• ID = PS0252
• STYLE = Third-Person 3D Action RPG
• DEV. = From Software, Inc.
• PUB. = Agetec, Inc
• R-DATE = Oct-19-2000
• ESRB = T / For Teen
• PLAYERS = 1 player
• LIST PRICE = $19.99
  

EVERGRACE, developed by From Software, is the first action RPG available for the PlayStation 2. It features many unique aspects that help to differentiate it from other action RPGs currently on the market. The story follows two different adventurers named Darius and Sharline whose paths frequently intertwine. The gamer can choose to play as either character and switch at will, using the abilities of a particular character when they’re needed. The graphics are in full 3D, using the PlayStation 2’s power to render thousands of polygons as well as load intricate textures to them. EVERGRACE also contains full voice acting, meaning that every word by every character is spoken aloud, a rarity among RPGs. In addition, the game even shows the different clothing and armor that each character wears, and allows the gamer to participate in a fashion show! EVERGRACE is an action RPG that is sure to feed any fan’s hunger.

Features:
• Action-oriented RPG
• Tons of character customization options
• Explore the ruins of the Rieubane
• 3rd-person perspective
• Alter your weapons, clothes, and items

Description 2
Players enter a world of intense magic and thunderous battles - where your survival is determined by collecting powerful artifacts and fashioning them into unique armor and weapons.

• Customizable elements include weapons, armor and clothing.
• Certain combinations or armor and clothing unlock hidden magical abilities and powers.
• Two independent characters to play - each with their own storylines, goals and discoveries.
• Epic RPG storyline with all the action needed for a legendary quest.

Two complete adventures await Darius and Sharline - heroes who must face an evil reborn. Journey as either hero and discover unique characters and monsters for each adventure.

They will need to master the art of arming themselves with items of incredible might and untold magical abilities to thwart the powers of darkness.

A fairly typical Japanese RPG, this a colourful affair that tells its tale at a fairly sedate pace, mixing six parts storytelling to four parts combat to produce an entertaining if not entirely satisfying experience.

The Evergrace experience feels a little flat, it was originally a PSOne title that was moved over to the PS2 at a late stage, as the character and world detail fall a little short of the expectations of the average PS2 owner.

Wandering monsters are the order of the day, there sheer number overshadowing many of the set piece battles and although combat is relatively easy to get to grips with there are often too many encounters too close together to allow the story to breathe.

This gripe aside there's a lot about Evergrace that is appealing. The story, when it gets a look in, is engrossing and encourages the player to progress onwards.

Among the nicer touches are the ability to switch between the main characters at will and the high degree of customisation that's possible with weapons and outfits. Mixing coloured gems allows custom spells to be cast on swords (à la Final Fantasy) and for the fashion conscious RPGer clothing can be mixed and matched to suit--really tasteful combinations even prompt shopkeepers to give you a discount on purchases.

For those starting out on the PS2 RPG ladder there's a lot to be said for Evergrace , the more adventure-hardened may wish to look to the likes of Scion of Sorcery for an equally Japanese adventure with more action and bigger adversaries. --James Gordon