Baroque PlayStation 2
User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6

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  1. Irysa
    May 21, 2008
    9
    Before I being to comment on the actual game itself, I'd like to say that the majority of these reviews are completely looking at the game the wrong way. This is not a combo crazy action game, this is not a typical JRPG. It's a Post Apocalyptic Roguelike, more akin to the likes of Nethack and Shiren the Wanderer than Final Fantasy or Devil May Cry. I believe reviewers have gone the wrong way about it entirely, as this is honestly a landmark in terms of Roguelike advancement. Baroque is the only, I repeat, THE ONLY (bar the original), Roguelike to preform in a real time system. A better comparison of the system would be something similar to Phantasy Star Online. It's gameplay is most certainly not for everyone, but Atlus labeled this as a hardcore game for a reason. The high amount of randomness and variety give the game a strong lasting appeal, and do require you to use much of your resources to advance. The game is designed around the death of the player. You are SUPPOSED to die, it's not a punishment. Graphically, Baroque is certainly lacking, but makes up for it with Art direction. The music is much akin to something out of say, Shin Megami Tensei. I enjoy it enough to purchase the soundtrack. If you enjoy Roguelikes, I highly recommend this game.… Expand
  2. Grimm
    Aug 8, 2008
    7
    It's true that Baroque is definitely not a game for anyone. If you're a type of person who likes to speed through your video games or are only looking for action, then this is NOT the game for you. If you are also a person who likes to use cheat codes, this game is also NOT for you. The game itself can be quite useful if you look at it with an open mind and low expectations. The twist that death does not end your game is a bonus. People who look for cheats so that they can't die in their games, like in GTA, have no need to fear death in this game, for it's never really game over. The storyline itself is quite interesting, and appeals to those who enjoy a Gothic/apocalyptic atmosphere. The downfalls to this game are: 1. Constant Depletion. ~Some people, like myself, get annoyed with games that have your characters attributes constantly dropping. In this game, your vitality lvls with always be depleting, which is why it is essential to collect and consume items like flesh or hearts. When your vitality reaches 0, then your health starts to deplete as well. For some people, the constant threat of death, or just the fact that some gamers keep dying, can be quite annoying regardless of the fact that death is actually important. And because of the fact that death is important, there aren't any cheat codes to prevent loss of vitality or health. 2. Graphics ~Though it could be worse, the graphics aren't entirely up to par. For some, this can be overlooked. But for many gamers this seems to be an important part of their gaming experience. 3. Dungeons/Repetitive game play ~For those of you who actually took time to research this game before purchase, will have discovered that this entire game revolves around dungeon exploration, or to be more precise, descending of the Neuro Tower. If you are a person who DOES NOT enjoy repetitive game play and/or dungeon based games, then this is not the game for you, don't spend your money. Although the dungeons themselves are constantly changing, the actual way you play (shooting, slashing, eating items, ect.) will remain the same. To be more optimistic, the game makes up for this flaw by making tons of items, weapons, and armor for you to experiment with to help change your game play somewhat. But even then, sometimes numerous items may not be enough for some gamers. 4. Please Read Rating Label!!! ~ This game is rated T for teens, as in 13 or older. Please don't let little babies who like dancing around on their Wii fits buy this game! I mean, the graphics may not be awesome, but they certainly are good enough to keep the horror like theme going, from all the monsters you fight to just the NPCs you talk to. If your kids are easily frightened and never watch horror movies, then I seriously doubt they would enjoy this game. I mean, seriously, didn't you people take time to look at the games description? Or the pictures on the back? I think that this game is pretty cool, but I'm also older than 5 year olds and I have no issues with horror themed things. So please consider your child's or your own squeamishness. Though there isn't really any blood in the game, so if that makes you feel better, then your welcome. I recommend this only to hard core RPG fans, goth/horror lovers, NOT 5 year olds, and very patient individuals.… Expand
  3. DemonC.
    Apr 15, 2008
    5
    This one is very disappointing. First off the graphics are not great, very washy textures, it all reminds me of a PSX game, and not later PS2 standard. The voice acting is pretty good, but again, not better than on a PSX. The game itself is an action RPG, and the camera is a big problem, as it's never where it should be. This is extremely annoying when you're in a fight, as you often lose sight of the enemy. I only played it for 30 minutes, then I had to put it away. Perhaps it gets better later on.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. RPG Fan
    78
    The gameplay can be cheap, but it does have a good degree of challenge. Technical aspects are weak, but there is some style going for it.
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  2. GameSpot
    65
    A fiendishly difficult, randomly generated dungeon crawler that at times can be an incredible work of interactive fiction, and at other times, a muddled mess.
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    56
    A fairly uninteresting story along with badly written characters won't encourage you to play this to the end. Still, fans of dungeon crawlers will likely find something here to like.
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