Baten Kaitos Origins (GC)

Reviewed by Kit

Today we're reviewing Baten Kaitos Origins, and because I have nothing to say, let's move on in this.

Story: You play the guardian spirit to Sagi, a young spiriter who recently joined the private army of a noble. Your first assignment is to kill the emperor, when things go horribly wrong. Someone else already does it, and your friends in the army decide to double cross you and arrest you instead. As you're fleeing, your machine friend Guillo goes psycho and beats into a boss you just decide was unbeatable. And with each punch your head hurts more until you can't take it anymore and you wake up in some other place. After some following people around you discover you were in a dream of sorts, and things are still pretty bad in reality. The story progresses as such with twists and turns along the way. Occasionally you'll meet character who appear in the original Baten Kaitos, which takes place 20 years after Origins. Another important character who later joins you is Milly, who steps in to save you. The story is good, thoguh it takes time to get into. 3/5

Audio: The voice acting is mediocre. they try their best, but it's nothing outstanding. The music itself isn't bad. I can't remember any off the top of my head though. 3/5

Graphics: The graphics are well done. The backgrounds are beautifully rendered and the characters each have a special portrait. 4/5

Gameplay: From what I gather, this is the part where it's hit or miss with people. They've altered the battle system from the original, and for the worse I feel. Your characters still controls a deck of cards to make his moves, but instead of being able to use a certain number per turn, you must chain the cards. That is, if you want a combo you begin like this, usign a 0 card (weapon or armor) the using a 1 card (weak attack) then a 2 (medium attack) then a 3 (strong attack) then a 4 (special attack). Of course you can skip some parts in the chain, but you have to make sure you are constantly increasing. Using items or random skills will prevent any linking. After each battle you are fully healed....and an annoying voice tells you that you've won. Outside of battles you still collect magnus from the areas around you. Some are quest items, and some just give you stat bonuses while you hold them. There are sidequests all over the place to do. Some are interesting, and many are fetch me this particular item on your magnus. 3/5

Replay: No reason for replay. 2/5

Overall: It had lots of potential, but I think it fell short. I'd highly recommend the first over this one. 3/5