Playstation 3 Thoughts

With Enchant Arm on the Playstation 3 FROM Software took a decent RPG and killed it. The graphics look worse, the load times are worse, and the framerate is just plain awful when compared to its XBOX 360 cousin. As far as I can tell this version should never have been released as load times for encounters are some of the longest Ive ever had the displeasure of sitting through. Remove rumble and achievements and replace them with some tacked on Sixaxis actions that are required and you have the recipe for one of the worst ports in the new generation of consoles.

Now Back To Our Regularly Scheduled XBOX 360 Review.
Import gamers around the world imagined the worst when they first heard the words "From Software launch rpg" when describing the Xbox360 rpg [EM]-eNCHANT aRM-. From Software's previous experience held with rpgs has been limited to dungeon crawls like Shadow Tower Abyss and Kings Field, so the idea that they'd be doing a mainstream Final Fantasy type title was a bit hard to swallow. Besides that, launch rpgs are often pretty bad. Yet now that the title came out, it's shown that despite lowered expectations, it's actually pretty good! Sure there are some definite problems here and there, but considering it's a first outing both in traditional rpgs and next-gen games by the company, overall EM is a nice rpg outing.


The best part about EM is, by far, the battle system. Playing similar to a board game, battles take place on two sets of grids where the characters and the enemies are split into two opposing teams. From here players use cunning strategy to eliminate the enemies with grid based range attacks. The system is quick, efficient, and fun, and really feels like something original in the often-uninspired world of rpg battle systems. Another unique feature the system supports is an auto-battle. Clicking in the right trigger lets the AI take over and fight the battles quickly for the player, which is nice when running across large areas with higher encounter rates.

Also good is the ability to recruit any enemy in the game and put them in a four-person party. For the most part EM borrows heavily off Shin Megami Tensei, but then again if they're going to steal from someone, they might as well steal from the best. Just like SMT, elemental alignments are incredibly important and picking the right partners for each dungeon is smart way to play.

Other well-done elements of EM are the writing and feel of the world. While the story itself is pretty ho-hum, the dialogue between main party members is enjoyable and features some nice comedy in a tone similar to Shadow Hearts. The world is also connected similar to FFX without an airship. Walking from one town to another requires running through forests/deserts/underground caverns, which makes traveling a time-consuming, but believable, experience (luckily as the game progresses some warp points open up)

At times the Graphics also fall into the good category. NPCs look realistic and as good as main story characters from some last-gen rpgs. Locations shine with HD-textures and HDR lighting that makes them sharp and colorful. Overall there definitely are some nice looking spots here and there in the game, but visually it's not all that consistent.