Full Metal Alchemist FullMetal Alchemist 2-Curse of the Crimson Elixir

First off, I'd like to start by saying that may be the most decent Anime game, ever.

Now, this is the second installment in the PS2 series of the FMA Games. It's the better of the first game in every single aspect, or at least, that's what it says....

Graphics:Unlike the first game, which was done on 3D graphics, this game is done cell-shaded. This makes it look closer to the anime than ever, and gives the game more life.

GameplayThe gameplay's been tweaked a little. For example, instead of just having one attack button (like on FMA-1) you now have a Punch, and Kick button. Using combinations of both can lead to some preety good combos. The Alchemy's also been modified a bit, giving you a wider range of alchemy opportunities. Also having to level up your alchemy could make it all the better.

A.I.This is where Alphonse mostly comes in. Obviously Al can take care of himself, as well as doing all those moves that he did in the previous game. Now in addition, by holding the R1 button, Alphonse will come to you and give you a jumping boost, giving you the ability to overcome much more obstacles. Also, the "Specials" have been modified a bit. Using the boost jump will come as a Special Power also, but how?....

What can make it worth it?First and most important of all, the Price. FullMetal Alchemist 2 starts at USD 39.99. Having to pay $50 a game is a pain, so let's be honest, ten dollars is ten dollars. The story sounds a bit better, and all mentioned above may give this game some real points.

Current Scores
Gaming Age B-
Worth Playing 7 / 10
Game Zone 7 / 10
RPG Fan 77 / 100
Gaming Horizon 7 / 10
GameSpot Not Rated

All in all, sounds like an average game. Let's keep the hopes up for this one to be a good one!

Full GameSpot Coverage

-Seishin

 

Looks good. Third one just came out also i think, in japan that is. I'm about to go rent some more games, maybe I'll pick it up, first one was pretty fun.

 

The first was Good..but got repititve to fast. im afraid to even rent this. i think the whole game could have done better if changed from an action to a more RPG type of game

 

haven't played either of them but....Seishin....if you say it's good than it must be!! ^_^ Wow...a chick into video games (points at me)....lol

 

Ummm, sorry but, I don't think I said it's good. I haven't played it yet, since my PS2's back home. I only said it looks good, and it actually looks like it's worth it.

Main thing i want in this game though, is for it to have a good FMA Intro, unlike FMA-1 (Ready Steady Go!)

-Seishin

 

If they kept the same things from the last one then your just repeating everything but just in a different sceniaro. I haven't played it yet since my PS2 is no longer in my house but more in the garbage heap somewhere i couldn't tell you. but judgeing it is going to be a repeat of the same things from the last one

 

Just warning you now, but the game starts off to Ready Steady Go! XD

 

It's a mere seven hours of gameplay. Nowhere NEAR worth the price.

 

I try the optimism way.

(All prices USD)
1 DVD= $20 (4 Episodes= 2Hrs at the most)
1 Game= $40 (Like you said, 7Hrs)

So it's actually twice the price of a DVD and you get more than twice the hours. At least that's what I (a Full Metal Alchemist fan) like to see it.

Sounds all good anyways, but one question I've been meaning to ask to anyone that's played it, is the sound in the game as horrible as FMA-1? Because the lower-than-ps1 sounds was really weird...

-Seishin

 

most than likly yes it will be. They release the game a lil to soon in my opnion.

 

If you mean Ed's annoying " THANX U" when you get an item...then yeah. Its pretty much the same.

 

Sounds like a good game so far. I like the fact that Al will be more usefull in this one, and that you have a wider variety of moves. This should be a good game.

 

Just too short I say. The fact that it brings some extras, as well as Episodes not shown on Adult Swim, it's preety much good. The sad fact that I was on my way to the last boss before I knew it was just dissapointing. Nevertheless, the fighting system makes this game really fun.

-Seishin

 

So did you beat that last boss or no? The best part of the game is the fact that they do show episodes not shown on Adult Swim like you said, but I found that the combat system wasn't too different from the first game. You had a few new moves, that was pretty much it. I still liked it though.


-Ian

 

Hmm, I have gone to EB many many times and held it in my hand.. and thought 'Hmmmm' but then I remembered the reviews it got, and, relating videogames to women (just to prove a point.), my standards are far too high for my own health. SO, I didn't bother with it. I don't even rent games that are short lol.. if I can't play a game that's under 30 hours, then I usually dont play it unless it's free. That was a total bummer too coz I'm a raging Fullmetal Alchemist fan.. but it's just not worth the cash, I have rent to pay

 

I got to test drive the game, already finished it.

Goods: The story. Woo!!!

At the end, there are episode pieces in DivX with REAL anime! This alone makes the game worth it, and the extra-ending dialogue between the homunculus (after you think the game's finished) definitely adds it a plus.

Game mechanics: It's nice using alchemy to make funny weapons, like the clockwork Ed's working as a decoy. Or the little cow with a pen


Bad: Gameplay. Asides from the story being short, there's absolutely NO WAY you can stop a cut scene. This is outrageous. And freakingly annoying. This alone makes the game not worth it unless you're a FMA fan.

Also, the fighting is very primitive, you cannot do advanced fighting like ducking - well you have duck, but it's the same button as block, so it's no use. You also end up doing combos to the thin air, while your enemy's at the side. This is a big no-no.

And worst of all... GAME SAVING! You can't save the game whenever you want. This, plus the cut scenes, makes the game a horror for the casual gamer. Specially at the end. you CAN'T save the game after defeating the main boss (so you could watch the ending once again). Yuk.

So I give it a 3 out of 5. If Square Enix fixes these annoyances, my score would go out to 4 out of 5. A longer playing time would give it the extra point to be 5 of 5.

Overall: "Somewhat Good".

 

Welcome to the RPGs man.

Besides, you can watch the final videos whenever you want in "Gallery" Mode. You unlock videos as you watch them on 1P mode. Thank goodness we don't have to search on stupid treasure chests for a video....

-Seishin