PSP fanboy reports how the floodgates have opened as new information continues to pour in about the PSP-exclusive Wild Arms XF. This strategy RPG may not feature 3D graphics like its predecessor, but it remains beautiful, thanks to some meticulously crafted sprites.
The PlayStation Portable has become quite the role-playing gamer's system as of late. Square Enix's Crisis Core is making big waves right now, but the string of good quality strategy RPGs have been the real highlight. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, Jeanne D'Arc, and Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness have all managed to keep fans immersed in portable strategy bliss for some time, and the Wild Arms series first departure from standard, turn-based RPG gaming looks to continue this run.
After five series games, Media.Vision has shown that they know how to make an American Old West Japanese role-playing game -- they're the only ones who do it. But this is the first true tactical SRPG in the series, as well as the first portable game. It does take the hexagons from the battle systems of Wild Arms 4 and 5, but throws out the rest in favor of classic 2-D strategy gameplay.
Does Wild West sci-fi make for a good tactical SRPG? Does Wild Arms XF continue the run of strong strategy games for the portable? Most importantly, does this game still have that whistling song?
CheatCC writes: "Taking a different approach this time around, Wild ARMs XF (crossfire) is an attempt to give the series more of a strategy texture, similar to that of Final Fantasy Tactics. Hey, with the trend of releasing strategy RPGs on the PSP these days, should this come as any surprise? No. What may come as a surprise though is that Wild ARMs XF just doesn't do enough to truly stand out amongst its SRPG brethren, though that doesn't mean that there aren't any truly fantastic moments. To be honest, it's somewhat of a mixed bag. "
Kombo Writes: "Final Word
Wild ARMs XF does have some enjoyable parts, but they are severely hurt by gameplay flaws. The objective-based battles aren't designed well and will quickly tire out the non-hardcore. Aside from the battles, there is also the poorly implemented job class system, which offers little to no player customization freedom. If you want a solid Strategic RPG experience for your PSP you best look elsewhere with titles like Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, Jeanne d'Arc, or Final Fantasy Tactics."
