Metacritic Games

Baten Kaitos Origins (GameCube)

Baten Kaitos Origins takes place 20 years before the first Baten Kaitos game. It explains how the diabolical Emperor Geldoblame rose to power, and it also fills in many details about the heroes from the first title. In addition, players will learn about the origins of the world itself and why the Lost Ocean is returning. The hero, a blue-haired young man named Sagi, was sent to assassinate the Emperor but found the job had been done for him. Blamed for the death, he’s now on the run with two friends – a robot named Guillo and a young woman named Milly. In the initial stages, the player’s party will progress in a linear fashion, moving from one area to the next along a set path. After playing the game for a few hours, players will acquire a ship that lets them visit areas in the order of their choosing, allowing them to either pursue optional side quests or blast through the main mission as they see fit. Unlike traditional RPGs, where characters gain levels in categories such as strength and agility, the majority of leveling-up occurs by procuring better Magnus cards. There are more than 600 different Magnus cards in Baten Kaitos Origins, some of which have truly fantastical properties. Players can acquire cards in many different ways, including trading, buying, winning as spoils of war or by creating them themselves. [Nintendo]

Nintendo
Role-Playing Game
Players: 1
RP (Rating Pending)
Developer: Namco Bandai Games - Monolith
Released September 25, 2006

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

75 / 100

Critic Reviews

91 Nintendojo
With a lengthy 60-70 hours of gameplay, Origins is more than worth its value in longevity. Highly recommended.
90 Kombo
Baten Kaitos is a game that may not be as big as Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, but it sure has a heart that can easily compete. It is truly a labor of love that should not be missed by anyone who loves great storytelling.
88 RPG Fan
There's a fine line between "challenging" and "cheap," and there are some occasions where I feel Baten Kaitos Origins crosses that line.
83 GameBrink
A huge rpg (even longer than the first, which was already 60+ hours) that lights up a system nearly deceased at this point in time. [JPN Import]
83 IGN
The adventure is just as difficult, has a better overall story, and delivers more gameplay than the original with 60+ hours of play (factoring in every sub-mission). Battles require serious strategy with a hint of luck, and the deck customization – while cut back a bit from the original game – is deep and involving.
82 eToychest
With better visuals, more side quests, and an enthralling story, Baten Kaitos Origins will keep most role-playing enthusiasts glued to their controllers until the very end.
82 GameZone
Probably the only thing that would stop newcomers and casual RPG gamers from buying this game is Origin’s difficulty setting but fans of the first game will have a lot to like about this prequel.
80 NintendoWorldReport
Baten Kaitos Origins will not sway dissidents of turn-based RPGs, but the peculiar aura and lively battles are commendable, and its plot is strong in spite of its clichés.
80 Nintendo Power
Whether you're looking for the next great RPG or a good reason to dust off your GameCube, Origins is a worthy title that will keep you busy for a long time to come. [Nov. 2006, p.84]
80 Games Radar
While it may look awfully similar to the first, don't be fooled: Origins tests negative for sequelitis.
80 NTSC-uk
There is an element of luck involved however, likely to generate moments of frustration - but it isn’t a flawed system.
79 NGamer UK
There's no surprises other than neat plot twists and an interesting battle system unique to the series. [Dec 2006, p.45]
75 Armchair Empire
Value for the buck-wise, Baten Kaitos is awesome. The main game takes between 35 and 40 hours to play through and side quests could add maybe five to eight hours to that.
75 GameSpot
Baten Kaitos Origins' complex card-battle system and punishing foes weigh the game down, but it's a worthy adventure for role-playing fans who relish a challenge.
75 Da Gameboyz
I think that hardcore gamers will love the challenge and will most undoubtedly revel in the thought of out powering enemies with great strength.
74 Gamer 2.0
The world of Baten Kaitos is a place of luscious and beautiful color that anybody would want to visit in a fairy tale. But is that enough? If you’ve played the first game, you’re bound to be disappointed with the way the first half of this title turns out.
70 Game Informer
If your lonely GameCube is starved for a new RPG, this is your best option. [Nov. 2006, p.139]
70 GameDaily
The card battle system is still very good, and the game has a better emphasis on character design and storyline. However, some of it feels like it's borrowed from the first game, including various play mechanics and several locations.
60 G4 TV
It’s telling that Nintendo stepped up and published this game itself – Namco, which released the original, was unable or uninterested.
57 Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's just a shame the wonky battle system forces this game to fold. [Nov. 2006, p.132]
42 Game Revolution
Even though it pushes a new type of battle system, a huge step for any RPG, Baten Kaitos Origins reshuffles the series’ deck and comes up with a hand that I wouldn’t bet on.