Price: $5.99
Original Release Date: April 30, 1997
Recommended.
Is there any better deal on the PS Store at the moment? Probably not. Wild Arms is an excellent RPG that was overlooked by many, mostly due to the monstrous release of Final Fantasy VII on the original PS1. With fans eager anticipating Squaresoft's legendary RPG, many never took a chance with Wild Arms. Now, you can correct that mistake and download it to your PS3/PSP.
Unsurprisingly, the game is filled with genre conventions, archetypes and stereotypes. That's expected of a game that's as old as this one. But, color us surprised at how wonderfully the storyline is executed, with its multiple narratives following different characters. You play through three paths: one of a child "dreamer" (that triggers the game's focal adventure), an Indiana Jones-like adventurer, and a magician that hears the voices of spirits. All three stories feel completely different from each other, and feature different challenges to get through. The way the story ultimately merges is well-executed -- modern games can learn a lot from Wild Arms!
The battle mechanics have a surprising amount of depth to them as well. Enemy encounters are typical turn-based affairs, but a surprisingly deep magic and "force" system make things far more involving. Battles may be fun, but the dungeons themselves are even more so, with devilish puzzles challenging players every step of the way. The use of "tools" for each character in the game field is nice. We also love the "Auto Equip" feature that's rare to find in RPGs as aged as this one.
The 2D graphics really shine on the PSP's small screen. Although the 3D sequences haven't aged well, the game still manages to look sharp, while maintaining a smooth framerate. A lengthy adventure awaits those that invest in Wild Arms, and at $6, it's a terrific value. Save points may not be as frequent as we'd like (this is a console game, after all). But, we have to bestow upon Wild Arms our highest recommendation. Buy it.
Retro Review: 8.0
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-27-2007 @ 3:18PM
noyd_mcbennet said...
dude i want this game on my psp so badly..unfortunately i use a mac and don't have a ps3 yet..wtf sony!!!!!
Reply
12-28-2007 @ 3:02AM
Phil said...
Just use a friends PC. Dont forget to install the game downloader software to the PC from the Sony Store before you download the game.
12-28-2007 @ 11:18AM
Think Adrian said...
Try using Parallels or VMWare Fusion (for mac) and install a copy of windows in it.
12-27-2007 @ 4:24PM
lorddshadow said...
now all we need is FF7
plz sony!!!
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12-27-2007 @ 4:36PM
Tristan said...
Is this the game that is going to have a sequel coming out next year on the PSP?
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12-27-2007 @ 4:49PM
dbh1973 said...
You're thinking of Wild Arms XF, which is a strategy-rpg. Wild Arms got one sequel on the PSOne, a remake on the PS2, and a 3, 4, and 5 on the PS2.
12-27-2007 @ 5:34PM
Xoonaka said...
This game is amazing. I've only played Wild Arms 4 before this, and I find this game to be much more enjoyable. I'm surprised that they haven't carried over the tools system or the idea of upgrading your ARMs. I've never had an RPG where it was so easy to waste all my money!
This game has to be a must buy for anyone who loves RPGs and hasn't played it before.
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12-27-2007 @ 7:11PM
Brello said...
I still like it on the PSOne, but revisiting it, I can see that it has not aged well. The sound effects are pretty awful, as are the crappy tiny menu icons and laughably bad 3d battles. All that aside, it's still an enjoyable game to play through. There's something to be said for renaming spells, it's always fun to take out a boss with "Shitstorm"
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12-28-2007 @ 8:51AM
Alien said...
This was a surpise release for the PSstore ... still one awesome surprise :D
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12-28-2007 @ 10:34AM
Nekton said...
Was wondering if I can buy and run games on custom firm ware (M33-4 right now). Happy to spend the $6, but not if the game (or the PS Store itself) will screw up my PSP.
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12-28-2007 @ 11:36AM
spenceley said...
hey can you download this for the ps3 through the store or can you only play it on psp?
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12-28-2007 @ 12:53PM
PostedOval said...
I bought this the other day, but have yet to play it. I need to finish Brave Story first! :P
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3-08-2008 @ 4:13PM
Bomber said...
Hey is there anyway that I can download it. I've only got a New Zealand PS acount but I really really want to play this. Is there anyway I can get this without having to find an original PS1 disc?? Please help.
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