Summon Night: Swordcraft Story (GBA)

Reviewed by Kit

I've decided to start posting the reviews on Sunday. That way I have the weekend to play the game if things get hectic at school. Today's game is one of the most recent releases for the GBA. It's almost a surprise that Nintendo hasn't discontinued that system yet. Anyway, today's game is a quaint little RPG about a child trying to be like their dad.

Story: At the beginning of the game you decide whether to play a boy or a girl. From there you wake up to learn that you are entering a competition to discover who will become the fourth swordcraft, a prestigious position that has been open since your father died three years ago. Apparently the people who are in charge have decided to choose the next swordcraft from children, so the next swordcraft will have a long life. The tournament consists of elimenation rounds with the competition; however, between rounds you are often sent into the seemingly endless tower to do various quests. The bulk of the game takes place in the tower, where you will get materials to make weapons as well as levels to become stronger. The story is not all that deep, but it's cute. 3/5

Audio: The music is somewhat repetitive, but it has a very cheerful sound to it. IT suits the mood, but isn't anything catchy. 3/5

Graphics: The graphics are about the standard for the GBA. Nothing outstanding. Everything is bright and continues with the cheerful atmosphere of the game. Important characters have face portraits that give some more detail. 3/5

Gameplay: There are two important aspects to the game, fighting and weapon crafting. Battles take place on a real time side scrolling window. You can equip up to three weapons, which you can switch through, and an accessory for the battles. Also early in the game you will get a guardian monster that will help you and cast spells for you. The guardian beast can cast spells a certain number of times before it needs to rest as well as a limited number of times a battle. There are five types of weapons you can craft. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. You gave materials from the labyrinth and weapon designs from you boss to make the weapons. Each weapon has a durability, and if you battle past its limit it will break. The durabalilty is restored after each battle. 3/5

Replay: There's no real reason to replay besides trying as a different sex, getting a different guardian monster, or hoping to see different cutscenes (after each match of the tournament you can view a cutscene with another character). 2/5

Overall: Overall the game is a cute average RPG. If you like battling and creating weapons you might enjoy it. It might be mediocre, but it can be entertaining and worth the effort. 3/5