La Pucelle: Tactics - PS2

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Viewed: 3D Combination Genre:
Adventure: Role Playing
Media: DVD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Nippon Ichi Soft. Co.: Nippon Ichi
Publishers: Mastiff (US)
Koei (GB)
Released: 2004 (US)
22 Apr 2005 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 12+, ESRB Rating Pending
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only

Summary

Nippon Ichi Software Inc are already well known amongst Japanese RPG enthusiasts for the RPG/Strategy cult hit Disgaea. Now they are bringing another - rather naughty by nature - tactical RPG to European screens in La Pucelle: Tactics. In fact, La Pucelle was originally released in Japan in 2002, and this late European release is in response to the success of Disgaea among European anime/RPG fans. The gold award bestowed by Famitsu magazine at the time though, marks this game out as a classic long overdue a Western release.

Set in Medieval Europe (all the characters have French-sounding names), the story follows the adventures of Prier, a 16 year-old demon hunter fresh out of exorcism school. She’ll experience deception and betrayal as this emotionally charged and beautiful story unfolds, along with her rag tag company made up of her 12 year old brother Culotte, Princess Éclair, Defense Squad member Alouette, and the mysterious mercenary demon hunter Croix.

Similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, gameplay involves a combination of RPG plot and character development and tactical battle segments. In the battles, you’ll have to choose your terrain carefully, and decide whether your warriors will attack one at a time or all at once. The dark, demonic world will often require you to re-consecrate ground tainted by evil. Using magical attacks to wipe out your dark opponents, use any one of 149 unique items and power them up in real time for battle. Character development takes effect instantly - items and skills gained in one round of battle can be used the next. With over 120 hours of gameplay spread across 12 chapters and numerous side quests, the content is sure to delight the most hardcore of RPG fans, as is the inclusion of the original Japanese-voiced audio, though if you’re not a purist, there’s also the dubbed English soundtrack.

If you like colourful anime graphics, nicely paced gameplay and emotive storylines peppered with cheeky humour, then La Pucelle should be the next tactical RPG on your shopping list.