Game Review: Shadow Hearts on the Playstation 2

Set in 1913, Yuri Hyuga is a human who can transform into monsters. Alice Elliot is a young woman with some powers of her own and unfortunately, wish to use them. 

Alice's father was murdered and she is forced to accompany an escort to Shanghai. On the train, Alice's escort is slaughtered by a man who goes by the name of Roger Bacon. 

Yuri saves Alice and accompanies due to the voice in his head telling him to. Together, they begin their long journey.

Shadow Hearts is a role-playing game released in 2001 for the Playstation 2. It is considered a sequel to Koudelka, which was released in 1999 for the Playstation. 

Unfortunately, I have not played Koudelka nor have I been able to get my hands on a copy as it is a bit expensive. I do not believe you need to play it in order to understand Shadow Hearts though. There are some connections but not quite as strong as the connections with the next two games in the series.

Being that this was released in 2001, I'm sure it was considered quite an impressive game back then. GC cutscenes and even some parts with voice acting. Graphics-wise I don't think it is quite on par with say, Final Fantasy X, which was also released in 2001. For me, however, this is not a complaint. Nice graphics are cool and all, but what makes a game for me is how much I enjoy it.

And I enjoyed Shadow Hearts very much. This game has a certain charm to it. It has some flaws like awkward dialogue here and there. Some of the voice acting is a bit funny. When I heard the voice for Keith, the vampire character, I couldn't help but laugh.

This game is very charming though with its own unique addition to the turn-based battle system.  

Judgement Ring

The Judgment Ring is used during turn-based battles. It's pretty cool at times but if you don't hit the colored areas on the ring you won't make any attacks in battle. A cool battle system that definitely requires focus and the right timing. 

The story is pretty interesting too; it's an alternate history. It takes place between 1913 and 1914 mixing historical events with supernatural elements. The game definitely has a bit of horror feel to it. 

You start with Yuri and Alice but as you progress, more characters are added to your party.

Shadow Hearts also has two endings; the bad ending and the good ending. I was originally going for the good ending. I had everything I needed to achieve it but went for the bad ending instead. I did this because the bad ending is the canon ending. Shadow Hearts 2 picks up 6 months after the events - the bad ending - in Shadow Hearts.

I like there are two endings though. If I play it again, I'll go for the good ending.

Shadow Hearts is nearly 20 years old but still an awesome game that deserves a play-through. It's a bit hard to find and kind of expensive. The games are out-of-print and the developer is no longer in business. But if you are able to find this game, I do recommend it. It's fun with a good story, unique addition to the turn-based battle system. Oh, and Yuri being able to transform into different monsters is pretty awesome as well.

I love this game. I recommend it.