Enchanted Arms [X360]

Remember Final Fantasy VII How about Final Fantasy II ? These are games that used relatively new console technology to advance the realm of traditional RPGs. Conversely, do you remember

Beyond the Beyond? How about Orphen : Scion of Sorcery ? Probably not. That’s because these went the other direction: taking new power and doing absolutely nothing with it, and instead turning out a game just as crummy as anything in the previous generation. Enchanted Arms — the first traditional role-playing game for Xbox 360 — is at neither end of the quality spectrum, instead sitting firmly in the middle. As far as stories go, Enchanted Arms weaves a decent tale. It’s 1,000 years after the Golem Wars, where ancient magic and powerful robot-type creations clashed in an epic battle. In present day, golems have become a subdued, accepted part of society, while the only remnant of magic is its less powerful subset, enchanting. Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it, and the whole, world-threatening scenario may be making a return appearance.

At the heart of the matter is main character Atsuma. He is, perhaps, one of the most naive, careless, and idiotic protagonists in video game history. It’s so bad, the game goes into great detail on how to climb ladders, open chests, activate switches, and swim. Hint: They all require you to hit the A button. After this baby-talk, Atsuma has the option of asking his friend to repeat the tutorial — as if pressing A is too complicated. He may be dumb, From Software, but we are not.

Atsuma’s only saving grace is the intrigue of his right hand, which holds mysterious powers that could turn the tides of the impending conflict. Other playable characters aren’t helping matters, and the first portion of the game goes as follows: Atsuma makes a snap decision without thinking; the gallant Toya either enables him or bails him out; then Makoto either whines about Atsuma, or fawns over Toya (they’re both guys, by the way). Fortunately, you won’t have them in your party the entire game. The bad news is, future allies aren’t much more likeable. Basically, the annoying characters and their atrocious dialog neutralizes the good aspects of the plot.