Rogue Galaxy
When you're a game developer you either have the Midas Touch or you don't - and that means that you'll either be adored by millions or mocked by them. Level 5 is one of those companies that seems to have what it takes to create hit after hit in the role-playing game space. Whether it's the Dark Cloud series, or games like Dragon Quest VII, Level 5 just can't seem to make a bad game in many of its fans' eyes. Its latest game, Rogue Galaxy, is another example of why the name Level 5 is quickly becoming a household name. This action role-playing game published by Sony Computer Entertainment America for the PlayStation 2 is yet another wonderful example of how a role-playing game should be.
Rogue Galaxy is a Phantasy Star style epic for the new generation, combining science fiction with role-playing, cel-shaded characters, a real-time combat system and a ton of activities to keep players busy for a ridiculous amount of time. Sure, the story is definitely light-hearted and the characters aren't quite as deep as we'd like them to be, but ultimately it doesn't matter. Players will want to explore every nook and cranny of this fictional universe, create every object they can in their factories, open every chest, combine every weapon and collect every item to unlock special battle techniques. Rogue Galaxy is wonderful because of the sum of its parts, not because it's perfect.
The other reason Rogue Galaxy is great is because it can prove to be unpredictable; one minute you're plowing through bad guys like a maniac and the next you are getting your ass handed to you on a silver platter. Many in the know have said that it's not the bosses you have to worry about - it's that random and unexpected encounter you're not prepared for...
For creating a game combat system that’s actually fun, for letting us play a robot named Steve, for not jamming a love interest down our throats too much and for allowing us to explore the galaxy in a space pirate ship, Rogue Galaxy earns our respect and the right to be called the GameShark Game of the Week!
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