Grandia III (2005)

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

Summary

Grandia III: A Timeless JRPG Adventure

Released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Grandia III is a role-playing video game developed by Game Arts and published by Square Enix. It is the third installment in the Grandia series, and it follows the story of Yuki, a young boy who dreams of becoming a great pilot like his idol, the Sky Captain Schmidt. When he and his mother encounter a girl named Alfina who has the ability to communicate with the spiritual guardians of the world, they become involved in the plot to discover the secrets of the world’s past and face an evil rogue guardian named Xorn.

Grandia III is a classic JRPG in every sense of the word. It has a turn-based battle system, a deep and engaging story, and a cast of memorable characters. The game’s world is also beautifully realized, with lush forests, towering mountains, and floating castles.

One of the things that makes Grandia III so special is its battle system. The game’s combat is fast-paced and exciting, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth. Players can choose from a variety of attacks and abilities, and they can also use special “MANI Arts” to power up their attacks. The game also features a unique “IP Gauge” system, which allows players to build up a meter to unleash powerful special attacks.

The story of Grandia III is also top-notch. The game’s plot is full of twists and turns, and it features a cast of well-developed characters. The game’s themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice are also explored in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

Of course, no JRPG would be complete without a great cast of characters. Grandia III features a diverse and likeable group of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Yuki is the game’s protagonist, and he is a brave and determined young boy. Alfina is a kind and compassionate girl who has the ability to communicate with the spiritual guardians of the world. Rodd is a skilled swordsman who is always looking for a good fight. And Millenia is a mysterious and powerful woman who joins the party later in the game.

The world of Grandia III is also a highlight of the game. The game’s world is full of beautiful and varied locations, from lush forests to towering mountains to floating castles. The game’s art style is also top-notch, and it helps to bring the world of Grandia III to life.

Overall, Grandia III is a classic JRPG that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s engaging story, memorable characters, and beautiful world make it a must-play for any JRPG fan.

Gameplay

Grandia III is a turn-based JRPG with a unique battle system. The game’s combat is fast-paced and exciting, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth. Players can choose from a variety of attacks and abilities, and they can also use special “MANI Arts” to power up their attacks. The game also features a unique “IP Gauge” system, which allows players to build up a meter to unleash powerful special attacks.

One of the things that makes Grandia III’s battle system so unique is the way that it handles movement. In most JRPGs, characters are restricted to moving within a certain range of squares. However, in Grandia III, characters can move freely around the battlefield. This gives players a lot more freedom to position their characters and to set up attacks.

Another unique feature of Grandia III’s battle system is the way that it handles attacks. In most JRPGs, attacks are simply resolved by comparing the attacker’s attack power to the defender’s defense power. However, in Grandia III, attacks are also affected by the attacker’s and defender’s positions. For example, an attack from behind will do more damage than an attack from the front.

The game’s battle system also features a number of different status effects. These status effects can have a variety of effects on characters, such as reducing their attack power, defense power, or speed. Players need to be careful to manage their status effects, as they can have a significant impact on the outcome of battles.

Overall, Grandia III’s battle system is one of the most unique and innovative in the JRPG genre. It offers a great deal of strategic depth and freedom, and it is sure to keep players entertained for hours on end.

Story

The story of Grandia III is set in a fantasy world where technology has allowed man to fly in magic-powered aircraft. Yuki is a young boy who dreams of becoming a great pilot like his idol, the Sky Captain Schmidt. When he and his mother encounter a girl named Alfina who has the ability to communicate with the spiritual guardians of the world, they become involved in the plot to discover the secrets of the world’s past and face an evil rogue guardian named Xorn.

The story of Grandia III is full of twists and turns, and it features a cast of well-developed characters. The game’s themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice are also explored in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

Characters

Grandia III features a diverse and likeable cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

  • Yuki: The game’s protagonist, Yuki is a brave and determined young boy. He dreams of becoming a great pilot like his idol, the Sky Captain Schmidt.
  • Alfina: A kind and compassionate girl, Alfina has the ability to communicate with the spiritual guardians of the world. She is also the key to unlocking the secrets of the world’s past.
  • Rodd: A skilled swordsman, Rodd is always looking for a good fight. He is also a loyal friend and a valuable member of the party.
  • Millenia: A mysterious and powerful woman, Millenia joins the party later in the game. She is a skilled fighter and a powerful ally.

World

The world of Grandia III is a beautiful and varied place. The game’s world is full of lush forests, towering mountains, and floating castles. The game’s art style is also top-notch, and it helps to bring the world of Grandia III to life.

Legacy

Grandia III was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and beautiful world. The game has also been praised for its innovative battle system. Grandia III is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of its generation, and it is still enjoyed by fans today.

Conclusion

Grandia III is a classic JRPG that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s engaging story, memorable characters, and beautiful world make it a must-play for any JRPG fan.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More