PS2 Stella Deus review:4 stars (Its about time) - I've always liked SRPGs, but they're just aren't enough of them. Especially for the PS2. FFT is the best I've played, but I'd proprably put this right after it. Disgaea was fun with outrageous levels, but I wouldn't want to do that again. {2 much work} Lapucelle and Phantom Brave didn't really do much for me. The reason I instantly liked Stella Deus more than the nimon ichi {don't know how to spell it but u know who I mean} games is because of the story. Its no FFT, but at least its worth hearing. Disgaea was comedy driven, but Phantom Brave insulted me with its kiddy simplistic story. Stella Deus gameplay wise, is solid. Its not as complicated to learn as the others, but it isn't shallow either. Instead of set turns, its all a matter of AP.
Example: The more armor you wear, the more weight, hence the more AP will be spent on each action. The only promblem I have is the afore-mentioned lack of enemies. Cool bosses, every now and again, but mostly the same old enemy classes. Unlike FFT where you didn't see certain classes until later in the game, Stella Deus decided to show you all of them pretty much right off the bat. Also, {and for some reason none of the reviewers seemed to mention this} the graphics are the best I've seen in an SRPG. I know thats not saying much, but its true.3 stars (Mediocre effort. Tactical RPG fans need more depth.) - Seeing the same 5 enemies over, and over, and over, with the occasional "guest appearance" is not my idea of depth, or replay value.
The battle system is well thought out. (even if it hasn't changed since Hoshigami) Instead of a move and then an action like every other TRPG out there, you have 100 AP (action points) to spend every turn. You can either use some of this to move and some to for an action in the traditional way, or you can move just a little bit, but not enough to place your next move after the enemy, and then basically get a free quarter turn. Also good is that you can attack as many times as your AP will allow. Some characters, if not moved, can get in upto 3 attacks a turn.
Now I will say that there is some depth to customizing your characters, but not nearly enough. Maybe if the game had come out BEFORE Final Fantasy tactics I'd have been fine with it, but it can't hold a candle to FFT's job system. To say nothing of Disgaea and Phantom Brave.
The whole item combination system is nice, but the recipes are a little too arbitrary. That is to say there's no logic as to why you would get any specific outcome. (cloth armor + herb = lance???) It's trial and error and that's it.
The quests are similar to Final Fantasy Tactics but even in that simple regard the game comes up short. The quests give either a fight or some info.
The big problem here is that after playing games with insane amounts of depth like the aforementioned FFT, Disgaea, and Phantom Brave...
Well this game just doesn't measure up.
Not only that, but those same 5 enemies you see over and over? They're also what your mercenaries look like.
Whoohoo.
Also there's a blue haze over the screen during battles and it gets annoying. Yeah I understand that it's the 'miasma', but I'd still like to see the games visuals sans blue fog.
So. Solid but not something you can really sink into.
PS2 Stella Deus Features:
Video Games
PS2 (PSX2)
Sony Playstation (Play station) 2
Playstation2 (Play station2)
Action
Adventure
Role Playing Games (rpg, rpgs)
Strategy (Strategic)
Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and voiced dialogue bring the world of Stella Deus to life!
Over 50 hours of tactical gameplay including side quests such as the Catacombs of Trial!
Effectively manage your characters to launch devastating Team Attacks!
Customize your inventory by fusing and creating items!

PS2 Stella Deus is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 49.88USD.