|
Baten Kaitos | 
 enlarge | From: Namco
Category: Video Games
List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $26.02
You Save: $3.97 (13%)
New (17) Used (12) from $11.36
Rating:  48 reviews
Platform: Gamecube
Genre: Role Playing Games
ESRB: Teen
Media: Video Game
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: No
Age: 12 - 20 years
Operating System: Gamecube
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.5
MPN: 30009
UPC: 722674300094
EAN: 0722674300094
Release Date: November 18, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Expedited shipping is not available for this item.
| |
| Features:
| • | A breed apart from other RPGs - Its unconventional battle system, leveling system and compelling narrative offer a new kind of deep role-playing experience | | • | Turn-based card battle system based on the collection Magnus cards -- over 1,000 in all, with all kinds of powers and abilities | | • | Capture the essence of certain items within blank Magnus Cards, then reproduce these essences to solve puzzles, battle enemies and heal comrades | | • | Ingenious, twist-filled story rich with surprises and emotions | | • | Gorgeous graphics - sub-worlds, villages, cities and weather patterns burst with colors and details |
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Baten Kaitos is a world where islands float in the air and oceans are story from the past. A world already on the edge is about to fall into chaos, when a young man named Kalas goes after revenge. Travelling with the more noble Xhela, they'll enter the ancient Moonguile Forest and seek out answers to old questions. As they go, they'll be led by a spirit that guides Kalas to his goal -- and his destiny as savior. Use Magnus Cards wisely -- foods will ripen or rot, items will rust and gain or lose value
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 43 more reviews...
 3 1/2 stars. Part Masterpiece and part mess. December 4, 2008
Alabaster Jones (earth)
Here goes another attempt at reviewing an old game that isn't even on the market anymore. That's what I hate about consoles... the games are so disposable, and even the true classics are forgotten, while a lot of the great classic PC and arcade games are still being sold and talked about today.
Anyway.. Baten Kaitos..
My experience with video game RPGs goes back to the NES game called Dragon Warrior. I remember that game fondly as it was the most time I'd ever spent on a game to that point, and the emphasis on exploring and customizing your character was something that really appealed to me. I've played a hell of a lot of them since then, including Chrono Cross, which was made by the same company that made this game. Chrono Cross is a great RPG and it was the sequel to my all time favorite RPG, Chrono Trigger for the SNES. So, with that in mind, I really wanted to like this one.
The thing that separates this game from the others is the lack of customization options and the really odd battle system. I will be complaining about the battle system toward the end, so stay tuned.
What's good about this game? A lot. The story is very well told, the characters are interesting (except for Lyude, who is really just annoying), and there is a lot of random humor sprinkled throughout. Humor is very important in a game like this, where you spend close to 1/3 of the game reading text and getting the story. It's nice to have a laugh once in a while what with all the cheesy sentimentality that the characters in RPGs are so fond of spewing.
There is definitely a LOT of text to scroll through in this game. I swear at one point I encountered about 15 solid minutes of cut scenes with characters just talking and talking and talking. Most of the time, I didn't mind it, because the story is interesting enough to keep you going. However, the placement in game of some of these cut scenes is a little bit on the ridiculous side, because there are sometimes very very long cut scenes right before a boss battle, which means if you lose the battle, you're going to have to sit through the cut scene again before you can retry the boss. To make it even more annoying, there are times when you have to sit through another really long cut scene (or series of cut scenes, as this game is fond of doing) before you can finally save.
All of this would be minor if not for the way the battle system works. I'm sure that if you're reading this, you know something about it. It's card based. Each member of your party can hold a certain number of cards that determine how they attack and defend in a battle. Also, for each turn in a battle, you can only use a few randomly selected cards at a time. This system is really fun and interesting in the beginning stages of the game, but very quickly starts to show its limitations as the enemies get tougher. In your attack rounds, you will very often find that you have only defensive cards available in your hand, which means you can either do nothing or discard. Discarding means you can throw off some of your active cards (which are usually healing items when you're in this position), or discard ONE of your inactive cards. As soon as you use an inactive card, your turn ends. I can't count the number of times that I've ended up with a handful of the exact wrong type of card at any given time. When this happens, it basically means you lose a turn. Alternatively, when you're being attacked, you will often find yourself with a hand full of offensive cards. Many of the melee weapons can be used defensively as well, but if you use them, you're likely to find yourself without any cards to attack with in the next round. I can tell you right now, when either of these starts happening in the middle of a tough fight, it is NOT FUN!
The card system is a great idea, but is very very flawed at its heart. It's a shame, too, because I really did enjoy playing through this game for the most part. There was one time in particular when I was in a boss battle, and was getting seriously screwed with the card shuffle. It took me 5 hours to get past it. I swear to God. Then, when I finally did get past it, I had to fight the exact same battle AGAIN because of the way the story goes. I almost threw the controller through my TV screen. Luckily, I got a better deal in the second battle, and after a 30 minute fight and another 10 minutes of cut scenes, I could finally save.
I hope I'm making myself clear here. I like the game, and it's got a great story that will ease the pain of spending hours and hours of your life fighting the same enemy, but this is for the hardcore only. Most normal people would have turned the game off halfway through and never thought of it again. I think maybe I should have done that too, but I'm I'm not ashamed of myself that I didn't.
Baten Kaitos: 3 1/2 stars. It reaches for the heavens, but it occasionally just brings back astronaut poop.
 A beautiful revolution! March 17, 2008
A. Cooper (Utah)
This is why the gamecube is one of the best systems ever: this game dominates almost all other RPG games! With its lush and orginal background, impressive card game system, and great characters, this will kill any free time you have! Make sure you have nothing to do to play, because this is two discs, and very LONG!
Basically, you play Kalas, a brash young man who's trying to find his origins. On your quest, you met several characters to become your team and fight admirable, and sometimes hard bosses. The plot really keeps you wanting more, and its fun learning and liking the supporting characters. The prequel, Origins, is good but doesn't quite surpass the original! Overall, one of the best gamecube games ever, too bad the system is dying out...
Insane Graphics! January 15, 2008
Elise Truppay
The graphics in this game are beautiful and quite impressive! Fun to play, it really makes you act quickly with no remorse. This is the kind of game that I believe one will have to play multiple times in order to truly master. You'll get your money's worth.
Another great RPG game for the Gamecube! July 23, 2007
Big Boss Games (Phoenix, AZ USA)
Reviewed for Big Boss Games by: Eschneider6
Another great RPG game for the Gamecube thanks to Namco.
This RPG is different, you have to buy or collect attack, spell, defense, and item cards to help you in battle.
Also in the battles the attack phase is turn based with a timer, and then it goes to real time when the monsters attack and you quickly have to pick an item or defense card or get clobbered.
The story of Baten Kaitos is a world adrift in time and space. The earth below and the vast oceans it once harbored are mere legend.
Act as conscience and spirit guide for young Kalas and his companion Xelha. Guide them in battle and watch their friendship bloom. Join them as they struggle to reveal the mystery of the lost sea and destroy the corruption that threatens their world.
I played this game for 70 hours, doing the three main sub quests (Constellation Magnus, Animals side quest, and family sub quest) and completing the game.
Also set some time aside for a great ending, this game had a great story, good characters, and some secret stuff that rocked! I highly recommend this RPG. With so few RPGs available on the Gamecube, don?t miss this one out.
Start playing it today!
My review score for Baten Kaitos = 9.5
(Score is 1 is throw it out and 10 is a must buy!)
A different way to play an RPG June 27, 2007
Corey Johnson (Killeen, TX USA)
Baten Kaitos is one of the Best RPG games on the Gamecube and is worth playing. The graphics are stunning for this game and has wonderful pre-rendered backdrops. The gameplay is unique because the battle system is based on the use of magnus cards. Although the story may be a little cliche and the voice work is just not up to standard its still a good game and you should check it out.
|
|
|
Copyright © 2008 Games Today. All rights reserved. | |
