TGS: Growlanser III impressions

[10.12.01] » Probably the best 2D RPG on the PlayStation 2.

   The creators of the Growlanser series have once again defied trends by keeping Growlanser III in 2D, even with its move to the PS2, but they've kept it good-looking and enjoyable enough to satisfy.

   The playable demo features a main character who has lost his memory and a land suffering from a mysterious weakening of sunlight, which is killing crops and decimating the countries' food supplies. One country is in the midst of a power struggle, while another kingdom is raiding a third which has more food; all in all, a typical "land of unrest". The main character's weapon is a ring which can be used to "generate" weapons; while it was not shown in the demo, the same ring can purportedly produce a sword, spear, bow, or other weapon under certain circumstances.

   The graphics, sound, and gameplay are all reminiscent of previous Growlanser games. Like its predecessors, Growlanser III has full-screen portraits and voice acting for major characters' lines; battles also follow the same "mission" system, where the goal of a battle is not necessarily to simply defeat all the enemies, but may instead be to escape alive or to protect another character, for example. An interesting addition to the battle system is that you can select the area size and spell strength for area-based spells if your level is high enough, allowing you to fine-tune magical attacks.

   One new thing Growlanser III keeps track of is your "personality". You'll be given many opportunities to exhibit a reaction; when events occur, of course, you'll have to choose what action to take, but even in conversations with townspeople you'll sometimes be presented with a list of possible reactions. The choices run the gamut, from brave hero to kindhearted soul to womanizer to pure villain. However, you can't just pick whatever suits your fancy of the day, because the game remembers each and every choice you make--and as the game progresses, it will refuse to let you choose options which would be inconsistent with your actions to that point. If you're cruel to people early in the game, you may end up in a position where the game won't let you save a character in trouble, because it would go against your "personality".

   Growlanser III has a good deal of "more of the same", but it's a good "more of the same", and if you liked the earlier games you'll want to keep an eye on this one as well.

   Thanks to Andrew Church for the impressions.