ack Russell (no relation to the dog) is the son of a famous knight and determined to follow in his father's footsteps. Young Jack (we're talking teenage young) joins a famous group of knights called the Radiata Knights (hence the game name). Assigned to the infamous Rose Cochon Brigade, Jack teams up with a perky girl named Ridley (no relation to the alien-fighting dudette) and a goofy guy called Ganz. A lot of weird stuff happens, and next thing you know Jack is fighting to save the world. Such is the story behind Radiata Stories.
The latest role-playing offering from role-playing magnet Square Enix, Radiata Stories was designed and developed by Tri-Ace, the developers of the classic Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile. This is standard, yet quality, role-playing stuff, as you adventure across the land with Jack and company.
The battle routine is similar to the system that Tri-Ace used in both Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile. Up to four characters (Jack and three others) can battle simultaneously. Exactly who assists Jack in the killing is chosen from a list of friends he accumulates in his travels. Once in battle, you can only control Jack, but you can order the other battling party members to attack, defend and/or assume numerous formations.
Although there isn't any magic in the Radiata Stories world, Jack accumulates Volty points (their words, not mine) that may be used to enhance attacks.
The battles are in real time, but may be paused to issue orders. There is no multiplayer.
Good for a laugh, and much more
Radiata Stories includes memorable characters, beautiful scenery and cool battles, but it has more, and that more is great dialogue. The game eschews the typical, nauseatingly soul-searching discussions between teens in angst and opts to keep the dialogue light, airy and even humorous. Although the game takes a serious turn near the end, the well-written dialogue is one of the game's strong points.
The combat system is also strong. Although it's initially frantic (especially if you normally play turn-based role-playing games), the system is well designed and soon becomes second nature. The game automatically locks on to your target, yet allows you to cycle through all available targets, and you attack by pressing a button. Good timing lets you combo your attacks and devastate your opponents. Add to this the ability to give basic commands to the rest of your party, and you have a combat system that is not only exciting, but tactically challenging as well.
The game is as pretty as it is challenging. Although the battlefields are nondescript, the world that surrounds them is rich with details and color. The characters shuffle through fallen leaves, the sun glimmers through trees, and the animation—from swaying trees to battlefield attacks—is superb.
Bottom line, Radiata Stories is typical Square Enix/Tri-Ace excellence. Nice ambiance, thrilling combat and well-written, humorous dialogue make this a game worth playing.
Great fun, easy playing, good-time game.
—Mark
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