Evergrace Product Line

Evergrace is currently the closest thing to a true RPG for the PlayStation 2 in Japan. It follows the story of Yuterald and Shalami, both marked with the "Crest" on their right hand since birth, leading them to be outcasts in society. They are mysteriously transported to the desolate Rieubane Empire on separate quests for revenge, where they learn about the true destiny of the Crest-born and fight against evil forces to save the cursed land.

While the story of Evergrace is original, the gameplay is lacking. Players explore the ruins of the Rieubane Empire in a third-person perspective, completing RPG tasks like finding keys and hitting switches. However, the exploration is limited by gravity and terrain types, leading to a rigid experience. Combat is slow-paced and lacks strategy, with battles requiring repetitive movements until the enemy is defeated. Yuterald and Shalami’s movements are stiff, making it difficult to navigate tight spaces and resulting in unavoidable hits.

Players can choose between Yuterald and Shalami at the start of the game, with the option to switch between characters using save crystals. The game offers customization options with "palmira" gems that can be combined on weapons and armor, similar to Final Fantasy VII's Materia system. Additionally, the ability to color customize armor and increase stats with "Biriyana" seeds adds depth to character progression. Despite these features, Evergrace's core gameplay remains awkward and uninteresting.

Originally developed for the PlayStation, Evergrace was adapted for the PlayStation 2 to address the system’s lack of RPG titles. The game’s graphics, while not as advanced as other PlayStation 2 RPGs, feature detailed character models and environments. However, battles experience slowdown when multiple enemies are present. On the other hand, the game's sound design with fantasy-themed music and digitized dialog enhances the overall experience.

Overall, Evergrace falls slightly below average, with some redeeming qualities but lacking in overall impact. Facing competition from other RPG titles, Evergrace may not stand out amongst its peers. Players may find better alternatives in games like Dark Cloud or upcoming Dreamcast RPGs.

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