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Wild ARMs XF (pronounced "Crossfire") is the newest installment in the long-running role-playing series which marks a couple firsts for the franchise; the first one containing tactical strategy gameplay, as well as the first Wild ARMs game to appear on a handheld system. Wild ARMs XF offers a unique strategy role-playing experience with a hex-based grid system producing more tactical positioning options, a large number of job classes allowing vast party customization, and a wide range of mission objectives making it one of the deepest strategy games on the PSP. Wild ARMs XF features an all-new cast in an epic story of death, betrayal and redemption played out against the backdrop of the dying world of Filgaia. The once vibrant world of Filgaia is slowly dying, a result of some cataclysmic event lost in the dim, misty reaches of the past. The few pathetic remnants of once mighty nations are caught up in an endless cycle of war, fighting over Filgaia’s ever-dwindling natural resources. Amidst the carnage and slow decay, there is one kingdom that has until recently managed to avoid the chaos and suffering plaguing its neighbors; the kingdom of Elesius. However, the kingdom is slowly descending into anarchy with the king inflicted with a mysterious illness that has kept him bed-ridden, intensifying the future uncertainty as the heir-apparent disappeared a year earlier and is presumed dead. An opportunistic senate has formed its own police force and is gradually usurping power from the royal family. It is against this backdrop of political intrigue and social decay that the main character Clarissa Arwin, accompanied by her half-brother and protector, Felius, enter Elesius hot on the trail of Rupert Dandridge, the man who murdered her mother. What started out as a personal vendetta soon turns into an epic battle to not only keep a kingdom from falling, but to save the world of Filgaia from being turned into an uninhabitable wasteland. [XSEED]
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
Game Chronicles
I recommend Wild Arms XF to anyone that is looking for a new challenge or another reason to buy a PSP. Strategy RPGs just don't get any better than this.
 87
RPG Fan
Wild Arms XF may not be the ultimate or defining strategy RPG experience, but it was definitely one of the most fun strategy RPG experiences I have had in a long time.
85
Play Magazine
This is a game crafted and polished to a surprising degree, from the beautiful graphics and music to the distinct selection of character classes available to you. [May 2008, p.65]
75
Gaming Age
A safe purchase for fans of the genre and most likely the series, as well as newcomers, too. It certainly has a place in the PSP's newfound SRPG library.
75
Game Informer
Smart playing can minimize (but not eliminate) the annoyance of the VP gauge, leaving you with an entertaining strategy experience. However, with Level 5’s Jeanne D’Arc out there, Wild Arms XF certainly wouldn’t be my first recommendation to someone looking for an original, tactics-oriented PSP game.
70
GameSpy
Wild ARMs XF is an interesting strategy game, one that will entertain you with its charming storyline, an adorable puppy unit, and plenty of customization options. On the other hand, the attractive video sequences you may remember from the RPGs were replaced by rather uninteresting town conversations.
70
Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
If you're a fan of the "S" in SRPGs, then XF comes recommended. [June 2008, p.80]
70
AceGamez
Despite the many problems with Wild ARMs XF, I'm impressed by what X-Seed has produced, from a gameplay standpoint at least.
68
Extreme Gamer
Granted, it’s not the best game of the series and its nothing over impressive in the grand scale of Role-Playing games, however it is a good run at a standardized SRPG with a focus on customization, tactical action and a quirky western storyline.
67
Worth Playing
Wild Arms XF is a title that picks up on one of the major weak points of the genre and improves upon it in a welcome stroke, but seems to favor an increase in difficulty simply for difficulty's sake and has a nasty habit of halfway playing the game for you.
66
Cheat Code Central
Adding a strategic element, a robust class system, and varied mission objectives were all great ideas for the franchise, but unfortunately they fall short due to poor implementation.
61
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It also looks great, the character classes are interesting, and I appreciate the puzzlelike missions with more ambitious objectives than "kill everyone". [May 2008, p.89]
60
GameZone
Fans of the genre will enjoy the deep character customization as well as the satisfying tale that is as good as the console Wild ARMs games. It’s just too bad that XF is hindered by its few problems that hold it back.
60
GamePro
There's no doubt that Wild Arms XF is best left for hardcore fans of the series who will probably be more forgiving of the game's faults; the rest of you should look elsewhere for your tactical RPG fix.
60
Destructoid
While we appreciate the attempts at making an intensely deep strategy experience, Wild Arms XF may just be too deep for a portable game. Incredibly patient gamers may be okay with the chess-like pace and high level of strategizing, but for the rest, I'd recommend renting this title before purchasing.
58
IGN
The gameplay just has too many holes to be enjoyable. The objective-based battles aren't particularly well designed and character class implementation takes away a lot of player freedom.
55
GameSpot
Wild ARMs XF features some ambitious design elements that fail to disguise its dull storyline, tedious gameplay, and draconian rules.
50
Games Radar
The battle system, however complicated, works - but it's just not that fun, and the sense of savage satisfaction that comes from finally winning a battle after numerous failures isn't enough to make up for the frustration.
50
Console Gameworld
Wild ARMs XF has potential, but poor mission design and some odd design choices make it mediocre at best.
45
Kombo
Wild ARMs XF does have some enjoyable parts, but they are severely hurt by gameplay flaws.
45
Gamers' Temple
A strategy game isn't much of a strategy game when it relies more on trial and error than planning.
42
1UP
The game has some ambition, and I admire that. But in the end, a score is based on how much fun I have (that's why we play, right?), and I had very little fun playing Wild Arms XF. This says it all: I can't wait to whip out strategy gems like Final Fantasy Tactics or Disgaea on my commute...but I had to force myself to drag out XF.
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