Riviera: The Promised Land (PSP) Review
Posted by David Redkey on 09.23.2007
Gives PSP owners another story concerning Norse mythology.
From some reason, I can’t help but think of the Mighty Mouse theme song playing. It gets you in the mood to save the day (no pun intended). However, I can’t help but shake the feeling that the song should apply to certain group of people called the "Grim Angels." They populate the occupy the planes of existance that are shown in Riviera: The Promised Land for the PSP.
Riviera was originally released for the Gameboy Advance on June 28th, 2005. Atlus decided that they wanted to release an updated version this year. The PSP has been starving for quality games ever since the console’s release. I could call it a match made in Heaven because Atlus brought over a game that was released on the GBA a few years ago and decided to share it with another audience.
Graphics
The PSP has possessed games that have really strived to push it graphical abilities. There are games like the upcoming God of War: Chains of Olympus that really strive to set the mark for graphical capabilities on a portable system. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of those games.
There very little noticeable differences between the new version and the GBA version that appear back in 2005. They had all of this time to really update certain aspects on the graphics to make them more appealing; however, they didn’t decide to do that. One may find fault in that idea; however, animation and art work is a step above the rest.
For people looking for classic graphics, this game should satisfy the yearning for something that reminds them of the good old days. Everything in here screams simplicity and failure to evolve, but it also shows that certain things still improve with age (Graphics not being an exception).
Gameplay
Riviera: The Promised Land seems like a dumb down version of normal eastern role playing games. The game focuses more on character development than character customization. The reason I feel that it may be wanting in certain areas because the game appears to be very linear.
Riviera doesn’t allow you to roam areas at will just to fight enemies. All enemy encounters in the game are predestined by the designers. Random battles are a thing of the past. That is one major mark that some gamers place against WRPGs, but it may alienate people that find enjoyment in that style of game.
The character level up system has been overhauled when compared to other RPGs. The characters level up by using certain items a set number of times. Whenever you explore the possibility of an item being used by a character, it will show how many times it needs to be used by that character before they can level up.
That is all well and good, except for one little thing. The majority of the items in the game wears out and breaks after so many uses. It becomes strategy in battle to try and level up your character and conserve your items as well. The game designers thought of this when they set up the practice system.
Anytime the player isn’t in battle, they have an option to enter practice battles to use weapons and level up. The major reason that players will use the training option is items don’t deplete while a party is in a practice battle. They can still level up and earn items from defeating enemies, but they don’t have to worry about special items breaking.
This allows the player to level up all of his or her party members before plodding too far into the game and getting wiped out by a super powerful enemy. It also allows you to earn special attacks with weapons when you level up, besides just leveling up your character.
All in all, this game is can allow people that don’t want to plan out the repercussions of every choice to pick up this game and enjoy the gameplay. The game is designed for the individuals that suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. They will want to unlock every avenue to allow their character to become more powerful. In conclusion, it’s linear to a fault but very fun none the less and should provide enjoyment to those looking for a game that gives as much back as the individual puts into it.
Sound
The music on its own is very safe in the way that things are expressed and shared with the gamer. The best thing that can describe the music would be: “good, but forgettable.” There is nary a song in here that will make me hum along a few hours later. As soon as you turn it off, the music is quickly wiped from your memory banks.
The voice work, on the other hand, is surprisingly well made. This is on par with your average Saturday morning cartoon (or anime), but that is not something that can be really faulted by yours truly. It is well made and they convey emotions pretty accurately. It’s a well made in conveying the proper emotions the vast majority of the time.
Lasting Appeal
There isn’t much to do beyond the story. The game should provide a good number of hours to complete and that’s more than a person can say for movies (or DVDs) they watch/pick up. The story is memorable and walks a fine line between maturity and childish antics. A true fan of plot/story would be a fool to pass this game up.
Fun Factor
There is a type of gamer that would be annoyed as “All get out” with this piece of software. They may need the freedom of other RPGs to do whatever they want. This game is very structured with the gameplay and the plot development. It’s very linear in that regards.
The 411
Riviera: The Promised Land is a game that should satisfy the type of game that wants to experience a rewarding story. The game is very linear and a person would be insane to suggest otherwise.
That could be viewed as a fault, but I see it as a testament that excellent gameplay and design is better than the perceived flaws. What is here is pure gold, but there are a few blemishes that make a gamer realize that this isn’t the best thing ever. In short, it’s a well made piece of software that should provide a hefty amount of enjoyment.
Graphics
6.5
The graphics are nothing to write home about unless you are going to show this off to someone that hasn't seen videogames for a few decades.
Gameplay
8.0
It is similar to a
Sound
8.0
The soundtrack is run-of-the-mill because it doesn't have a song that is worth remembering. On the other hand, the voice work is very well made. It is comparable to a Saturday morning cartoon.
Lasting Appeal
8.0
Lacks major side quest but the story is engrossing enough to play until the very end.
Fun Factor
9.0
With an engrossing story and showing the impact of the choices you make, this game is satisfying from start to finish.
