• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 1999
Metascore
89 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Story is a great component of any RPG but it has to have a quality battle engine alongside. Thankfully Grandia utilizes one of the best we have played.
  2. With an absolutely stellar story, and characters that are more lively and fleshed out than those found in other series this game provides the integral components to make for an RPG that will rule the players life until they’ve finished the game.
  3. A role-playing masterpiece that delivers in all of the ways that really matter. While perhaps a little behind in the technology curve, Grandia's innovation, atmosphere, and story make it one of the most noteworthy RPGs in recent memory.
  4. With an emphasis on characterizations, and battles that are actually fun to play, this game totally grabbed me.
  5. Grandia's one really serious failing is its difficulty. My first run through clocked in at about 52 hours, so it certainly doesn't have a length problem, but however long and satisfying the journey, the experienced RPG player is unlikely to find many moments of genuine challenge.
  6. 90
    Grandia doesn't opt for grandiose (despite the title) effects or uber-fantastic events to draw gamers in. Instead, this is a game that relies more on characters to tell the story and it does it incredibly well.
  7. Even though the characters aren’t as customizable as some other games, I found myself more involved molding each one so I don’t necessarily think this is a hindrance.
  8. It is proof that a strong game accompanied by good, but not great visuals, can be a more compelling product than something with lots of flash, but no substance.
  9. Ultimately, I think it's the focus on the characters and the growth they experience that takes Grandia over the top. The angle the designers took for Grandia as a more lighthearted and anecdotal adventure is refreshing. It never overwhelms like the newer, over-ambitious efforts that are out there but rather, offers up the less tangible part of gaming.
  10. 90
    With an enormous world to explore, a great variety of puzzles, and a whole lot of humor, Grandia is sure to please any RPG fan who hungers for hours of immersing gameplay and puzzle solving.
  11. The depth of story is surprisingly luxurious... This isn't a "Final Fantasy" beater but it's a cracking RPG nonetheless.
  12. A solid RPG with a good story containing many twists and turns. The characters are a little too cutesy for my taste, but are adequate for the story.
  13. Thanks to both CD's being full of gameplay rather than superfluous full motion video sequences, it will take quite a while for even the most avid gamer to make his or her way through to the fulfilling conclusion. It's time well spent.
  14. A great game. While it's low on the pathos, the cheery nature of the quest is rivaled only by Working Design's "Lunar" series.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. 5
    The game is worth playing for the battle system alone. The characters and story are dumb, and i just couldnt wait for the game to end, it dragged on and on. Full Review »
  2. Things which seemed epic when you were fourteen don't usually stand the test of time. Grandia with its shambling plot and cringe-worthy anime moments fits squarely into this bracket. Full Review »
  3. AzimS.
    10
    This game had a lot of lovely character.The way their interacted to each other was fantastic.The technology may not seem good enough for some players but the storyline is marvelous.Each characters were given a great chance to show themselves.This game had funny humor,great battle system of it's own,puzzles,creative monster design,and others.I'm very sure that this game will give players the feeling of satisfaction,as long as you don't care about the visual. Full Review »