Shadow Hearts

I like how this series was able to keep the key elements from Koudelka, and incorporate them in the later games enough so they remain significant, but that it also allowed room for a different feel.

I loved Koudelka, but the gameplay was quite shoddy. The first SH is probably my fave PS2 RPG, SH2 Covenant was great, although not as good as the first in my opinion. Still, much better then most other PS2 RPG's. SH3 From the New World was a disappointment indeed as far as story and atmosphere went. It had the better gameplay out of all of them though.

What saddens me the most is the dark atmosphere and clever humour construction really dwindle further ahead into the series, and by SH3, it was really nothing but dumb toilet humour.

Also, I miss Yuri. This character was extremely mature in concept, what I mean is that he was an ADULT, and even if he acted like a goof the whole time, he was also deep and serious, and I love that entire emotional and psychological conflict he presented as a Harmonixer.

It was kinda sad in the second game how he seemed to have gotten really stupid, and his hair was shorter!!

But that scene with the Japanese ambassador-fantastic.

I own and love all 3 Shadow Hearts games, and I like the first 2 games about equally.

I agree with pretty much everything you brought up in this thread, and I really wish there would be a true sequel to Covenant

All we can do is wait and hope.

Nice thread idea btw

I'd just love to see a darker title like the first game. But...you saw all endings in Covenant right?

SPOILER PLEASE BEWARE DON'T SAY I DIDN'T TELL YOU GUYS LOL
The good ending suggests that there could NEVER be a sequel to Covenant because Yuri will spend the rest of eternity reliving his happiest moments-and even then, if he comes to terms with his limbo contract, he'd like, be dead. XD

The bad ending would be great to make a sequel from though-I dunno how comfortable I am with him not remembering a thing, but it can't be argued that it would lead to some interesting shit.

So which ending do you think is the TRUE ending?

I can't say for certain, but the bad ending is the ONLY thing they could possibly make a sequel out of.

Since you don't see Yuri at all in the 3rd game, it can possibly be assumed that the good ending happened...in which case we're screwed

Yeah, unless Bacon just didn't mention Yuri in the third game-he's braindead enough to forget lol.

And it could still mean a sequel, just not with Yuri.

Yeah, but it'd suck without Yuri

I dunno, maybe if Keith was given a lead role...that could be pretty cool too.

Lol Keith. Maybe, but he is part of the Darkness clan...and we know what that means; nonstop goofing around and raging unconventional sexual innuendo!

Actually that sounds pretty damn win lol!

The only one I've played is From the New World. I don't usually play turn-based RPGs but I like the judgement ring because it actually requires some talent on the player's part instead of just randomly generating hits and misses. Still, I'm not really into the series, but it's one of the more unique battle systems I've seen, at least.

Well, you should try to play the first 2 games at least. They are a lot better than From The New World if you ask me.

Even if you don't care that much for FTNW, the first 2 are pretty different in setting and atmosphere.

You know, I got the second one but have yet to play it. I got a few other games in line first I need to beat, but when I saw Covenent I had to have it. I can remember seeing the ads for the first one in the gaming magazines... In fact I cut one out and still have it. ^_^ Never played it, but the review made me want to try it out.

Well, be sure to let me know how ya like it when you DO play!

One of my favorite RPG series, by far.

I will be sure to. Right now, I'm playing La Pucelle Tactics.

That's also an awesome game.

It went through a complete censorship overhaul though, which pisses me off.

What exactly was censored in it anyway? That game always seemed pretty kid friendly, so I dunno what would've had to be censored lol

Well I dunno if you ever noticed, I forgot his name, but the guy with the purple trench and sunglasses, who uses a gun in battle?
Ever notice how he pretends to have a cigarette after each battle? Well, there was originally a cigarette graphic and some smoke. But they removed it. Also, Prier isn't supposed to wear brown stockings, we're supposed to see her legs, and Culotte is supposed to have a cross on him, but they removed that, too.

Those are just minor things of course, I couldn't care less about Prier's legs lol, but the principle still stands. Also, the dialogue has been changed, which is the worse.

This game is basically about sexual innuendo lol.

But, that was actually a smart move from Mastiff, otherwise we probably wouldn't even have this game over here. So I shouldn't complain lol.

Exactly how much was the story altered anyway?

Minor graphics changes aren't that big of a deal for me, but how much did they butcher the story?

That I don't know, but it's what I've been told anyways. Would love to know what the real story is, but I don't read Japanese.

Maybe somebody out there translated the original story, or at least knows what was changed?

Hmm...now i'm wondering.

I really loved the first Shadow Hearts game. Great story, with an
interesting cast of characters (Yuri! <3) and a dark, creepy
atmosphere. I also really like the horror aspect of the game, I think
that helps make it unique and stand out more compared to your average
RPG. I'd say it's definitely one of the best RPGs on the PS2.

I got about halfway through the second installment, but never finished
it. From what I played, I was a little disappointed with it. The story
wasn't as good as the first, plus some of the characters got on my
nerves and I missed the horror elements that were present in the
original. Don't get me wrong, it was still entertaining and I had fun
with it, it just didn't quite measure up to the excellence of the first
installment. I do plan on going back and finishing it one day.

Shadow Hearts: From The New World I've never played, nor do I own, however,
from the looks of it I think I'd be disappointed with it. It looks to
have a much brighter, more cheery atmosphere and more like your typical
RPG fare compared to the first two Shadow Hearts games.

Never played Koudelka, either. However, I am a little interested in it.

I think the whole Shadow Hearts series is awesome, although my favorite is probably the second one...with Shadow Hearts 1 very close behind.