Metacritic Games

Grandia (Playstation)

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]

Sony Computer Entertainment America
Role-Playing Game
Players: 1
E (Everyone)
Developer: Game Arts
Released October 20, 1999

Overall Metascore

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

89 / 100

Critic Reviews

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.
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.
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.
91 Game Revolution
With an emphasis on characterizations, and battles that are actually fun to play, this game totally grabbed me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
87 TotalGames.net
The depth of story is surprisingly luxurious... This isn't a "Final Fantasy" beater but it's a cracking RPG nonetheless.
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.
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.
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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