Video games often cross the boundaries of genre in order to create an experience interesting enough to draw in gamers who may not necessarily have been intrigued otherwise. The late Midway attempted to blur horror and RPG into one game when it released Shadow Hearts in North America during 2001. The end result? A strong effort that only clicked with fans willing to try something new.
The PlayStation 2 was the golden age of Japanese RPGs. Many great titles were released during that time, but some excellent games did not get the attention
Super short list, but of course Dark Cloud 2 and Rogue Galaxy would make this list.
They did release both of those games on PS4 though. Two of the very few games I was happy to "buy" digitally, and with trophies.
Gary Green said: Most JRPG fans look back to the PS1 era and smile. It was a time when narrative masterpieces were being released regularly, which was a good thing since most gamers were very hungry for more. It’s no wonder the late 90s is referred to as ‘the JRPG golden age’. Sadly, all things must come to an end, and the dawn of the PS2 would see ambitious developers try to set new trends with expensive visual upgrades, deviations in gameplay to include more focus on either action or strategy, or even online gameplay.
Not all hope was lost, and a handful of dedicated developers would attempt to revive the ‘traditional’ JRPG. While many attempts would be lost to time and obscurity, others would slowly rise to cult status as respectable masters of their craft. One such game would put its growing franchise on the map and captivate many a gamer with its unique theme of real-world characters and locations, and recurring use of Lovecraftian horror. It’s time to revisit Shadow Hearts.
I loved the trilogy. Dark and edgy, very good battle system, good characters. 3rd game has gone extra silly, but it was still very fun. I hope one day a remaster comes out
It's probably not impossible.... not sure where the rights sit currently after Midway went under but somebody somewhere owns the IP, and somebody somewhere else has to be asking how to get these games out again (please not Aspyr)
I would love a collection with Koudelka, Shadow Hearts, Covenant and From the New World... I never got to play Shadow Hearts, that game was stupidly rare before Covenant came out. From the New World isn't too expensive or difficulty to find for a reasonable price, but Shadow Hearts is impossible unless you want to fork over $200 for a copy.
Universal Entertainment recently filed a trademark for its well-known critically-acclaimed PlayStation 2 series, Shadow Hearts, in Japan.
I have a foggy memory of this one. Do remember that it was pretty fun back in the day. That thumbnail reminds me of the upcoming Wukong game. Excited for that one.
omg yes please!!
i loved this freaking game! and the way your character transforms is so cool.
Such a great game; too bad we will never see another one. The first two Shadow Hearts games were excellent. They were so romantic, tragic and heartbreaking. Yuri's love and eventual sacrifice for Alice brought a tear to my eye. He wanted to be with her so bad and seeing him cry made me cry at that time. I am just a sucker for romance. That is why Shadow Hearts and FFVIII are my favorite RPGs.
Great review. I loved the game. Wish I bought a copy instead of using my brothers
Frickin' LOVE Shadow Hearts 1 and 2, 3 was meh. It's a, shame that Nautilus was disbanded and the IP is owned by a nothing Japanese company, as the dark tones and unique style of Shadow Hearts would be a welcome resurgence to the much more heavily anime/bright/child-like style that current JRPGs are mired in.
I literally was just talking about these games on youtube yesterday trying to get A German Spy to check them out. These games would turn me into a hypocrite if Sony got them as PS2 games on PS4. I could not resist the urge to buy them. That, unfortunately, is about as likely as a new, Naughty Dog developed, Crash Bandicoot game being made however. Such a shame too. Excellent franchise that ended way too soon.
Easily one of my favorite PS2 era RPG's