A Sparkling Portable RPG- Crimson Gem Saga

As the title begins, our protagonist is the runner-up class salutatorian at the prestigious Green Hill Chevalier Academy. Although Killian was likely deserving of the top position, he was overlooked in an event that precedes a series of inopportune events. Instead of indentifying with the hapless hero, the gamer takes the role of observer in the world of Latein. The technique is effective as Crimson contains little of the typical RPG soap opera schmaltz, instead relaying on witty dialogue, clever humor, and the occasional self-referential wink to role-playing fans.

RPG players accustomed to the hand-holding displayed by many contemporary games, will have to adjust to Crimson’s decidedly retro austerity. In select sections of the title, the brawn of foes can be overpowering, requiring players to level-grind their party to a battle-ready strength. Gamers that enter dungeons without an adequate supply of HP revival items, may find their adventurers quickly dispatched by a throng of robust foes. Once the party is eliminated the player is sent to a ‘game over’ screen, where play continues from the last save point. Fortunately, the game allows players to save anywhere, a requisite for a portable story-based game.

Crimson’s battle mechanic was charmingly simple, yet remained engaging throughout its twenty-three hour length. Gamers will encounter wandering monsters across play fields, which are initially unaware of the player’s presence. Touching the foe in an oblivious state will likely initiate a preemptive attack, whereas alerting the enemy will cause the attacker to pursue the party wildly. Once the initial melee attack is determined, players are presented with an iconic graph indicating turn order. Since the game is turn based, players have an unlimited amount of time to decide between attacking, using items, evoking powerful skills, or fleeing. Although combat is simplistic at first, the addition of multi-character combinations integrates a dose of vigor into skirmishes.

Graphically, Crimson Gem Saga is one of the best looking RPG’s for Sony’s handheld system. Isometric environments are wonderfully detailed with patches of leafy fauna, and delicately shaded rocks, while 2D characters portraits are affectionately rendered. Although foes are nicely articulated and animated, bestiaries are artificially padded by palette-swapped foes. As the game has a limited amount of subterranean tile-sets, it was abnormally easy to get lost; this problem was compounded by the lack of any map. Twice, I was forced to bring out pencil and graph paper to chart my surrounds. Crimson’s aural delivery was masterful, integrating crystal-clear crashes and clangs during combat, while the title’s soundtrack was delicate and diverse.

Overall, gamers looking for an enjoyable, straightforward portable RPG should definitely consider picking up Crimson Gem Saga. It’s a charming graphical presentation is superbly complemented by a proficient translation that is a grade above most JRPGs. While the title may fall short in innovation, it delivers enjoyment in abundance.