Eternal Sonata for Xbox 360 Review

Eternal Sonata is a quality RPG though, as with most things, it also has it's flaws. Overall it's a game worth picking up used for around $20, but not really worth the shelf price of $60 new.

Gameplay

Controls are user friendly and the game is easy to learn. Finding score pieces and trying to find the match with the corresponding is annoying at best and it's impossible to find them all on one playthrough. Most of the game is watching the story in cutscenes.

Combat

The combat is actually unique. This is a rarity in turn based RPGs, especially rare for a new attempt on an old tried and true formula to actually work. Special attacks are affected by whether or not the character is in the light or the dark. Combat changes gradually as your party levels up. This seems to be a good thing so that the player isn't overwhelmed by the combat system all at once. Battles are fast paced and usually over quickly. Enemies are visible on the game field so there are no random encounters to worry about. Random encounters would make this game excessively tedious as most of the time when you're travelling, it's as if you're in a maze guessing which path to travel.

Story

For originality, this game gets kudos. The story may be confusing, but at least it's an attempt at doing something different and being creative. This game probably isn't for everyone just because of the story. It will really appeal to only a niche group of players. Those who like to learn about Chopin or parts of history in general and have it involved in their fantasy game will probably find it enjoyable. Many aspects of the story aren't explained in detail and one is left to surmise through deep thought the symbolic meaning.

Characters

Most of the characters are likable and believable. Voice acting is good, not over the top. There are many characters that you are able to play as each with different personalities and abilities.