by Jay "THE FLEA" Wade
The first RPG Strategy game for Playstation (Vandal Hearts) has finally returned.
Following it was Ogre Battle, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics.
There's a large fan following to Strategy RPG's and many have waiting a long time for the return of Vandal Hearts. And they won't be disappointed.
For those who don't know what a strategy RPG is. It's a turn based war on a large spaced battleground where you'll have an army of different soldiers. Knights, Archers, Wizards, etc. But VH2 adds new elements to the battlefield.
One, Blood and adult content. (a Vandal Hearts trademark)
Two, Player and computer take a turn at the same time. So now you'll have to figure out where the computer might place one of its characters.
And three, A highly detailed graphics that really make this game look beautiful.
Some of the spells and background effects look better then and other strategy RPG known. There's hundreds of weapons and armor and each one you can see on your characters as you upgrade. The dialog boxes and character pictures look a little outdated. (almost looks like the NES) But it works for this game. The story pulls you in from the start. You play the hero as a young lad, then later play him as a young soldier. Great characters and plot twists that really make you want to finish the game. Also like the Ogre series, Vandal Hearts II has multiple endings.
The only complaint on first Vandal Hearts was the hours of gameplay. VH2 has three times the gameplay VH1 did. It's not as long as Tactics Ogre, but it will give you enough gameplay for your money. Overall, If you love RPG strategies, then you should add Vandal Hearts II to your collection.
PUBLISHER: KONAMI
GRAPHICS: 10 SOUND & MUSIC: 8.5 CONTROL: 9.5
SECRETS: 9 ORIGINALITY: 9.5 FUN & REPLAY: 10
OVERALL: 9.5
