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Shadow Hearts: From The New World ps2 Game Reviews
Shadow Hearts: From The New World
Critic Score
Metascore: 76 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.6 out of 10
based on 42 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 13 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

The story begins as Johnny Garland, a young, 16-year old detective who lost his father, sister and his memory in an accident, accepts an investigation to track down a criminal suspect who escaped from custody. As he closes in on the suspect, Johnny witnesses a supernatural occurrence - a huge monster appears from a green light known as the "window" and swallows up the criminal. Apparently, a series of horrific incidents similar to this have been plaguing the cities across the nation. Johnny's female counterpart is 21-year-old bounty hunter Shania, a Native American who is searching for these mysterious windows and determined to fight them using her spiritual powers. Together, they travel around the states and are joined by other characters.

PUBLISHER: Aruze / Xseed
DEVELOPER: Nautilus
GENRE(S): Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2006

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

96
Digital Entertainment News
It’s hard to find fault with a game that does so many things so well.
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95
TotalPlayStation
Without a doubt, one of the best RPGs to hit the PS2. It's quirky, hilarious, loaded with enjoyable side quests and manages to tug the heartstrings just enough to round out the whole experience.
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95
eToychest
Shadow Hearts has proven itself to be one of the most rewarding and polished series of RPGs in years, if not ever. In this vein, From the New World continues this tradition, with entertaining characters, a lengthy quest, a healthy does of character-specific side-missions, wonderful dialog, and more than a few chuckles along the way.
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90
RPG Fan
A really decent RPG. This is the game you were looking for, I promise. It's lengthy, but not 80-hours-lengthy. It's hard, but not impossible. It's engrossing, but not so much that it will ruin your life (unlike "World of Warcraft.")
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90
Console Gameworld
Any role playing game fan should love this game. What’s more impressive is that even non-RPG fans can find many aspects enticing.
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88
Game Informer
Thankfully, you'll spend a majority of your time immersed in the stellar combat or drinking in the often surreal moments that define Shadow Hearts: From The New World as one of the most inventive and entertaining RPG's in years. [Mar 2006, p.106]
87
Just RPG
It has beautiful graphics, great sound, a fun combat system, and long-lasting gameplay that can easily entertain any RPG fan.
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85
GameZone
While it may not be neck and neck with the big boys yet, the series has however now become a legit contender in the RPG genre.
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85
Deeko
The latest installment in the Shadow Hearts series will have fans of the first two clamoring for more. Those just joining the series, prepare for a RPG unlike anything you have ever played before.
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84
Cheat Code Central
The story in, From the New World, may be completely whacked but it keeps things interesting while adding a lot of unexpected elements to the gameplay.
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83
Next Level Gaming
This one adds a little more spice to the mix and delivers a really fun game to play.
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83
Siliconera
It’s also lacking the presence of Yuri, who was one of the coolest RPG protagonists in recent memory. But if you let yourself free of any previous conceptions - and can forgive some uneven storytelling - you’ll find From the New World to be one of the most unique, engrossing, and well designed RPGs of this generation.
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82
GameSpot
From the New World keeps the series' bizarre flavor alive and well, matching it with a great battle system and a myriad of side quests to explore.
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82
Gamers' Temple
The game does have a few issues, the first being with the story (putting aside its bizarre nature). The game is in love with side quests, many of which do not really seem to tie in too much with the main storyline. The continuity of the narrative suffers as a result of your constant sidetracking followed by trying to remember where you were in the goofy main storyline.
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82
Gaming Target
Thanks to the always-entertaining battle system, Shadow Hearts: From the New World manages to be a good, enjoyable game, but one that definitely has lost potential. The plot is intriguing at its core but it doesn't develop very well – there's no urgency compared to Covenant.
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80
Worth Playing
It flounders with its winning premise for most of the late goings, but the fact that it took the chances it did in the early going is a huge advantage for the game.
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80
G4 TV
Weird, wacky, and engaging, the game can go head to head with any of Square’s best—as long as you have a healthy sense of humor.
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80
Games Radar
If the thought of playing as a goofy rip-off of Ninja Gaiden star Ryu Hyabusa named Frank, who always refers to himself in the third person, doesn't have you running for the hills, then by all means pick up Shadow Hearts: From The New World. You definitely won't find yourself bored.
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80
PSM Magazine
The return of SH's trademark humor is accompanied by the return of the excellent Judgement Ring battle system as well, and for those who thought "Covenant" was too easy, don't mistake FTNW as from the same school of pushovers: boss fights can be grueling, and if you're not prepared, they can go on for a long time. [Apr 2006, p.76]
80
GameSpy
While I enjoyed the game very much, it's best suited for role-playing game enthusiasts who have a sense of humor and don't mind a bit of a mish-mash when it comes to their epic world-saving storylines.
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80
Games Master UK
It won't wow you, but the unique combat and lively characters make it a worthy RPG. [June 2007, p.68]
80
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
Looks outdated, but is challenging, cheeky and charming. The combat and sidequests will keep you entertained for ages. [June 2007, p.86]
80
PALGN
Its strange cast and inventive battle system make it a great title for fans of the RPG genre and those not so well versed in it as well.
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79
PSM2 Magazine UK
From The New World will have to fight for attention in a time when we're spoiled with quality RPGs, but that doesn't detract from how fun it is. Good stuff. [June 2006, p.50]
78
IGN
If you don't have any expectations, then Shadow Hearts: From the New World will probably surprise you with its trademark weirdness and entertaining battle system.
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78
GameBrink
The story itself is enjoyable when it exists, the characters are fun but feel all too similar, and the dungeons range from awe-inspiring to incredibly dull. [JPN Import]
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75
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Relatively short for an RPG - just around 25 hours - but the sheer character and locale variety make up for it. [Apr 2006, p.102]
70
GamePro
From the New World is filled with hilarious moments and memorable characters. Series fans will forgive the rough spots, even as newcomers mourn what might've been.
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70
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
After low sales killed Midway's interest in the series, it was unknown if "Shadow Hearts" would continue in the U.S.--but Xseed has picked up the torch, and, on balance, it's clear that the company has made a good move. [Mar 2006, p.88]
70
DarkStation
Best known for the revolutionary judgment ring combat system, this game continues with a well-paced story for a refreshingly different RPG.
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70
EuroGamer
But with a core battle system that keeps you involved every step of the way and a suitably compelling narrative, there can be little doubt that Shadow Hearts: From The New World is a unique and compelling RPG.
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70
Playstation Official Magazine UK
A splendid adventure, but it's also one that never steps out of the comfort zone. [Aug 2007, p.112]
67
Gaming Age
The battle system is entertaining, and the emphasis on the Judgment Ring ensures that things never get too monotonous. But despite being filled with loads of quirky characters and scenarios, the overall plot doesn't come together like one would hope, and the frustrations of a high encounter rate and unclear design don’t help to rectify the situation.
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67
Game Revolution
While it doesn't take the series into any new frontiers, either in terms of naughty content or gameplay, it's still one of the most unusual and entertaining RPGs on the PS2 market. It's not a whole new world, but it is a fairly cool one.
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65
1UP
Whether it's the story or the gameplay that carries you through the third Shadow Hearts, you won't be wowed by the presentation.
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65
Play Magazine
Our eyes have been spoiled by the Playstation 3 and recent Playstation 2 games so there was just no way we could put up with the tiny screens and horrible visuals. [Issue#153, p.83]
60
Computer Games Magazine
Instead, it's a competent but ultimately trivial experience that's only memorable as the weird RPG with Al Capone in it. [Jun 2006, p.92]
60
GameCritics
I'm very sad to see that the developers have lost the magic that the first Shadow Hearts had. It's clear that they've nailed the technical half of the formula (and have had it down for a while now), but half a game is still half a game— I would have preferred that they spend less time tweaking something that wasn't broken and instead focus on the intellectual side.
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60
games(TM)
Even though you might feel short-changed by this visually basic follow-up, charm and adventurous character design count for more than you might think. [June 2006, p.128]
60
Gamestyle
The failure to pen an emotional and captivating storyline, alongside some bizarre character designs, have alienated what made Shadow Hearts such a joy to play.
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60
Edge Magazine
You’d need to have a cold heart indeed not to enjoy a game where you get to see a giant cat using Drunken Master kung fu to break Al Capone out of Alcatraz. [June 2007, p.91]
50
Thunderbolt
No matter how engaging the last several hours are, there's still a ridiculous giant cat and a host of other obnoxious characters that ruin it.
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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Tanvir gave it a9:
This was an excellent game. Even though it doesn't live up to the storyline, it makes it up in the gameplay. The battle system is improved giving limits to the combo attacks and giving the fights more of a challenge. The characters are quirkier and not as cool as the characters in Covenant but they are all very fun to use.

Naomi C gave it a7:
I admit I'm a lover of the entire series (including Koudelka) however I felt this game fell a bit short. While the music and graphics were as visually entertaining as it's predecessor (Covenant) I felt that the humour of the game took away all the heartache that could have been - I should have been crying and I didn't. Also the ending was not on par. The other games as soon as I completed them I was replaying them. This one has been on my shelf since. On the whole - I DID enjoy the game, just not as much as I should have.

Pascal B. gave it a9:
A great game with a good battle system, nice music and a hilarious ninja.

Lily B. gave it a10:
Ok first of all you guys are being to cruel to the game , this game has been the funnest game i've ever played (and i've played ALOT). Also the series have been really fun expecially because of the judgement ring it makes the battles unique so if you people have anything else to say play the freaking game first and dont lie about iplaying it.

Joe H. gave it a10:
Shadow Heart: From The New World is great, just like the rest of the series. I love the way they manipulate pieces of the past and put them into a magical world. Plus the judgement ring is a great way to make the battles better.

Jose C. gave it a9:
the game is great. the graphics are adverage. But, the story, charactar develpoment, and battle system are unique.

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