Shadow Hearts

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Dec 11, 2001
Shadow Hearts Image
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Time For Judgment Has Come. A hero with a mysterious past. A young girl holding the key to world domination. A villain who will stop at nothing to unlock the path to unlimited power. [Midway]
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Four Fat Chicks
    100
    Shadow Hearts is in turn tragic and comic, deeply philosophical and completely fluffy, and overall a great gaming experience that I was sorry to see come to an end.
  2. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    It's like going through "Silent Hill" as an RPG or playing through a Clive Barker or Ann Rice novel.
  3. Hot Games
    80
    The game is nothing if not involving. A story with real depth, actual humor and pathos, and some dramatic and frightening moments is something you don't see everyday - and even more rare in RPG's.
  4. Game Informer
    78
    At times, Shadow Hearts drudges along with some mind-numbingly stupid puzzles, but the story and the unique battle system always kept me coming back for more. [Jan 2002, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GamePro
    70
    A predictable plot and linear gameplay are the minuses to this otherwise well-crafted dark RPG.
  6. PSX Nation
    60
    This game grabbed me from its opening scenes and didn't let go of me DESPITE its average graphics, quirky golf-like control scheme and plain-vanilla soundtrack.
  7. Game Revolution
    50
    Just not very exciting. The combat can't find a comfortable medium between action and strategy.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. FFBug97
    Feb 4, 2012
    10
    Very impressive game. It's story is one of the best in RPG history, in my opinion. It's battle system is classic turn-based with a littleVery impressive game. It's story is one of the best in RPG history, in my opinion. It's battle system is classic turn-based with a little twist by use of a thing called the "Judgement Ring". You WILL get attached to the characters. The soundtrack is fantastic and fits the game so well. One of the best game soundtracks I've ever heard. The game graphics are a bit lacking but it was made in 2001 on the PS2. For it's time, the graphics were great. Just one of the little quirks that I'd like to mention, you travel to actual places in the countries of China and Europe in game. Has two different endings depending on certain choices you make. One of my favorite games of all time! There will never be another game like this one, in my opinion. I wish there more RPGs like this now.… Expand
  2. MarkA.
    Mar 2, 2002
    10
    10, 10 A fu..ing 10. This game has lots of gore and that's what I like to see!!!
  4. FeytH.
    May 13, 2004
    10
    This is one really fun game.I rented it and now I went to Olympia yester day and i bought it.
  5. MarkD.
    Apr 10, 2002
    9
    It's different but great.
  6. EduardoR.
    Sep 30, 2004
    9
    Great game. Very different to anything I have played before. Great story I love the combination of Dark atmosphere and comedic situations.
  7. AdamS.
    Apr 27, 2002
    8
    Great atmosphere, unique battle system. Great characters, I only wish it were longer and with more CG.
  8. VidM.
    Nov 9, 2004
    7
    Great game. Too short.

See all 24 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PS2 Game of 2001
28
#28 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
50
#50 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001