MagnaCarta 2 (Xbox 360) review"Those who are willing to set jaded prejudices to the side and play along with MagnaCarta 2's ambitions will find a world of passionate youth and unfeeling beasts, wrapped up in a conflict that's not really about good versus evil. It's a study on the concept of sacrifice for the supposed greater good; national leaders are quick to sacrifice others while the idle populace, safely watching the war from home, praise their heroes' noble deaths." |
Is it moral to stand up for the oppressed, if doing so may hasten the downfall of your own nation?
Is it immoral to sacrifice other people, if that's the only way to preserve paradise?
Could such a world, a world full of pleasure, plentiful harvests, and beauty, even be called a paradise if it's built upon the blood of others?
Those willing to set jaded prejudices to the side and play along with MagnaCarta 2's ambitions will find a world of passionate youth and unfeeling beasts, wrapped up in a conflict that's not really about good versus evil. It's a study on the concept of sacrifice for the supposed greater good; national leaders are quick to sacrifice others while the idle populace, safely watching the war from home, praise their heroes' noble deaths. MagnaCarta 2 puts players in the role of those chosen to nobly die, and explores the consequences when heroes decide they actually want to live.
Unfortunately, like a 300-page novel with a 250-page prologue, the game takes a while to get to the point. Up until the final act, players must endure the cliche tale of "young spiky-haired male seeks revenge, teams up with other people seeking revenge, and tries to save the world from a very mean man". The spiky-haired male has a mysterious past, but can't remember anything due to amnesia. One of his companions is a rebellious princess on the run from a corrupt kingdom. There's also an annoying childish elf who is supposed to be cute and funny. These elements are not new; some of them fall under the heading of Gamers are Sick of This, and some fall under the heading of Cool JRPG Cliches. I personally appreciate the inclusion of attractive, spunky princesses. Amnesia I could do without.
The amnesiac's name is Juto, and he's a lazy islander who is afraid of steel swords. He's not afraid of wooden swords, nor is he afraid of steel knives (used for sharpening wooden swords). Once Juto overcomes his amusingly specific phobia and starts fighting to protect the island, MagnaCarta 2 begins its slow but steady shift from "stupid" to "fun". Similar to Final Fantasy XII, Phantasy Star Online, and Crystalis, combat takes place in real-time with visible enemies. To deal with the wizards, werewolves, and armored soldiers they'll come across, every character wields two weapons — such as the adorably brusque ninja's shuriken and katana — and learns numerous skills for each.
The real-time combat works because it's both responsive and dynamic. When mashing the attack button, I watched the screen for special "counter-attack" cues that could shatter opponents' weapons, while swinging my sword and waiting for an opportunity to unleash the ostentatious Celestial Crusher . . . . .
Heroic warrior Juto and his target disappear from sight, only to reappear inside an alternate reality. Stars circle the lonely battlefield. "I NEED MORE POWER!" Juto hulks up! His blade roars with flames! "LET'S GO — GET READY!" Imbued with power, Juto takes two practice swings. "HUA! HUA!" Blades of energy strike the vicious [Poison Worm] for 5,400 damage! *** NINE-HIT COMBO! Damage 70% up! *** "THIS IS IT!" Juto dashes towards his immobile opponent, culminating in a heroic leap! "HYAAAAA!" The blade spirals downwards at the [Poison Worm], dealing 14,000 damage! *** TWELVE-HIT COMBO! Damage 120% up! *** As the poison worm cowers in the corner, Juto turns his back and casually walks away like the world's ultimate badass. "I have things that I have to protect." |
Staff review by Zigfried (November 10, 2009)
Zigfried likes writing about whales and angry seamen, and often does so at the local pub. |
More Reviews by Zigfried [+]
|
|
If you enjoyed this MagnaCarta 2 review, you're encouraged to discuss it with the author and with other members of the site's community. If you don't already have an HonestGamers account, you can sign up for one in a snap. Thank you for reading!
User Help | Contact | Ethics | Sponsor Guide | Links