Summary

Release Year: 2006
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Tactical
Platforms: PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
Developers: LEVEL-5
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment

Jeanne d’Arc (2006): A Unique Blend of History and Fantasy

Introduction

Jeanne d’Arc is a tactical role-playing game loosely based on the story of Joan of Arc and her struggles against the English occupation of France during the Hundred Years’ War in the early 15th century. The game was developed by Level-5 and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan in November 2006, and in North America and Europe in February 2007.

Gameplay

Jeanne d’Arc is a turn-based tactical role-playing game. Players control a party of up to six characters on a grid-based map. Each character has their own unique abilities and stats, and can equip a variety of weapons and armor. Players must use strategy and positioning to defeat their enemies, who are typically arranged in formations on the map.

The game features a unique “Tension” system. When a character attacks or is attacked, their Tension level increases. As their Tension level increases, their stats and abilities improve. However, if their Tension level gets too high, they will become Berserk and lose control of their actions.

Story

The story of Jeanne d’Arc follows the historical Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who led the French army to victory against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. However, the game takes a number of liberties with the historical record, adding fantasy elements such as magical armlets that give the wearer special abilities, and the suggestion that King Henry VI of England was possessed by demons and used them to aid his armies in destroying France.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The cutscenes are beautifully rendered and feature voice acting from a talented cast. The dialogue is well-written and engaging, and does a good job of bringing the characters to life.

Characters

The cast of characters in Jeanne d’Arc is a diverse and memorable one. Joan of Arc herself is a complex and well-developed character. She is a devout Christian who believes that she is fighting for God’s will, but she is also a skilled warrior and a compassionate leader.

Other notable characters include La Hire, a veteran warrior who becomes Joan’s mentor; Gilles de Rais, a brilliant but troubled strategist; and Charlotte, a young woman who possesses the ability to heal the sick and wounded.

Graphics and Sound

Jeanne d’Arc is a beautiful game. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the environments are lush and atmospheric. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of orchestral and choral pieces that perfectly capture the game’s setting and tone.

Reception

Jeanne d’Arc received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its unique blend of history and fantasy, its engaging story, and its well-developed characters. However, some critics found the game’s combat to be too simplistic and repetitive.

Despite the mixed reviews, Jeanne d’Arc was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game has since been re-released on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.

Legacy

Jeanne d’Arc is a unique and memorable game that has left a lasting legacy on the tactical role-playing genre. The game’s blend of history and fantasy, its engaging story, and its well-developed characters have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Historical Accuracy

While Jeanne d’Arc takes a number of liberties with the historical record, it does a good job of capturing the spirit of the era. The game’s depiction of Joan of Arc is generally accurate, and the game does a good job of portraying the challenges that she faced during the Hundred Years’ War.

However, the game’s inclusion of fantasy elements has been criticized by some historians. For example, the game’s suggestion that King Henry VI of England was possessed by demons is not supported by any historical evidence.

Conclusion

Jeanne d’Arc is a unique and memorable game that offers a unique blend of history and fantasy. The game’s engaging story, well-developed characters, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the tactical role-playing genre.