Baten Kaitos

Here goes another attempt at reviewing an old game that isn't even on the market anymore. That's what I hate about consoles... the games are so disposable, & even the true classics are forgotten, while a lot of the great classic PC & arcade games are still being sold & talked about today.

Anyway.. Baten Kaitos..

My experience with video game RPGs goes back 2 the NES game called Dragon Warrior. I remember that game fondly as it was the most time I'd ever spent on a game 2 that point, & the emphasis on exploring & customizing your character was something that really appealed 2 me. I've played a hell of a lot of them since then, including Chrono Cross, which was made by the same company that made this game. Chrono Cross is a great RPG & it was the sequel 2 my all time favorite RPG, Chrono Trigger 4 the SNES. So, with that in mind, I really wanted 2 like this one.

The thing that separates this game from the others is the lack of customization options & the really odd battle system. I will be complaining about the battle system toward the end, so stay tuned.

What's good about this game? A lot. The story is very well told, the characters are interesting (except 4 Lyude, who is really just annoying), & there is a lot of random humor sprinkled throughout. Humor is very important in a game like this, where you spend close 2 1/3 of the game reading text & getting the story. It's nice 2 have a laugh once in a while what with all the cheesy sentimentality that the characters in RPGs are so fond of spewing.

There is definitely a LOT of text 2 scroll through in this game. I swear at one point I encountered about 15 solid minutes of cut scenes with characters just talking & talking & talking. Most of the time, I didn't mind it, because the story is interesting enough 2 keep you going. However, the placement in game of some of these cut scenes is a little bit on the ridiculous side, because there are sometimes very very long cut scenes right before a boss battle, which means if you lose the battle, you're going 2 have 2 sit through the cut scene again before you can retry the boss. To make it even more annoying, there are times when you have 2 sit through another really long cut scene (or series of cut scenes, as this game is fond of doing) before you can finally save.

All of this would be minor if not 4 the way the battle system works. I'm sure that if you're reading this, you know something about it. It's card based. Each member of your party can hold a certain number of cards that determine how they attack & defend in a battle. Also, 4 each turn in a battle, you can only use a few randomly selected cards at a time. This system is really fun & interesting in the beginning stages of the game, but very quickly starts 2 show its limitations as the enemies get tougher. In your attack rounds, you will very often find that you have only defensive cards available in your hand, which means you can either do nothing or discard. Discarding means you can throw off some of your active cards (which are usually healing items when you're in this position), or discard ONE of your inactive cards. As soon as you use an inactive card, your turn ends. I can't count the number of times that I've ended up with a handful of the exact wrong type of card at any given time. When this happens, it basically means you lose a turn. Alternatively, when you're being attacked, you will often find yourself with a hand full of offensive cards. Many of the melee weapons can be used defensively as well, but if you use them, you're likely 2 find yourself without any cards 2 attack with in the next round. I can tell you right now, when either of these starts happening in the middle of a tough fight, it is NOT FUN!

The card system is a great idea, but is very very flawed at its heart. It's a shame, too, because I really did enjoy playing through this game 4 the most part. There was one time in particular when I was in a boss battle, & was getting seriously screwed with the card shuffle. It took me 5 hours 2 get past it. I swear 2 God. Then, when I finally did get past it, I had 2 fight the exact same battle AGAIN because of the way the story goes. I almost threw the controller through my TV screen. Luckily, I got a better deal in the second battle, & after a 30 minute fight & another 10 minutes of cut scenes, I could finally save.

I hope I'm making myself clear here. I like the game, & it's got a great story that will ease the pain of spending hours & hours of your life fighting the same enemy, but this is 4 the hardcore only. Most normal people would have turned the game off halfway through & never thought of it again. I think maybe I should have done that too, but I'm I'm not ashamed of myself that I didn't.

Baten Kaitos: 3 1/2 stars. It reaches 4 the heavens, but it occasionally just brings back astronaut poop.

This is why the gamecube is one of the best systems ever: this game dominates almost all other RPG games! With its lush & orginal background, impressive card game system, & great characters, this will kill any free time you have! Make sure you have nothing 2 do 2 play, because this is two discs, & very LONG!

Basically, you play Kalas, a brash young man who's trying 2 find his origins. On your quest, you met several characters 2 become your team & fight admirable, & sometimes hard bosses. The plot really keeps you wanting more, & its fun learning & liking the supporting characters. The prequel, Origins, is good but doesn't quite surpass the original! Overall, one of the best gamecube games ever, too bad the system is dying out...

The graphics in this game are beautiful & quite impressive! Fun 2 play, it really makes you act quickly with no remorse. This is the kind of game that I believe one will have 2 play multiple times in order 2 truly master. You'll get your money's worth.

Reviewed 4 Big Boss Games by: Eschneider6

Another great RPG game 4 the Gamecube thanks 2 Namco.

This RPG is different, you have 2 buy or collect attack, spell, defense, & item cards 2 help you in battle.

Also in the battles the attack phase is turn based with a timer, & then it goes 2 real time when the monsters attack & you quickly have 2 pick an item or defense card or get clobbered.

The story of Baten Kaitos is a world adrift in time & space. The earth below & the vast oceans it once harbored are mere legend.

Act as conscience & spirit guide 4 young Kalas & his companion Xelha. Guide them in battle & watch their friendship bloom. Join them as they struggle 2 reveal the mystery of the lost sea & destroy the corruption that threatens their world.

I played this game 4 70 hours, doing the three main sub quests (Constellation Magnus, Animals side quest, & family sub quest) & completing the game.

Also set some time aside 4 a great ending, this game had a great story, good characters, & some secret stuff that rocked! I highly recommend this RPG. With so few RPGs available on the Gamecube, don?t miss this one out.

Start playing it today!

My review score 4 Baten Kaitos = 9.5
(Score is 1 is throw it out & 10 is a must buy!)

Baten Kaitos is one of the Best RPG games on the Gamecube & is worth playing. The graphics are stunning 4 this game & has wonderful pre-rendered backdrops. The gameplay is unique because the battle system is based on the use of magnus cards. Although the story may be a little cliche & the voice work is just not up 2 standard its still a good game & you should check it out.

Baten Kaitos is a world where islands float in the air & oceans are story from the past. A world already on the edge is about 2 fall into chaos, when a young man named Kalas goes after revenge. Travelling with the more noble Xhela, they'll enter the ancient Moonguile Forest & seek out answers 2 old questions. As they go, they'll be led by a spirit that guides Kalas 2 his goal -- & his destiny as savior. Use Magnus Cards wisely -- foods will ripen or rot, items will rust & gain or lose value