Shadow Hearts: Covenant review:1 stars (Oh no..) - I bought this game a few months ago and have tried to play it three times and each time I couldn't get past the first training level, not because it was difficult but because I was bored out of my skull waiting for videos and the combat engine to load. The intro was great but it took to long to get the game started. My main problem with this game is the combat engine. I hate to get into a game and then stop every few seconds for the combat engine to load and then do turn based fighting using the 'wheel of fortune'. For me a game has to be smooth with as little as possible unnecessary breaks. Not my kind of game.5 stars (A nice way to spend 40+ hours) - ShadowHearts 2 is easily one of the better Playstation 2 RPGS. Not that I speak from a lot of experience, but I do know what I like and Shadowhearts has it!

Here is a quick run down-

- Graphics- Good I guess, they seemed great to me, but too be honest, all games now have "great" graphics to me ( I grew up in the days of the Intellivision and Atari).

- Gameplay- very fun, and quite easy (Until the final battle). The "ring" style form of battle is easy to catch on to, and adds a nice element of skill to the game.

- The mazes - while they can get a bit repetitive they aren't endlessly long like some games. As you progress into a new cave/maze/challenge expect about 1 hour worth of exploring before you reach the main boss.

- Game length - it took me almost 43 hours to beat the game... and that (I feel) is a pretty quick time.... I didn't do a lot of "Extra" exploring.

- Extras- There is a nice variety of weapon add-ons as you progress through the game. While it isn't up to the level of Baldurs Gate, it does add to the game play.

- Cut Scenes- Shadowhearts 2 plays like it is a movie, which adds a little extra interest, but some of the cut scenes can last over 10 minutes! At some point I just want to get back to the hacking.

- The game is rated "Teen" but I am not really sure why. Often times you wonder why a game is rated "M", but the opposite is at play here... you wonder how the game could only be rated "T".

- The game has many dark elements to it... and I have to admit I wasn't overly keen playing as a evil demon... but I got over it.

All-in-All Shadowhearts is a VERY engrossing and addicting game. There is plenty to keep even the most experienced gamers busy for hours! I would also recommend the Dark Cloud (and Kingdom Hearts) to anyone who enjoys it (and vice versa).5 stars (Best RPG of '04) - Last year did not see too many great games until the final 4 months. During that time we saw some some great FPSs (Halo 2, Half Life 2), a new entry in the Grand Theft Auto saga, a new Metal Gear Solid and two really good rpgs, Nocturne and Shadow Hearts: Covenant.

Covenant is a direct sequel to Shadow Hearts 1. While you don't have to play SH1 to understand the story to SH2, it really helps because it explains the backstory of the main character Yuri and why he is who he is and why the world is at the stage its at. What's interesting about the story is that, for those who have played SH1, everything you know from the first game changes. Motives are more fully revealed and twisted, people who you thought were evil were actually trying to do something good and some characters make surprising returns.

The story is so good, in fact, that it has become my favorite RPG that I've seen in ages. Not only is it good but it is emotional and actually has a heart. I don't want to ruin too much of the plot because it really is a thrilling story; however, there are moments of emotion that hark back to days of FFVII and the death of that pivotal character. Along with the story, the characters are some of the most unique ones ever seen in an rpg. From the puppet master who has to find "stud cards" to give to tailors so they will make him new outfits for his dolls, to a vampire wrestler with the unfortunate name 'The Grand Papillon' (The Great Butterfly), they range the gamut from hillariously absurd to strikingly original.

Also back from the first game is the Judgement Ring. This is part of the reason a lot of people were turned off by the first game. In fact, while the first game was a chore to play at times because of the wheel, the Judgement Ring makes the combat in Covenant fun. The wheel is now customizable so that you can increase the number of attacks, make the target areas smaller or larger to deal more damage. It's pretty easy yet complex and fun.

The graphics was another sore spot for the original especially since it came out mere weeks after the release of the beautiful Final Fantasy X. Yet here in Covenant the graphics have had a major overhaul so that it is just as good as FFX. Fully voice dialogue helps move the story along and excellent voice actors round out the aural qualities. It's like the developers realized they needed to step up their game to compete. And compete they should because this game has a whole package.

A third game is in the works right now and I am anxious to see what new twists will enter the picture of what's becoming a historical fantasy saga. For those looking for a unique and very good rpg, I would whole-heartedly recommend this game. My only complaint for the game is that it seemed toned down from the first Shadow Hearts which received a Mature rating. This game still has some tongue in cheek and darkly humorous moments, it is restrained in a way the first game was not. But that is a minor quibble. This game is excellent. I cannot think of a reason those who love rpgs should not play it.

A must buy.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant Features:
Video Games
PS2 (PSX2)
Sony Playstation (Play station) 2
Playstation2 (Play station2)
Action
Adventure
Role Playing Games (rpg, rpgs)
PlayStation 2
ESRB Rating: Teen
Role playing game

Shadow Hearts- Covenant is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 29.88USD.