[PS2] Soul Nomad and the World Eaters

"SOUL NOMAD & THE WORLD EATERS"
Developer: Nippon Ichi
North American Publisher: NIS America
Genre: Strategy RPG
Price: $39.99 USD
NA Release date: 25 Sept. 2007
Title in Japan: Soul Cradle (released 15 Feb. 2007)

US box art:


JP box art:


Official English website: http://www.nisamerica.com/games/soulnomad/

Story as explained by Hindman's wife while Hindman nods and pretends to get it:
"Soul Nomad and the World Eaters opens with the game world largely in disarray, thanks to three particularly nasty creatures, called the--you guessed it--"World Eaters," and the demon forces that controlled them two hundred years back. Their commander has been sealed away, but the World Eaters are sitting dormant in the world, posing an obvious threat. In some sort of sealed village, the hero, whose gender the player selects at the start of the game, is training for battle. The idyllic lifestyle is short-lived as he is called to wield an Onyx Blade that contains the spirit of Gig, badguy supreme. The hero is apparently the only one who can possibly contain Gig's spirit without getting consumed. Even then, Gig is constantly trying to lend the hero more of his power, which will slowly destroy the hero's soul and leave behind a body for Gig to ravage the world in. In and out of battle, Gig approaches with all kinds of offers for dark power of smiting, many of which are dotted with a telltale "Bad Ending" symbol. The story holds some promise and is complemented by a script that is more serious and less humorous than previous Nippon Ichi games--not to mention more crass."

Gameplay: Said to be somewhat similar to other Nippon Ichi titles, but not so much to the point one can call it a Phantom Brave or Disagea knockoff. Players create/revruit characters from among the game's almost 30 varieties and prepares them to battle enemies, so tha tthe main character does not have to reply on Gig as much. Too much use of Gig would like, eat the world or something. The visuals and sounds are a lot like Disagea, but the gameplay does not seem overly so.

Battles are turn-based and on a grid, but use squads instead of single-chara-versus-single-chara type actions to play out. Room decor and formation also have very big inpacts on how a squad will perform, and players need think carefully about both of these things. Additionally, rooms can be augmented with decorations, which provide a variety of bonuses in addition to the room's normal effect.

Reviews:
RPG Land: RPG LAND Game Review: Soul Nomad and the World Eaters

Quote:

Overall, Soul Nomad and the World Eaters is a wonderful addition to the NIS family of tactical RPGs, providing a deep and enjoyable combat system along with a serious plot that quite surpasses its predecessors, while still retaining a certain level of humor that Nippon Ichi is known for. Where else could one get the line, "You sister-loving man-cow!"?

(Also discussed at length within the site's podcast, starting at about the 45-minute mark)

Game Vortex: Soul Nomad and the World Eaters On GameVortex.com

Quote:

While the gameplay helps to make Soul Nomad and the World Eaters stand out, its main character, Gig, makes it a memorable and entertaining one.
...
hroughout the game, Gig will tempt you with power; ignoring Gig's temptations could mean death, but accepting his help allows him to corrupt your soul a little more - eventually allowing him to completely take over your body.

GamerNode: GamerNode: PlayStation 2 Video Game Reviews - Soul Nomad & the World Eaters

Quote:

Unlike a lot of past NIS games, this one doesn't involve nearly as much back tracking and customization which is something the diehard NIS faithful will dislike, but the non-initiated (or busy) will appreciate. You can also tie levels to your main character, meaning you don't have to go and grind over and over and over in most situations.

Movies:
US trailer: YouTube - Soul Nomad and the World Eaters US Trailer
Combat overview trailer: YouTube - Soul Nomad and the World Eaters US fight Trailer
Gig Edicts: YouTube - Soul Nomad 2 Edicts
Trailer from NISA press event: YouTube - Soul Nomad Trailer


Screens:









Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Elixir

Disgaea 2's story can't be taken seriously since it ends before it begins.

How ya doing, buddy?