Baten Kaitos II

english site up!

http://www.batenkaitosorigins.com/

5 more days!!

ign review up!

8.0 Presentation
The menu system and battle screens are intuitive enough, but often get cluttered when using all three characters. Very strong overall though.
8.5 Graphics
The overall look is stronger than the original, though there are still a few wonky animations. Visual effects are beautiful though, and it can be displayed in progressive scan.
8.0 Sound
The soundtrack is awesome, offering a blend of classical/modern music. The voice acting is painful at times, though it can be turned off in the options menu.
8.0 Gameplay
There’s a ton of strategy and depth, but the luck factor can be very annoying during key battles. Veterans won’t mind, but newcomers may be turned off because of it.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
If you’re a fan of the battle system, Origins goes the distance. 60+ hours of gameplay, over 1000 cards to collect, tons of side quests, and lots of battle strategy.

Overall:
8.3

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Picked it up today, and first thing I have to say is the game doesn't let up on the difficulty. The first boss was beating my ass like a baby seal. I kind of miss having seperate decks for each character. This new system can be annoying at times, like when you draw a lot of cards all for one character. Will just take some getting used to I guess.

Most amazing jew boots

ya, im still not use to it. the first area, was pretty lethal.. lol Im only like 5hours in

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Well, I picked this up yesterday (FINALLY!). I haven't played it yet though, I will be doing that either today or tomorrow, depending if I want to do my math homework or not. I'm not sure at the moment.

I can no longer find the first, which I'm still trying to find. It sucks, now I have to play the sequel to a game that I haven't even played. I hate it when that happens.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I was kind of looking forward to it, but the first one was pretty bad. Especially the voice acting. Is the VO better in this one? Because in the first one it sounded like they were speaking through cardboard tubes most of the time.

How ya doing, buddy?

so far, the VA blows BK1's out of the water.. IMO. Yes, the clairty is great.. no more hollow sounding voices

Not hollywood actors mind you, but way better.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Slayer X

Because in the first one it sounded like they were speaking through cardboard tubes most of the time.

The trick in BK1 to make the sound better is to switch it to surround instead of stereo. It actually makes a big difference.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

almost 30hours in, still on disc 1.. awesome so far.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

This arrived at my doorstep Friday and I've been playing all day ever since. I got to disk 2 tonight. This is probably shaping up to be in my top 3 games of all time. The battle system is a bit more narrow than the original (only 1 spirit number per card, no numbers above 6, only ascending combos), but the result is a more streamlined one, and perhaps my favorite one in ANY RPG. What they took away from the original they added back in with EX Skills, equipment system and relay combos. Never have I had so much fun just fighting battles.

The graphics are the same as the first (read: really gorgeous), the music is at least on par (read: still really good), the story so far isn't anything too spectacular but I am sure it's going to pick up. They've added tons more sidequests, LOTS more quest magnus and a new mixing system.

Sadly this will be one of, if not the, least noticed RPGs of the year, overshadowed by Suikoden V (blech ), Xenosaga III, Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy III DS, Final Fantasy V GBA, Okami, etc. But I doubt any of those can ever come close to the enjoyment I'm getting out of BKO. Long live the series no one cares about I hope we get a 3rd on Wii or DS.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Personally though, I think this upgraded battle system is more better than BK1's. Because you don't have to shuffle (or do you) everytime in this game. Making it more easier to pull off straights. Going from R - the higheset #, which would be a Lv 3, marked #8 Super attack.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I've been playing through the first game, a little later than everyone else. I just got on the second disc, quite the twist that just popped up. Some of the unique things I've noticed people complaining about (battle system/level up system) I have really enjoyed. I was able to pick up the battle system quick, and your strength in battle doesn't just come from gaining levels like in some other RPGs, but how well you plan your deck outside of battles, and quick decisions you make in the battles. And gaining levels whenever you feel like it has definitely helped, I've been keeping my characters 10 levels below the max they could be at now so the game is still fairly challenging.

After I finish this game, I'd love to pick up Origins (or better yet, get it for my birthday in three weeks). Baten Kaitos has been the best RPG I've played this generation, and if this is even near it, I'll definitely enjoy it.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

im now 45 hours in, 2nd disc.. im gettin close to teh end.

I was speaking idiomatically.