Shadow Hearts: Covenant

[Kiwi]

The highly underrated PS2 RPG is given another spin of the Judgment Ring, courtesy of the dark souls at Midway

Devised by a team of former Square Enix employees who'd obviously had enough of the Final Fantasy series' insistence on fluffy storylines and unchallenging combat, the original Shadow Hearts was a refreshing addition to PS2's role-playing catalogue. A mature, pitch-black storyline, interesting and original characters and, vitally, a fresh approach to the staid turn-based combat that plagues FF and so many of its imitators should have put it at the top of any RPG fans' shopping lists.

Sadly, a low-profile release meant that few took the step of sampling its many delights - we'd be the first to admit that we greeted its arrival with the kind of enthusiasm befitting the launch of a new stapler. Fortunately, we learn from our mistakes (most of the time), which is why we're so keen to let you know that Midway has confirmed that Shadow Hearts: Covenant - Shadow Hearts 2 by any other name - will be continuing the adventures of shape-shifting hero Yuri in Europe this autumn.

Set a year after the end of the original, Covenant sees Yuri, and friends Gepetto and Kallen, taking on Nicholas, a member of a secret cult who are trying to use the chaos of World War I as a cover for their own world-dominating plans. The sequel also marks the welcome return of the Judgment Ring in combat; this nifty device transformed turn-based combat from a skill-free, button-prodding exercise into an enjoyable test of reflexes and speed, so the promise of enhancements to the system comes as welcome news indeed.

Screens

Sources: PlayStation UK & Gamespot

[ultimagic]

Hmmm......so it continues with Yuri and the game looks pretty nice. I just hope the dark atmosphere that prevailed in the prequel stays. Oh no that ring has come back too (Judgment Ring)!!!

[Brad]

Judgement ring was cool, so was the weapon upgrading method. It was a pretty tight rpg, this 1 oughta be pretty neat as well with better graphics and whatnot. The bosses seemed kinda hard too, if you didn't level up much. Add in a buncha side quests, hidden super bosses and we'll have our selves a pro rpg

[Kiwi]

Oh wow, somebody actually bothered replying. About time too!