Video games often cross the boundaries of genre in order to create an experience interesting enough to draw in gamers who may not necessarily have been intrigued otherwise. The late Midway attempted to blur horror and RPG into one game when it released Shadow Hearts in North America during 2001. The end result? A strong effort that only clicked with fans willing to try something new.
Gary Green said: Most JRPG fans look back to the PS1 era and smile. It was a time when narrative masterpieces were being released regularly, which was a good thing since most gamers were very hungry for more. It’s no wonder the late 90s is referred to as ‘the JRPG golden age’. Sadly, all things must come to an end, and the dawn of the PS2 would see ambitious developers try to set new trends with expensive visual upgrades, deviations in gameplay to include more focus on either action or strategy, or even online gameplay.
Not all hope was lost, and a handful of dedicated developers would attempt to revive the ‘traditional’ JRPG. While many attempts would be lost to time and obscurity, others would slowly rise to cult status as respectable masters of their craft. One such game would put its growing franchise on the map and captivate many a gamer with its unique theme of real-world characters and locations, and recurring use of Lovecraftian horror. It’s time to revisit Shadow Hearts.
I loved the trilogy. Dark and edgy, very good battle system, good characters. 3rd game has gone extra silly, but it was still very fun. I hope one day a remaster comes out
It's probably not impossible.... not sure where the rights sit currently after Midway went under but somebody somewhere owns the IP, and somebody somewhere else has to be asking how to get these games out again (please not Aspyr)
I would love a collection with Koudelka, Shadow Hearts, Covenant and From the New World... I never got to play Shadow Hearts, that game was stupidly rare before Covenant came out. From the New World isn't too expensive or difficulty to find for a reasonable price, but Shadow Hearts is impossible unless you want to fork over $200 for a copy.
Universal Entertainment recently filed a trademark for its well-known critically-acclaimed PlayStation 2 series, Shadow Hearts, in Japan.
I have a foggy memory of this one. Do remember that it was pretty fun back in the day. That thumbnail reminds me of the upcoming Wukong game. Excited for that one.
omg yes please!!
i loved this freaking game! and the way your character transforms is so cool.
HPP: We were blown away by your response to our piece on series in need of a revival. So here are ten more series we’d love to see given new life.
Article is on point having Dino Crisis and rival schools but i would add...
Parasite Eve
Strider
Devil Survivor
Onimusha
Siren
Fear effect
Megaman X
Jet Set Radio
And those are just the ones i can think of right now.
I remember being really hyped in highschool when they were talking about doing more JetSet; then nothing came of it and radio silence.
Still some of the best soundtracks in gaming.
Another Fear Effect would be awesome too. A very underrated game that not many talk about anymore.
Jet Set Radio was actually on the original list of 10.
https://www.heypoorplayer.c...
A lot of the others were too recent to meet the date cut off I set, I was really looking for series that had been gone awhile.
Parasite Eve had The Third Birthday release 11 years ago.
The most recent Strider game was only 7 years ago.
Devil Survivor 2 was only 9 years ago.
Onimusha Soul released in 2012. I considered not counting mobile games but I was looking for series that publishers aren't even trying to get anything out of.
Siren is close but the last installment was 13 years ago. Honestly was never into the series though so likely wouldn't have made it regardless. Definitely know it has its fans though.
Fear Effect Sedna stunk but was a new game and was only 3 years ago.
Mega Man X I kind of counted as part of the larger Mega Man series, though even if I didn't the new mobile game would probably have kept it off the list.
Lots of great choices there though. I'd love to see a new installment of most of them.
For some reason I got Cold Fear and Fear Effect mixed up when I made my comment lol.
I'd like to see another Cold Fear. Even a remake would be great.
Xenosaga, Wild Arms, Legend of Dragoon, Chrono franchise with Cross and Trigger, Resistance, Xenogears, Twisted Metal, Silent Hill, Turok, Ar Tonelico, Ar Nosurge, Breath of Fire, Siren, Clock Tower, Kid Icarus, Splatterhouse, Enslaved Journey to the West I love that game such a sleeper hit it so needs a sequel.
My picks would be
- Soul Reaver
- Viewtiful Joe
- SSX
- Onimusha
- Capcom vs Snk 3
- Playstation Allstars Battle royal
Kudos for putting Tactics Ogre on the list. I have no idea why we aren't getting a new one, or Final Fantasy Tactics for that matter too.
Such a great game; too bad we will never see another one. The first two Shadow Hearts games were excellent. They were so romantic, tragic and heartbreaking. Yuri's love and eventual sacrifice for Alice brought a tear to my eye. He wanted to be with her so bad and seeing him cry made me cry at that time. I am just a sucker for romance. That is why Shadow Hearts and FFVIII are my favorite RPGs.
Great review. I loved the game. Wish I bought a copy instead of using my brothers
Frickin' LOVE Shadow Hearts 1 and 2, 3 was meh. It's a, shame that Nautilus was disbanded and the IP is owned by a nothing Japanese company, as the dark tones and unique style of Shadow Hearts would be a welcome resurgence to the much more heavily anime/bright/child-like style that current JRPGs are mired in.
I literally was just talking about these games on youtube yesterday trying to get A German Spy to check them out. These games would turn me into a hypocrite if Sony got them as PS2 games on PS4. I could not resist the urge to buy them. That, unfortunately, is about as likely as a new, Naughty Dog developed, Crash Bandicoot game being made however. Such a shame too. Excellent franchise that ended way too soon.
Easily one of my favorite PS2 era RPG's