Baten Kaitos Gamecube Review
I am not going to go into the storyline really, because I wouldn’t want to spoil one thing about this game. You can find some brief storyline bits throughout the internet, if you are interested, but the good stuff is all inside the game itself. We move on to the visuals of the game. Namco spent a lot of there time on the graphics of this game, because with an RPG, you need to have a GAT graphics system. Tales of Symphonia, which was another top RPG on the Gamecube features great graphics, and a nice storyline, but Baten Kaitos goes a little further with theres. Why do I say this? Well… Baten Kaitos is much more in depth than any other RPG for the Gamecube, and the way the worlds are so visually stunning, and complex make this game a tough challenge for any other RPG. When in Combat the graphics don’t change, as they are just re layered to fit a smaller screen. At 128 Bit power, this game surely uses all of it at the max.
When I was messing around with Baten Kaitos’ controls, I found they were very nice. What I mean by nice is, there battle system makes it all. Normally in a RPG, you have to search around for inventory, and use every possible button at once, which is a nuisance. In Baten Kaitos, the controls make it much easier to toggle around for what you need, and in battle makes it much easier than your regular RPG. There are different types of battle systems, and while this game uses a Card Based combat system, it doesn’t make much of a difference in my opinion. Tales of Symphonia used a more free combat system, which made it much easier to move around. Card Based are actually the same in ease, but don’t expect you to use as many buttons as you would with a turn based system. Although Card Based is similar, most of the features are just right there, and can only use a certain amount of commands per chance. When you find an item, you place it in your inventory. The inventory is also very easy to use. With the push of a button, you can access your inventory and choose what you need.
Namco could of done a little better on the sound, because the voice acting is not so great. It sounds like they are playing the anime role, which I am not a huge fan of, and they sound a little childish and weird. In my opinion, turning the voice acting off wouldn’t be such a bad idea. A good point, is the music helps out a great deal, and makes the game sound like a true RPG. The sound does lower the gamers rating, but not by a lot. RPG’s normally have great sound, with a great storyline, and a mediocre combat system. This one has a great combat system, great storyline, and a mediocre sound system. Overall it is very nice, and in fact the music might even keep you focused enough where you don’t have to worry about the sound effects.
Overall… Baten Kaitos remains one of Gamecube best RPG’s, and for any console of that matter. With Final Fantasy out, it might not compare to it, but it does take RPG gaming to another level, with it’s epic storyline, and great graphics engine. When you read the plot, you will know what I mean about an epic storyline. I give this game an 8 out of 10.
