Review: Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean

Another fairly old game (2003) But it holds up very well. An RPG of epic proportions, the story is set in a world were the surface of the Earth was polluted in an ancient war. Now people live in the sky on five floating Islands: Diadem, Sadal Suud, Anuenue, Alfard, and Mira. In this world people have what are called "Wings of the Heart" wings that reflect the state of the person's soul. The story revolves around Kalas, a young man with only one wing, who seeks revenge for the murder of his grandfather and brother at the hands of the Alfard Empire. The unique part about the game is that the player plays an active role in the game as Kalas' Guardian Spirit. The player can support Kalas in battle and make decisions for the party. Kalas will meet Xelha, a mysterious young woman on the run from the Empire, Gibari, a strong and proud fishermen from Diadem, Lyude, imperial ambassador to Diadem, Savyna, an ex-mercenary with a shady past, and Mizuti, a strange mask-wearing creature.

The battle system is also unique for the RPG genre. The system uses items called magnus, cards that contain the essence of all things from weapons to food, to attack, heal, and defend. All the magnus are numbered so bonuses can be earned by putting together straights, three and four of a kind, and full houses. As characters become more powerful, they will be able to use more magnus at a time and hold more in their deck. Some magnus are effected by time. A banana will go from green to yellow to brown and finally rotten, while changing it's effects based on its status.

The game is very long. It could be over eighty hours if you participate in enough side quests. The story is one of the best I have seen, it will keep you guessing as to who is friend and who is foe. It will also make you lose your head if you don't pay attention.

The music and graphics are both excellent. If I could I would buy the official BK soundtrack but alas I am poor. The graphics are some of the best on the GCN with amazing pre-rendered backgrounds.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys RPGs but is looking for something a bit different in the genre. The unique magnus system may cause some to avoid it but I think if they tried it they would like it.

Ranking for this game's key elements.
Music: 9.0/10, As I said I could listen to this music anytime.
Graphics:9.5/10, The battle animations were particularly astonishing.
Story: 10/10, Probably the best plot I have ever seen in a game.
Overall Score: 9.5/10, Definitely a worthy buy... that is if you can find it.