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Grandia

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Grandia
89
9.3 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 16 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America

Developer: Game Arts

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: October 20, 1999

Summary

The mists of time blur the past, but it is said that long ago the Spirits bestowed their blessing upon humankind. As a symbol of their benediction, the mystic ones gave the Spirit Stone to their chosen people, the Icarians... [SCEA]

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...

94

Armchair Empire

With an absolutely stellar story, and characters that are more lively and fleshed out than those found in other series this game provides the integral components to make for an RPG that will rule the players life until they’ve finished the game.

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94

PSX Nation

Story is a great component of any RPG but it has to have a quality battle engine alongside. Thankfully Grandia utilizes one of the best we have played.

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92

GameSpot

A role-playing masterpiece that delivers in all of the ways that really matter. While perhaps a little behind in the technology curve, Grandia's innovation, atmosphere, and story make it one of the most noteworthy RPGs in recent memory.

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91

Game Revolution

With an emphasis on characterizations, and battles that are actually fun to play, this game totally grabbed me.

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91

Gaming Age

Grandia's one really serious failing is its difficulty. My first run through clocked in at about 52 hours, so it certainly doesn't have a length problem, but however long and satisfying the journey, the experienced RPG player is unlikely to find many moments of genuine challenge.

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90

GameCritics

Ultimately, I think it's the focus on the characters and the growth they experience that takes Grandia over the top. The angle the designers took for Grandia as a more lighthearted and anecdotal adventure is refreshing. It never overwhelms like the newer, over-ambitious efforts that are out there but rather, offers up the less tangible part of gaming.

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90

Gamezilla!

Even though the characters aren’t as customizable as some other games, I found myself more involved molding each one so I don’t necessarily think this is a hindrance.

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90

Electric Playground

It is proof that a strong game accompanied by good, but not great visuals, can be a more compelling product than something with lots of flash, but no substance.

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90

GamePro

With an enormous world to explore, a great variety of puzzles, and a whole lot of humor, Grandia is sure to please any RPG fan who hungers for hours of immersing gameplay and puzzle solving.

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90

IGN

Grandia doesn't opt for grandiose (despite the title) effects or uber-fantastic events to draw gamers in. Instead, this is a game that relies more on characters to tell the story and it does it incredibly well.

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87

TotalGames.net

The depth of story is surprisingly luxurious... This isn't a "Final Fantasy" beater but it's a cracking RPG nonetheless.

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85

Absolute Playstation

A solid RPG with a good story containing many twists and turns. The characters are a little too cutesy for my taste, but are adequate for the story.

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80

Hot Games

Thanks to both CD's being full of gameplay rather than superfluous full motion video sequences, it will take quite a while for even the most avid gamer to make his or her way through to the fulfilling conclusion. It's time well spent.

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80

All Game Guide

A great game. While it's low on the pathos, the cheery nature of the quest is rivaled only by Working Design's "Lunar" series.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 16 User Votes

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

Azim S. gave it a10:
This game had a lot of lovely character.The way their interacted to each other was fantastic.The technology may not seem good enough for some players but the storyline is marvelous.Each characters were given a great chance to show themselves.This game had funny humor,great battle system of it's own,puzzles,creative monster design,and others.I'm very sure that this game will give players the feeling of satisfaction,as long as you don't care about the visual.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
The battle system still stands today as one of the best an RPG has to offer. The plot was entertaining throughout and led up to an epic finale. All around, one of my favorite games.

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