-
CNET editors' rating:
2.5
stars
OK
Detailed editors' rating -
Average user rating:
Write your own review
Product summary
Yggdra Union is more fun to say than it is to play.
Specifications: ESRB: Teen ; Genre: Role-Playing See full specs
Price range: $38.99 - $39.99
Gamespot editors' review
- Reviewed on: 10/01/2008
- Released on: 09/16/2008
Yggdra Union is an unabashed port of a two-year-old Game Boy Advance game. Its move to the PSP doesn't herald an overhaul of the rudimentary battlefield display nor does it spice up the skirmishes with graphical flashes. With a strict reliance on strategic battles over fancy visual flourishes, it has nothing to hide behind when the combat falters. There is a severe lack of depth in the battle dynamics, which makes this game more grueling and repetitive than a handheld war should ever be. Getting caught up in the rhythmic motion of combat can be hypnotizing at times, but the repetitious confrontations become predictably uneventful after a while. While Yggdra Union offers a unique spin on tactical combat, it lacks the creative spice that makes other games in the genre so captivating.
Flying griffins versus curved axes should be a lot more exciting.
Trouble rears its ugly head in the kingdom of Fantasinia, and Princess Yggdra is on a mission to right the wrongs of her fallen world. As Yggdra, you amass a small group of plucky individuals to help you conquer the dark foes who hound you at every step. The core element pushing you through beleaguered towns and crumbling mountain passes is a holy sword that promises to bring justice to those who have hurt your people. The idea that this holy sword is guiding you on this quest to decimate anyone who opposes you proposes a dark question that you must answer for yourself: Is the sword truly special, or are you acting on your own accord?
The story is told so inexpertly, though, that this ominous decision feels slight. The characters are devoid of personality. A few crass comments interject some energy into their dialogue, but the characters predominantly settle on bland cries of either outrage or acceptance. Twists occasionally throw a stick in your spokes, veering you down a path that couldn't have been anticipated. These turns are not always for the better, though. During one maddening detour, you'll momentarily lose control of Yggdra and watch in horror as she undoes hours of your hard work. The turns the story takes are often illogical and serve to artificially lengthen your quest instead of provide much-needed substance.
A good third of the game is devoted to all-too-long story interludes that fail to provide the proper motivation to continue fighting, while the rest takes place on battlefields. Here you'll navigate your troops around a grid as you attempt to quickly quash your enemies. The battles are strictly turn-based, but unlimited preparation time is unnecessary since the battles are fairly simple. The most important strategy is setting up unions before battles. Unions are formed depending on where your allies are stationed. Battles can often be won by sheer force so taking as many people as possible into battle with you is the key to winning. If you overwhelm your enemies with numbers, you'll be able to quickly vanquish them and claim victory before they can make a dent in your plans.
Continue reading- See more CNET content tagged:
- battle,
- battlefield,
- Sony PSP
User reviews
Write your own review Be the first one to review Yggdra Union (PSP) and share your experience with the CNET community!
Yggdra Union (PSP):
%20PSP%20Game%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://abcnews.com.com/psp-games/yggdra-union-psp/4505-10078_7-32641973.html){kind=small}