Vandal Hearts II PS1

A continuation of the tactical jRPG with improved audiovisual setting and game system that introduces numerous innovations. The devs from Konami have prepared another story based on political themes, which the players learn by participating in dozens of battles.

Story

A civil war is going on in Natra. Two fighting camps have been trying for years to seize power in the country. Joshua has been observing the deteriorating situation of the inhabitants from an early age. When he grows up, he and his friends form a group of bandits who live outside the law. By coincidence, they gain a chance to bring about the peace awaited by their compatriots.

The story prepared by Konami has many endings. The finale of the game is influenced by a few moments during the game when the main character faces a difficult choice.

Mechanics

Vandal Hearts II is based on formula well known from similar tactical jRPGs, but also brings a number of novelties. As in the first installment of the series, the exploration takes place by selecting the next points on the map, to which the party is to go. During battles, the action is moved to the arena divided into square fields, shown in isometric projection. The battles are carried out in a turn-based system - in each turn the player can move the character by a fixed number of fields and choose one of the actions. What is new is the fact that at as the character from the player's team, one of the members of the enemy team moves and attacks at the same time. This introduces, on the one hand, an element of randomness and, on the other hand, forces us to plan our actions in advance.

The devs dropped the class system present in the first installment. In return, they enabled the players to shape their characters freely. They now learn new skills through the use of different types of equipment. It also influences their statistics, defines types of attacks and access to spells.

Technical aspects

Vandal Hearts II features much more detailed 2D graphics. Character models and arena designs are much more detailed and better animated. The title once again touches upon difficult topics and does not avoid brutality, illustrating the effects of war.

Last updated on 13 November 2017