"A non-biased review base on complete fact."

Introduction:

La Pucelle Tactics, has received mixed opinions from fans of Disgaea. Many say it was great, but lacked features from Disgaea. Well, that's definately to be expected, because although this game was released after Disgaea in America, it was actually the other way around in Japan.

I have tried as hard as I can to base this review on fact. I cannot say this game is for everyone and even less can I say it is 'the best game ever', but it is certainly one of the most interesting games I have played in the past few months. As far as I am concerned, any game that can hold my attention for more than four hours is something special, and I am now familiar with associating the word 'session' with my time with this game.

Gameplay: 10/10

A refreshing departure from traditional RPGs

The gameplay in this game is definately not for newbies to the genre, of either RPGs or Strategy RPGs. In my time, I have played few Strategy RPGs although just enough to give me a basic idea of how they work. This is probably why the game has such a hold on me, as it gives a refreshing battle experience which takes me away from the often boring Turn-Based-Battles. Yes, this game is still turn-based, but it offers a strategic movement system, in which a character can move (in grid format) to a certain square of the map each turn. Here they can use a regular attack or a special ability (spell). Each attack or ability has a varied range, so a character with a gun can be farther on the map then a character with a sword when attacking an enemy. The game evens turns out my having phases. There is the Player Phase, where the player can move all their characters without disruption from the enemy, in any order. Once having targeted an enemy for a regular attack, battles will not begin right away. A player can choose, from the menu, to begin the battle or to end the turn. Beginning the battle means that up to this point, all characters who have been assigned a target, will attack. After the battles, the phase is still in Player Phase. This helps if a player needs a monster removed before attempting to perform another action, with another character. Once ending a turn, all assigned targets will be attacked and the phase will immediately be switched to the enemy. In the enemy phase, all move at once. This provides the battle with a great sense of control, as players need only wait few moments for their enemies to employ attacks. Also interesting, is that every time a battle begins, the game switches to a battle screen, similar to the early SNES Final Fantasy battle styles. However instead of continuously selected commands until the enemy is defeated, the player need only watch their anime characters perform attacks chosen prior to the scene. This element of gameplay is not needed at all, it only slows down the pace of the battles. However it does provide great entertainment for anime fans, and for those few patient people of the human race...:)

Another interesting factor in the battles of La Pucelle Tactics are the dark portals. Dark portals can be described as doors, from which enemies sprout every few turns. Characters are able to purify these portals, and can manipulate the energy flow to pass through enemies as the portal is purified. Also purifiable are enemies. An enemy needs to be purified several times to increase the chance of it's migration to your side. Once the player is confident that the monster will convert, all that must be done is... to kill the monster. Once done, the monster will belong to the players side, and can be assigned commands as any regular character. That basically describes the battles of La Pucelle Tactics. Next I would like to briefly mention the towns and dungeons of the game. Having played Phantom Brave first, I was very happy to found out that this game had towns and dungeons. The towns are mainly comprised of few side scrolling maps which connect. These maps include item shops and all are filled with bright and colourful NPCs. It is great to be able to talk to the NPCs, as can be done in a regular RPG. Dungeons, while nothing special, are a great improvement (or should I say, should never have been taken out of Phantom Brave). While not fully explorable, a dungeon consists of menu navigation and battling, as the player chooses a map (being given a visual representation prior) and fights through a battle. These battles (or floors) of a dungeon can be repeated as many times as a player wishes. Although it may not be a real dungeon in terms of a normal RPG, it is nice to have the feel of moving through rooms (or pictures of rooms).

Sound: 8/10

What you would expect from a good quality anime.

The sound of this game is nice and sweet. Nice tunes are used throughout the towns and give a sense of happiness. Intense tunes are used in dramatic moments and help to add to the feel of the moment. I was never one to be to picky on a games sound. The soundtrack definately feels eery at times, but in a good way. This soundtrack is fitting for a game with a demon hunting theme, although changes are made to some tune to fit the goofy personalities of the main characters. The voice acting is very well done. Those who watch anime know what to expect from a game with the same sort of vibe. Most enemies sound like their sprites portray them. Whether they be screeching bats, or cute giggling baby mushrooms. Again, I was never one to be picky on the sound category, so I have not taken a great deal of notice towards this section of the game

Storyline: 9/10

Sometimes simple, sometimes sweet. The characters and story are bound to charm even the slightest of anime fans.

The game follows a simple yet enchanting storyline about a band of demon hunters. Prier, Alouette and Cullote work for the Church of the Holy Goddess, and fight for the churches demon hunting squad, La Pucelle. The first few chapters, simply introduce new characters, and background to the main three. The game later develops a storyline the involve demons, and fans will notice similarities with Disgaea. Throughout the story, loud-mouthed Prier is constantly seeking good deeds to build her reputation towards the Maiden of Light. In ancient stories of the Church, many years ago, The Maiden of Light faught against the Prince of Darkness and succeeded in repelling evl from the Goddess children (the people of the world). Years later, in Prier's time, the enemy church of The Holy Goddess is acting suspicious. The Church of the Divine Mother is rumoured to be involved with demons, and the early few chapters involve exploiting their evil deeds. What seems harmless may eventually lead to the resurrection of an old enemy... perhaps?

On the character side of things, all characters are loveable. Many scenese are used to convey each character's personality. Of the three main members, Prier is a loud-mouthed girl, whom having lost her parents, swears to protect her younger brother from such disaster. Prier does things before thinking, and her actions often result in humorous results. Culotte is Priers younger brother and throughout the story he is constantly trying to prove himself as a man to his older sister. Culotte is young and inexperienced, and what we hear of his secluded thinking is often amusing to those older players. Alouette is probably the least apealing of the three. Allouette follows one of the cliched character types for any RPG, known as the 'do-gooder'. Having lost her memory, Alouette has been raised by the Church of the Goddess. She remembers nothing but strongly follows the Goddess' teachings. While Allouete may seem dull and boring at first, she develops greatly at points as she realizes that not all the Goddess teaches is morally correct. Some scenes are indeed humorous as Allouette hits Prier with various objects as punishment for her straight-forward speech.

Conclusion:

While this game may seem very entertaining, unexperienced players should be aware that the game can be very difficult at times. Hours is leveling up is required, and those who prefer short, straightforward games might find their money better spent elsewhere. All RPG fans however should consider this an important entry in their collection, as the battle system certainly provides a fresh departure from the traditional RPG formula.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/18/06