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Folklore

EMAIL PRINT ps3

8.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 55 critic reviews
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Based on 57 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America

Developer: Game Republic

Genre(s): Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: October 9, 2007

Summary

Folklore is a unique, dark fantasy adventure inspired by western fairy tales. Set in the mysterious town of Doolin, two strangers, Keats and Ellen, are drawn together to uncover a mysterious legend in a remote village that exists on the border between dreams and reality. They soon learn that the town serves as a gateway to fantastic realms, full of creatures, spirits and monsters. In order to solve the mystery of the town, and their past, the pair must journey through these worlds to uncover its secrets. [SCEA]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

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...

Play Magazine

Evoking a sense of otherworldliness is, I am assuming, the reason Folklore exists, and it succeeds at this in an almost heartbreakingly beautiful way no other game ever has. [Oct 2007, p.70]

IGN

A great deal of the magnificence in Folklore comes from the little details: the serenity within a field of bristling flowers and cascading petals, or the charm of a stairway that rings with laughter when your character's foot falls upon it - these are just a few of the many moments that may bring an awed smile to your face.

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GameZone

A compelling story coupled with gameplay mechanics that fit very well, in a world that is an amazing treat for the eyes. Folklore is a delight to play; a game full of wonder.

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Kombo

From the superb narrative, to the simple, yet effective gameplay mechanics Folklore is genius that shines through.

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Just RPG

Overall, Folklore is easily one of the best PlayStation 3 exclusives to be found on the system yet.

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PSX Extreme

Hopefully, word of mouth spreads quickly, because Folklore is definitely not something that should be missed out on.

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Gaming Target

Folklore is one of those games that might seem familiar on the surface, but rest assured there's nothing like it on the PS3. The story might take a while to unfold, but the payoff is there.

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GamerNode

Many will love this game, and many will hate it. The real draw of this game is the story and the environments you play in. If you want a lot of intense action, look elsewhere. If you want an experience, look here.

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Extreme Gamer

Folklore might not have the marketing or brand recognition of some of Sony’s other titles at the moment, but it’s definitely one of the best games for the system.

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PGNx Media

Folkore isn’t perfect, since you are often replaying the same areas with different characters. It also takes a while for the story to take off, but as I mentioned above, once it does you’re in for a treat.

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Gaming Nexus

Folklore is not a straight forward RPG and it's also not your typical action game. Folklore is a unique blend of both and a solid game that shows just how powerful the Playstation 3 can be.

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NZGamer

It’s definitely better than the sum of its parts, yet it’s hard to state exactly why it’s fun and refreshing to play. Consequently, it makes it rather hard to review it and to recommend it, as it’s definitely going to be a love-hate affair for many.

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GamingTrend

The combat is engaging and unique, and the storyline is compelling enough to keep you coming back for the duration.

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MEGamers

Some people will be crying out load for having to play the game basically twice to solve the mystery, others might see it as a way to get more value out of the game.

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RPG Fan

Since the RPG library on the PlayStation 3 is currently lacking, RPG fans would do well to at least try this game out. The game isn't epic, given its relatively short length, but it is everything RPG fans would want from a short title: fun, challenge, mystery, and an incredible story.

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AceGamez

Folklore is something of an acquired taste; it won't appeal to everyone, but those who do take a liking to it will find an absorbing adventure filled with unusual gameplay ideas that have been implemented very well - the engaging dual story played from different perspectives chapter by chapter, a fresh take on fairies and the afterlife, and the concept of capturing over fifty enemies to unlock a multitude of varied attacks.

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Gamers' Temple

If you can put up with the constant level repetition you will find yourself with a great game. A definite sleeper if there ever was one.

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TheSixthAxis

The key to Folklore's quality is that the game is endlessly rewarding - there's a constant supply of new Folks, quests and the ever evolving story is as good as it gets in video games; there isn't a stage in the game that we didn't enjoy playing through, and the difficulty curve is perfectly balanced.

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GotNext

While it may not have universal appeal, it's a superbly polished and eminently playable offering on a platform that still awaits a defining set of exclusives. It may not wind up selling any systems on its own, but it's still a worthy gem.

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GameTap

The ingredients here--spooky creatures, fantasy worlds, exploration of death--all have a familiar ring to them. This looks like the kind of game that Neil Gaiman (a contemporary fantasy writer) would make if he created games.

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GamePro

What saves this game from being just another monster collection RPG is the compelling narrative and the unique environments.

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Games Radar (in-house)

A damn good game in its own right. Visually, it's everything we've hoped for - even if it isn't exactly the RPG we all wanted.

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GameSpy

A long and satisfying exercise in combat experimentation, character development, and heady mythology. The curious mechanics and calculated, indirect combat won't appeal to everyone, but anyone that appreciates outlandish character design and trippy visuals should at least give it a try.

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Computer and Video Games

Any tedium is overcome by the beauty of the game. It seems like PlayStation 3 has its first gem.

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PSM Magazine

Overall, it's an amazing, oddball game that emphasizes story as heavily as combat. [Dec 2007, p.84]

VideoGamer

Folklore is a beautifully realised faery-filled fantasy which is let down by some poor design and repetitive combat.

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PALGN

Folklore is a unique experience that will cast a spell on anyone willing to give it a go.

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WHAM! Gaming

Though it starts off slow, Folklore turns out to be a surprisingly deep and visually lush experience, with novel new twists on familiar gameplay standards.

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Gamer 2.0

What you’re getting with Folklore is a solid game that takes a few chances to differentiate itself from the norm and gets most of it right.

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Pelit (Finland)

Pretty, but ultimately lifeless action/adventure. The fighting is quite easy and there's not much else to do. [Dec 2007]

Worth Playing

Folklore, presenting a tale of legends, aspires itself to the status of a legendary game. Alas, the title is flawed by various shortcomings and poor design decisions, placing such grandeur beyond its grasp. But, however lofty its unfulfilled ambitions, Folklore is certainly not a bad game; indeed, it's a reasonably good game.

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1UP

It's not the best of its breed, and may well bore the average player before reaching the halfway point. But if anything, it's one of the most unique-looking games this year; if you're in need of some high-def fantasy, it won't be your worst choice.

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Cheat Code Central

With all the magic and fairy-tale elements involved, I would highly recommend this title for a Halloween night at home. It's not very frightening but it's definitely sinister and kind of creepy.

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Game Informer

Add to that the slow pace at which both the gameplay and story move, and Folklore just doesn't work for me, despite its refreshing premise. [Dec 2007, p.148]

Game Positive

Folklore certainly has problems, but it will win you over in the end with mostly enjoyable gameplay. Capturing folks, upgrading their abilities and defeating bosses is gratifying enough to merit stomaching the game's awful presentational style.

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GameTrailers

A game that has definite charm. Just don’t count on its effervescence to produce a long-lasting result. Despite its pretty package, many of the game’s strongest points are marred by incongruities that keep it from excelling in a genre where excellence has already long been established.

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GameSpot

You'll have a good time with Folklore, despite some design and storytelling quirks.

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Playstation Official Magazine UK

One of the most esoteric, charming and satisfying adventures on PS3 so far. [Nov 2007, p.90]

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

Too linear, but one of PS3's most charming and satisfying adventures so far. [Nov 2007, p.118]

TotalPlayStation

The voice acting bounces between perfectly decent and sometimes stilted and even a little embarrassing at times.

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Games Master UK

Good ideas squandered on a linear RPG. With few other PS3 RPGs, though, it's worth a look. [Nov 2007, p.65]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

It's not a mind-blowing epic, but Folklore's style alone is worth experiencing. [Dec 2007, p.110]

NTSC-uk

While it won't take long to finish the game, and bar one or two extras there isn't much in the way of replay value, while it lasts, Folklore is a bedazzling, enchanting title.

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Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

The art style and the collection of monsters are their only strengths. It won’t make you buy a PS3 but if you already have one and are into the whole ”gotta catch’em all” theme, it’s worth a try. [Nov 2007]

PSM3 Magazine UK

Unique combat, but lacks depth for an RPG and would benefit from bolder set pieces. [Nov 2007, p.80]

Digital Entertainment News

Folklore is a tale best left to the mists of time.

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GameShark

I've mentioned adventure style gameplay but truthfully there is not a lot of it going on in Folklore.

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Play UK

A decent, good-looking game that is let down by its linear nature. [Issue#158, p.78]

Play.tm

Folklore is a game that has extremely high aspirations both in terms of storytelling and ethical engagement. Although it is certainly a valiant attempt, I felt it never quite hit the nail on the head.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

Every step of the way during Folklore, it’s as though developers Game Republic have been afraid of experimenting with the capabilities of the next-gen, sticking rigidly to formulas that were outdated and poor on the PS2.

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games(TM)

There certainly is an enjoyable experience to be discovered here – it’s just a shame that you have to work so hard to unearth it. [Nov 2007, p.128]

Game Revolution

No part of its design is disastrous, just unfocused. I can still appreciate what it tries to do, even while I complain about how it’s executed. If you’re someone who pines for originality and risk-taking, then Folklore is a tale worth flipping through.

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Eurogamer

Folklore turns out to be one part boring adventure game, one part underdeveloped collect-em up, and one part standard dungeon crawl. The only aspect of the game that rises above the mundane is its technical polish and the vibrant creativity with which its imaginary worlds have been created - the vivid luminescence of the Fairy World, or the scratchy, Ian Miller-esque authenticity of the War World for example. [JPN Import]

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Edge Magazine

As with Sony’s other long-awaited exclusives, Lair and Heavenly Sword, Folklore pulls its punches, and the romance of its vision ultimately all but vanishes in a puff of fairy dust. [Dec 2007, p.88]

GameDaily

Folklore is one of 2007's biggest disappointments. A PlayStation 3 game that at first seemed promising, but explodes in a fiery wreck, thanks to annoying dialogue, bizarre comic book style cut scenes and drab game play.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 57 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

John F. gave it a6:
Folklore is a love it or hate it type of game. There's definitely some things to like here -- cool artwork and a couple really creative boss fights, for starters. But the game just does too many things wrong. It forces you to play through most of the game twice. It forces you to use extremely annoying motion controls that feel like they were implemented just for the sake of having motion controls, with the question "Is this fun?" being ignored. The story becomes muddled later in the game and leaves too many unanswered questions. Some people will be able to look past this stuff and still enjoy the game, but others won't.

eric u gave it a5:
I reall like adventure games...oblivion fable etc...but this game what a disappointment the storyline is mediocre at best & the game play is super repettitive u spend half the time killing a bunch of creatures (easily) so that u can power up your monster the problem is that there are a gazillion little monsters u control ( & need to power up) i am one of those types who always finishes a game i am 3/4 thru but i don't know if i can finish it..

MH gave it a3:
Terrible. This is not a game, it's slightly more than a movie; meaning, this game is way too linear: no exploration whatever. The game forces you to go from A to B. I wonder if the creators ever played games like Kings Quest, or Gabriel Knight, or even Zelda. Those are what video games must have: Exploration. The point is to be able to freely roam and interact on a more than superficial level. If I want to be led around on a leash, I'd watch a movie. Also, the fact that the characters don't talk, except in cut-scenes, is a huge minus. Had there been more interactivity, this might be overlooked. Wow, I could not get past the first 20 minutes. Folklore is that bad Sony: while improved graphics and colors are an important direction to go towards, if you completely rip out the sole of games, all meaning and enjoyment is lost and the product becomes a MERE LURE for hard-earned money to be thrown into a bottomless PIT. How any professional reviewer can, in good conscience, give this game more than a 6 becomes evident when $ is promised.

Jeremy W gave it a9:
I like the game because of all the varied realms and I like how the game is a little creepy. I like the mystery in it. The way you get into realms is cool putting pictures and stuff like that into the henge.

Dan K gave it a9:
Imaginative, whimsical, surreal, engrossing, and fairy tale are all words I'd use to describe this GEM of a game. GAME DAILY's score of 40 is absoultley absurd. The guy must be on Microsofts payroll to give it such a low score. At least rent this game, if you like action/adventure (It's not an RPG!) give this some time, its definatley worth the wait.

Andy W. gave it a9:
This game is ridiculously under-rated. The combat system is intuitive and fun, the gameplay is fun and challenging, the story is one of the ATG's and the graphics are very high quality. Great game.

Rob H. gave it a9:
I have played quite a bit of this game and i really have enjoyed it. It is not at the top of my list of games i have to have but i feel it was worth the sixty dollars. however this game is not enough to pull a significant amout of time from puzzle quest.

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