A solid traditional RPG with turn-based combat, outstanding graphics, almost no loading times, a lengthy story, rich characters and high playability. Neither a remake nor a port, Brave Story offers fresh content that has not been seen on other systems before. Definitely one of the most enjoyable RPGs for the PSP.

First of all, lets start off with the good. This game is a truly beautiful game. The graphics are some of the best on the system so far, right up there with Tekken and Monster Hunter, and to think this game has been out in Japan for over a year. The turn based battles are fast paced and there are some gorgeous battle animations as well. Also, the lack of good new RPGs on the PSP makes this game that much more appealing. And, the game loads lighting fast! Now the bad stuff. The music is forgettable as are the characters. Also, the battle system is your typical, bland, turn based RPG, but with flashy graphics. The story is recycled from various anime/rpg plots. And what with the silent protagonist? It's 2007 dammit, give these guys some lines, then maybe I would feel more for him and the storyline. This game does have an interesting crafting system where you can make your own accessories and a bird catching minigame, which is like cutsy cockfighting, but these simply don't do it for me. The sometimes erratic random battles also become annoying at times. This game is also ridiculously easy, you regenerate your BP (Brave Points=Magic Points) when you attack someone, so you almost never have to worry about running out. There are also restore points at every save point. If you're an RPG novice, this is a pretty good choice to get your feet wet. Veterans may want to wait for a deeper game like Jeanne D'Arc or Final Fantasy Tactics.… Expand

Yes, it's a very traditional JRPG full of random battles and a silent protagonist, but there is just something special about this game. Maybe it's the writing, or the cast of characters, or the world, but I just couldn't put this game down until I finished the main plotline. The difficulty level, while somewhat easy, is perfect for those who don't have 80 hours to spend on an RPG. One knock against the game -- While you do eventually enlist 6 characters into your party, I found absolutely no need to use any but the original 3 to win the game. The other reviewer is correct that BP regenerates in battle and is fairly easy to maintain, but seeing as there are no easily available BP boosting items you can buy, it seems like a fair trade off. Once you do win the game, you unlock all of the characters from the original Brave Story manga and are free to go back to the dozens of side missions you may have missed the first time through. While Jeanne D'Arc may be more advanced, it is a strategy game, NOT an RPG. For the time being, Brave Story is the best RPG experience on the PSP, hands down.… Expand

After about 13 hours into the game, I'd say it has all the features needed for an enjoyable Japanese RPG but features alone don't an enjoyable adventure make. Certainly above average (of 5, if you're wondering about the rating) and somewhat entertaining but the official review average really is spot on with this one - seems like fun to play through but as for remembering it after a year, most unlikely. Yuno's still the cutest, most whimsical, and most harebrained catgirl ever to appear on an RPG but even from the perspective of a hopeless otaku, that's not enough to save the whole deal.… Expand