Jeanne d'Arc is pretty cool

[Gamerforlife]

I think this is my first Level 5 game and I'm digging it so far. I like the dialogue bubbles during combat, which give the characters personality and show that what you're doing in combat actually matters. The graphics are gorgeous, a cut above similar games like Disgaea and Final Fantasy Tactics I think. Voice acting is solid, with appropriate French accents. Story is actually pretty interesting so far, due to some pretty interesting characters(particularly Jeanne herself). I love some of the combat elements like unified guard and the gem transformations. Godspeed had me running around the map with Jeanne and killing like six guys in one turn. That is freaking awesome. The anime cut scenes are pretty sweet and use appropriately in the story(they never seem excessive or unnecessary). Lastly, I dig the tutorials. Something you typically don't care about in most games. They're simple and quick, never getting in the way for too long. Plus, the style used is great. There's enthusiasm and humor in the game's tutorials which I love, like when describing how archers work and your archer character is shown saying, "What do you mean that's cheap!". LOL

This is a pretty polished game.

[AwesomeMonstar]

OH, i LOVE jeanne. Interesting story, cool RPS system within, balanced characters, lengthy, tons of secrets, whats not to like?

[Daniel Primed]

Great points, I agree with all of them. I really dig what Level 5 do and can't wait to start playing Rogue Galaxy and the Dark Cloud games. Unfortunately I think Jeanne d'Arc's skills system is far too minimalist, they give you so few attacks beyond the genric attack and defend etc that it all starts to feel a little bland. Particularly in comparison to FF: Tactics. Anyone else find this?

[sakicfan84]

Great points, I agree with all of them. I really dig what Level 5 do and can't wait to start playing Rogue Galaxy and the Dark Cloud games. Unfortunately I think Jeanne d'Arc's skills system is far too minimalist, they give you so few attacks beyond the genric attack and defend etc that it all starts to feel a little bland. Particularly in comparison to FF: Tactics. Anyone else find this?

The 1st Dark cloud is a little weak IMO, but I personally love the 2nd game. I think they took the 1st game and improved it in every aspect. Lots more to do and it still looks and plays great years after it's release. I'd still play the 1st one though; if you end up liking that one, you'll love the 2nd one.

[dedalusdedalus]

i just finished playing through jeanne d'arc this week, and i couldn't agree with you more.

jeanne d'arc does an excellent job of keeping the challenge level steady. as a point of comparison: FF tactics, while a fine game in its own right, just let the challenge level drop in the later levels to the point where battles just became tedious.

the story is surprisingly deep also. i think it's one of the reasons i don't particularly regret buying a psp.

[corn619]

Looks like a great game. I've been thinking about picking it up, but I can't see myself looking at a little screen that long. For $20.00 I might bit the bullet though.

[AwesomeMonstar]

Great points, I agree with all of them. I really dig what Level 5 do and can't wait to start playing Rogue Galaxy and the Dark Cloud games. Unfortunately I think Jeanne d'Arc's skills system is far too minimalist, they give you so few attacks beyond the genric attack and defend etc that it all starts to feel a little bland. Particularly in comparison to FF: Tactics. Anyone else find this?

I'll agree with that... but I also think that isn't really fair. I think very few games rank up to FF:T, strat rpg or otherwise. What jeanne had was better production values, a great color pallet and a good balance, that's where it triumphed over FF:T... even though FF:T otherwise blows it out the water.

[Emerald]

I first learned of Level 5 with Dark Cloud 2, which was a great game. Then with Dragon Quest 8 I became a fan.

I am very excited about their new game, White Knight Chronicles. Sadly I did not get a chance to try Rogue Galaxy.