: Natsume Co., Ltd.
Publishers: Bandai, Destineer, Empire Interactive

Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy (2005) Review

Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy is a side-scrolling action RPG developed by Racjin and published by Square Enix for the Nintendo DS. It was released in Japan on August 11, 2005, and in North America on February 14, 2006. The game is based on the popular anime and manga series of the same name.

Players control Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who are gifted alchemists. The game follows the story of the anime series, as Edward and Alphonse travel the world in search of the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact that can amplify an alchemist’s abilities.

Dual Sympathy features a unique combat system that allows players to use the stylus to draw alchemy circles on the touch screen. These circles can be used to cast a variety of spells, including attacks, buffs, and debuffs. Players can also use the environment to their advantage, by using objects in the area to create new spells.

The game also features a robust crafting system, which allows players to create new weapons, armor, and items. Players can collect materials by defeating enemies and exploring the world. They can then use these materials to create new items at the blacksmith or the alchemy shop.

Dual Sympathy is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a lot of replayability. The combat system is deep and engaging, and the crafting system allows players to customize their characters to their liking. The game also features a branching storyline, which gives players multiple endings to choose from.

Gameplay

Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy is a side-scrolling action RPG. Players control Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who are gifted alchemists. The game follows the story of the anime series, as Edward and Alphonse travel the world in search of the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact that can amplify an alchemist’s abilities.

The game’s combat system is unique in that it allows players to use the stylus to draw alchemy circles on the touch screen. These circles can be used to cast a variety of spells, including attacks, buffs, and debuffs. Players can also use the environment to their advantage, by using objects in the area to create new spells.

For example, players can use a nearby tree to create a wooden stake, which can then be used to impale an enemy. Players can also use a nearby rock to create a boulder, which can then be used to crush an enemy.

The crafting system is essential for progression in the game, as players will need to create new weapons and armor in order to defeat increasingly powerful enemies. The game also features a branching storyline, which gives players multiple endings to choose from. The choices that players make throughout the game will affect the ending that they receive.

Story

The story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy follows the story of the anime series of the same name. Edward and Alphonse Elric are two brothers who are gifted alchemists. After their mother’s death, they attempt to bring her back to life using alchemy, but the transmutation fails and Edward loses his right arm and left leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body.

Edward then sacrifices his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. The brothers then set out on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact that can amplify an alchemist’s abilities and allow them to bypass the law of equivalent exchange.

Along the way, Edward and Alphonse meet a variety of allies and enemies. They also learn more about the dark secrets of alchemy and the true nature of the Philosopher’s Stone.

The story of Dual Sympathy is well-written and engaging. It follows the story of the anime series closely, but it also adds some new elements that are unique to the game. Fans of the anime series will enjoy playing through the story of Dual Sympathy, and newcomers to the series will find it a great introduction to the world of Fullmetal Alchemist.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy are good for a Nintendo DS game. The character sprites are well-drawn and the backgrounds are detailed. The game also uses a lot of cel-shading, which gives it a unique look that is reminiscent of the anime series.

The sound in Dual Sympathy is also good. The music is catchy and the sound effects are well-done. The voice acting is also top-notch, with the English voice actors doing a great job of bringing the characters to life.

Conclusion

Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy is a great action RPG for the Nintendo DS. It follows the story of the anime series closely, but it also adds some new elements that are unique to the game. The combat system is deep and engaging, the crafting system is robust, and the story is well-written and engaging. Fans of the anime series will enjoy playing through the story of Dual Sympathy, and newcomers to the series will find it a great introduction to the world of Fullmetal Alchemist.