A man, who is
not quite 40, lays dying in his bed in an apartment in Paris as his doctor and
loved ones watch over him and wonder what he’s dreaming about as his life begins
to slip away. This young man has always been sickly but from his brilliant mind
sprang melodies that would inevitably live on long after he’s gone. In another
universe, perhaps created by this dying young man, lives a young girl who is
terminally ill but lives to help others. She is a mystical healer who one day
gazes at the stars when she encounters a young man much like the one dying in a
bed in France. This is the story that sets up the events that make up the unique
and deliciously original Eternal Sonata for the Xbox 360.
“See, this is what happens when you feed
the Oompa Loompas after midnight.”
What exactly
makes this game unique and original, you might ask? You see, one of the game’s
main characters – the young dying man who lies dying in France and reappears in
another world – is none other than composer and pianist Frederic Francois
Chopin. The game opens in Paris in the year 1849 as Chopin is close to death. In
another world, a young girl named Polka sells healing powder made from the
crushed pedals of a rare flower only to find herself being alienated by the
people of a nearby city. Polka has an incurable illness and as a result this
illness grants her healing powers. One day, Polka is startled by the sudden
appearance of a young man in a top hat; he introduces himself as simply Frederic
and tells her that this world is but a figment of his imagination … a world
created by his own dreams. Is this world just a creation of a creative musical
genius or was Chopin’s soul somehow transported here at the moment of his death?
This mystery is
half of what makes Eternal Sonata such a brilliant premise. Yes, it’s odd
to be taking control of a historical figure and inserting him in a game where
the landscape is filled with fantastical creatures and characters that band
together to bring light to the world but somehow this strange premise works
splendidly. The story is also what sets this game apart from other role-playing
games. It’s also rare to find a game that adds fantasy elements while also
giving a history lesson seeing as we also get a peek at the life of historical
figure (the game touches on many events that occurred in Chopin’s life). Really,
if it wasn’t for the wonderful story and characters this would have been an
old-school RPG filled with all the traditional elements of classic role-playing
games of yesteryear.
Early in the
game we are also introduced to the other half of the cast of characters that
join Polka and Chopin on their quest to restore light to the people of
Ritardando (the major city of the world in this other realm). We meet two young
thieves, Allegretto and Beat, both youngsters who steal bread for the poor and
suddenly find themselves taking a role in helping Polka and Chopin battle
against an evil Count who unfairly sets hefty taxes and has unleashed a most
unhealthy and addictive mineral designed to pacify the people of this world.
Along the way the band of heroes meets other characters and discovers musical
pieces that can be played for certain NPCs you’ll encounter. Sessions, as the
game calls it, is actually a mini-game that – when successfully handled – will
earn you rare items and other goodies.
“Ah, jeez, this is the LAST time I accept
a blind date.”
Each character
has his or her own set of special attacks that changes depending on whether
you’re standing in a bright area or one covered in the shade. Beat, for example,
has a firearm that becomes available to him in the shade but in the sunlight
that weapon becomes a camera he can use to snap photographs of his enemies.
These photographs can actually be used to earn money when sold in shops. You
will be exploring dungeons, towns and forests. Unfortunately, as I mentioned
before, the game’s design is actually quite linear and thus leaving no real room
to go off the map and explore further. It’s very old-school in this respect and
it might not sit well for those who are now use to exploring vast landscapes a
la Oblivion. Still, the deep and engaging story as well as the various
situations you’ll partake in more than supersede those of the recent Blue
Dragon.
Combat is also
pretty engaging seeing as it uses both real-time movement and a turn-based
strategy. When you collide with a monster or enemy, you’ll be whisked into a
battle arena where you can move anywhere within the arena until the Action Gauge
lowers then it’s the enemy’s turn to go. Unlike most games in the genre, your
characters can use their special attacks as much as they want … which is a good
thing seeing as many of the battles are actually pretty tough. Early in the game
you’ll encounter bosses, many of them able to deal some heavy damage even to the
likes of the powerful Allegretto and even Chopin who has a powerful attack.
Graphically,
Eternal Sonata is one of the prettiest role-playing games with vibrant
colors and beautifully detailed backgrounds that will not fail to light up your
screen. Really, if there ever was a game that screams HDTV, this is it. Even the
character models are well detailed despite their anime appearance. You’ll really
find it hard to tell where the cut scenes start and where they end because the
visuals are just that good.
“How dare you call HER a girly,
chicken-legged wuss! Oh, you meant me.”
The sound is
also amazing and this, of course, is due to Chopin’s music. His compositions are
featured throughout the game and interpreted by a master pianist and oftentimes
his music is used to punctuate an emotional truly emotional moment in the game.
There are also original tunes in the game that fits Chopin’s music nicely so
music lovers will certainly appreciate Eternal Sonata’s soundtrack. The
voice acting is also pretty good if you’re use to listening to the English dub
of most Japanese animation. For those that prefer the better Japanese voice
acting you can always switch languages on the fly.
Classically
beautiful like the works of the poet of the piano, Eternal Sonata for the
Xbox 360 is one of those rare gaming experiences that are genuinely
extraordinary and truly unforgettable. It’s an old-school role-playing game that
doesn’t deviate from the classic role-playing game elements but it’s story,
characters and theme will not fail to hook you into this lovely tale. Add some
stunning next-generation visuals, a superb score and a great overall
presentation and you get a game fans of the genre will certainly appreciate.
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Gameplay: 8.5
The game
handles combat decently with its blend of real-time and turn-based battles that
allow you to make use of each characters’ special skills. There are some
interesting side quests and a photography aspect used to make money. Some might
feel like the game’s world doesn’t offer a whole lot but it more than makes up
for it with its lengthy main quest, great story and good characters.
Graphics: 9.5
This is one
seriously gorgeous Xbox 360 game and I’m not just talking about the cut scenes
that look like a wonderfully produced Japanese animated film but all of it. The
character models might look like cartoons but they’re detailed to perfection and
the backgrounds are just too beautiful. Too bad many of the enemies are clones
of each another.
Sound: 9.5
Eternal
Sonata also
makes good use of Chopin’s music – that is interpreted by Stanislav Bunin – and
the original score is just as good. The game’s voice acting is actually pretty
good and brings to mind a good anime.
Difficulty:
Medium/Hard
The game
tosses you into some pretty brutal battles early in the game and then adds boss
battles that will have you loading the game up again. There are a few puzzles
but they’re not too difficult to solve.
Concept: 8.7
This is a game
that has Frederic Chopin as a main character with shades of his life and past
scattered throughout the game. The story is not quite epic but it touches on
many themes that make it such an endearing tale. The game’s combat is pretty
good and there’s musical portions scattered throughout but the game could have
used more side quests.
Overall: 8.7
Eternal
Sonata is a
beautifully composed role-playing game that is delightfully unique experience
for those who appreciate a game that’s wildly imaginative. It’s rare to find an
RPG, especially one on the Xbox 360 that presents a title that’s inspiring and
unforgettable despite a few snags here and there. It’s also gorgeous,
informative and feature’s music from the great composer himself. This is a real
Must Have for any role-playing game fan.
