Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment Image
  • Summary: [Xbox Live Arcade] Konami's legendary tactical role-playing game (RPG) series returns with Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment on Xbox LIVE Arcade! On the continent of Sostegaria, two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war. Caught in the tide of battle is young orphan Tobias Martin. Driven to defend his homeland, and to avenge those already fallen, Tobias enlists with his comrades to fight for peace. But all is not what it seems, and they face a threat far deadlier—and closer—than they know. [Konami] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Excels where it counts thanks to its imaginative and engrossing battles. [Issue#93, p.120]
  2. 73
    It's great to have the Vandal Hearts series back but this art style was a mistake. Truly, these characters look like ugly munchkins. Thankfully the strategy gameplay is good enough to convince fans of the genre to overlook the visuals and dig into some old school turn-based battles.
  3. Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment offers exactly what you expect from it: a strategic role-playing game that is slightly flawed because of the archaic game design, but that still offers a decent gaming experience.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Andyman
    10
    I lose more respect for IGN with each passing day. 'Ugly'? Come on. This $15 XBLA game is prettier than many $60 retail 360 games I've played. Gameplay-wise, VH:FoJ is every bit as good as VH1. I do wish they had opted for VH2's combat system, but that's a personal preference, not a knock on the game. This is one great game, and I sincerely hope Sega takes notice and we see a true Shining Force sequel on XBLA (or even retail!) in the near future. Thanks, Konami... the 10-year wait was worth it. :-) Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. LeeT
    10
    Ignore the mediocre reviews if you're a fan of tactics RPGs(such as Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre etc.), especially if you enjoyed the original Vandal Heart games. It may look cartoonified, but the gameplay is still great and pretty much untinckered with, nice solid remake and I for one am chuffed that Konami saw fit to bring Vandal Hearts back, hope it leads to more Tactics RPGs on XBLA, Tactics Ogre next please :) Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. RickB.
    10
    This is a great turn-based tactics game. Has a good look to it, animation is charming, and the story isn't half-bad. I can't think of another turn-based tactics game available for arcade -- this feels like Final Fantasy Tactics on PSX blended with Joan D'Arc on PSP. For an arcade title, this is the best you can get within the tactics RPG genre. You will similarly disagree with the Critic Reviews, if understand and appreciate the previous two titles I mentioned above. Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes

See all 8 User Reviews

Recommended Products

    • Release Date: Jun 10, 2009
    • Platform: X360
    Phantasy Star II Image
  1. Islands of Wakfu Image
  2. Faery: Legends of Avalon Image