Review: Avalon Code - A Unique Concept That Falls Short
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Needless to say, other than the unique aspect of playing around with codes in the Book, I wouldn't have too much good to say about the gameplay at all, as I'm afraid my length on the subject has probably shown.
I suppose I should add that one element that could be fun is what is called "Judgment Link" (no clue why it's called that, frankly). Basically, you can toss an enemy up in the air and keep tossing and tossing... if you do it enough, you can get a little bit of your MP refilled. Unfortunately, this is the only way I found to refill your MP, and it can't be done on all enemies or in boss battles, which could be annoying.
The game also has a lot of side quest options and mini games (i.e. judgment link tournaments), but I didn't really do most of those as I didn't feel particularly motivated for most of them, and I found that many of the quests had to be done at a certain point in the story or they couldn't be done at all (i.e., couldn't go back and get them later), which was a shame (and also something the game gave you no inclination of).
Story: 3/10
First of all, it's not terribly original... hmm... a game (esp an RPG) where a hero (or heroine) has to save the world? LOL. However, it is possible to take a cliched concept and create a good story. Sadly, Avalon Code has nothing more than its unique Book to set it apart, and the story itself is relatively shallow. For example, you end up collecting four elemental fairies who are the guardians of the book, yet frankly, they serve very little purpose, and while you can use their powers, I never did, especially since I never had enough MP.
You also, sadly, never get any insight into your character, or even very much about the others in the town. I enjoy adventure and RPG games largely for story, especially if gameplay is lacking, and unfortunately, there wasn't much to be found here.
There were occasionally interesting segments, including a major plot/gameplay twist mid-game that really engaged me, but for the most part these were very fleeting.
And without giving anything away, I also found the ending to be rather shallow and unfulfilling as well.
Graphics: 10/10
Definitely the graphics were the star of the show in this game... probably the best or at least some of the best 3D graphics you will see on Nintendo's handheld. Although obviously not on par with the PSP, the character designs were very unique and the scenery was beautiful and varied, with good cut scenes.
Challenge: 5/10
It was very hard for me to come up with a number in this category. For the most part, the game is very easy (especially since you can add "ill" codes to enemies to make them weaker), and times at which it is "difficult" have more to do with gameplay constraints (i.e., not getting control info or having to collect a certain weapon info to progress) are not really challenging, but add what I would call an "artificial" difficulty. However, this game is definitely not one for the casual gamer, as it takes vast expanses of patience in order to enjoy/complete. It took me nearly a month to finish this game, partially because I would set it down for up to a week at a time because I just was sick of the gameplay.
Sound: 7/10
Overall, the game has a decent score, although I found it annoying after a while and would often turn off my sound. I also was frustrated that the voice acting that was included in the game was often so low (in comparison to "Background" music) that I could barely hear it. Although this last complaint I have found in other DS games, so it could be a fault of the system, I do not know. Voice acting, though, was actually very good, even if it was used relatively sparingly, and was certainly one of the better aspects of the game. I enjoyed the boss battle music the most of all the tracks, as it was catchy without being annoying or distracting. The opening song (that plays when you first turn on the game) is actually pretty good, although not as good as the one from Luminous Arc 2, in my opinion.
Replay Value: 6/10
Although I have no personal interest in playing this game any more, there is a significant amount of replay value for those who did enjoy the gameplay. For example, you can finish any open quests that you didn't get to complete, and some new quests even open after you finish the game. You also get some new mini games and some new items. Additionally, you can replay through any of the dungeons to try to beat your best scores and try to get a gold medal in each, if you'd like (you can earn no medal, a bronze medal, a silver medal, or a gold in each dungeon room).
You can also manipulate codes in the Book to change the "new world" (which you can peek at), and continue to work on the friendships with people in the town. Also, you can try to "cure" (remove the unremovable codes, a puzzle in itself) of various characters, and unbind the four fairies from the book.
So if you do enjoy the game, you can easily add many more hours of game time to the experience.
When I completed the game (watched credits roll, etc.), I had about 35 hours play time... and that is without completing most side quests... but I do like to leave my game on and you do spend a lot of time flipping through the book. Still, the game is definitely not short by any means. There are 11 chapters (some longer than others), and you do have the gameplay you get after the credits roll. So I could imagine you could turn this into a 50+ hour game, if you'd like.
Overall Impression/Recommendation:
This game was one I really, desperately wanted to love, but sadly, it was lacking in so many areas. It really seemed like the publishers focused on production values and the gimmick of the book, and hoped that would hold everything else up.
Perhaps I am being overly critical, and some of you may begin to wonder if there are any games I like, especially after reading my commentaries on Theresia and Elebits 2.
I'm just telling it like it is, based on my personal experience playing the game. Frankly, I would love to see a sequel to this game, or at least see the concept re-done, perhaps improving on some of the faults mentioned.
I really admire the unique concept, and I do think that the game is worth a try, because you may really love it. However, if you find yourself short on patience, this game is definitely one to avoid. Even if you love the dungeon system, the time spent sifting through the Book will drive you mad.
A good effort, but one that definitely falls short.
Overall Rating: 5/10 - Meh. Give it a try, if you're patient.
Review: Avalon Code - A Unique Concept That Falls Short
By: gamepodunk
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