Popolocrois - Sony PSP

Update:Did a little research and here is the gist: This is actually a remake of Popolocrois I and II. What the developers decided on, was tweaking the original game into two 'books' in this game, then adding Popolocrois II as the 3rd 'book'. You can check out some Youtube video for the original, Japanese games.But to sum it up: Popolocrois on PS1 starts out differently, with Gami Gami Devil attacking the castle. Then you join up with Biggs and Wedge... I mean Don and Gon and go after the Wisdom crown. In this version, you start by looking for a way into Byronia to find the Book of Darkness and restore Pietro's mother's soul. This story arc comes later in the PS1 version. The Wisdom Crown and Don and Gon are worked into Book 2 of the PSP version. Book 2 features a few of the events that were in the PS1 version that weren't in Book 1 of the PSP, but with a lot of new content.So there are still some things missing from the original Japanese versions, but the designers made a good adjustment of the story and other key elements. So this is actually two games in one, albeit each one shortened slightly and with some new content. The graphics are substantially better in the PSP version, though the sprites had more expression in the PS1 versions. This is the only translated version legally for sale in the US, so if you want to play a classic PS1 game(s) with what was a unique battle system at the time and is still fun, this is a winner. Just don't expect it to be exactly similar to the PS1 versions.--------------------------I can really sum this game up quickly: looks, sounds, plays a lot like Breath of Fire 3 just with a grid based battle system and a RTB gauge (like FF4, Chrono Trigger, etc...)But to get to the real meat of the review. PoPoLoCrois is not the prettiest game on the PSP, but it's colorful, well rendered settings endear me more to this game than some of the more 'complex' backgrounds of other games. It really looks a lot like Breath of Fire 3 with the style and color. The sprites are not very good, but the animations of the sprites is fluid and they are cute. I really enjoy watching them when staying at an inn; they pull the sheets back, climb into bed, then you see the sheet lifting as they snooze.The plot isn't terribly complex or original, but it is full of fun little quips. I really enjoyed the GamiGami Devil's play where he beat the 'evil and tyrannical Prince Pietro'. The translation seems pretty nice. At times though it's tough to really find what to do next, and if you wander into a nearby zone you risk being owned by rather viscous baddies. Luckily I was able to run when this happened. But on the map there is an indicator of where you should head next. Most of the time.You move about large, expansive fields with random encounters from unseen enemies. This is all very old school RPG. The battles are actually quite fun, and that is what makes the difference in my opinion. Enemies are pretty easy to beat most of the time, owing to lower hit points; but they often have a few tricks up their sleeves. For example: these ghost enemies in one of the caves seems helpless, but they can cast a shock spell that hits your whole party for 15-25 damage. You end up running into two and letting them get the edge, then you might be in for a world of hurt. Still, it never really seems like the game 'cheats', the battles are easy if you stay on your toes. For those not well versed in traditional RPG combat it might prove more challenging. And the semi-real time turn based system works well. Each character has a gauge that fills, when fill they get an attack. The action pauses while you determine the course of action. You may move, attack, attack and move, use a special skill, or charge for a focused attack on the next turn. If you have characters that get in a certain formation with certain conditions, you can unleash a combo attack.Many of the baddies leave spoils, so you do find a good amount of free loot. This is nice because gold does not go far in shops. There is also a lot of loot to be found in the field. Often chests are in plain sight, but sometimes they are slightly obscured or very well hidden in a few areas.A few cons: The music is average to good. There are some nice tunes, and battle music is different in various areas, so it keeps it fresh. It has a lot of music that reminds be a bit of Earthbound for the Famicon/SNES. It fits the mood most of the time though. Now onto a sore point with me and that is sound effects. There are few sound effects outside battle. So when you open doors... no sound. When you walk... no sound (though that's okay in my opinion). But there are some moments where you almost start thinking that the sound effect volume was turned off...The load times were not bad, and on a PSP 3000, once you enter a zone, there was a slight load time that did not repeat as you exited or re-entered the area. Good job RAM. There is a slight 2-5 second load before battles, but a little swirling load icon pops up so you know it's a battle. It doesn't just freeze up for a few seconds like some PSP titles. There are also some issues with slowdown, but this is mainly in towns where there are a lot of other moving objects on screen.So in my opinion, the fun factor well overrides any other deficiencies in this title. I would recommend this for anyone who would enjoy a classic, nostalgic RPG with a fun battle system.Pros:+ Fun battle system+ Very pretty and colorful graphics+ Engaging story, fun characters, humor+ Good loot makes for fun exploration+ Skill leveling system not exciting but works well+ Lack of fast travel forces a lot of walking+ Easily accessible bestiary in game that fills as you beat baddies+ Pretty maps accessed with R triggerCons:- Some slowdown in certain areas- Can be easy at times- Pressing X makes you walk, is also used to 'check' for things- No option to turn off auto run (hold X to walk)- No map indicator for your locationOverall: For the price (used under $15), it's well worth it.

I've really only WATCHED the game being played online but decided to purchase it once I saw how cool it was. The price was reasonable for brand new, so I bought it!

This game kind of reminds me of Zelda, but I say that loosely because the controls are glitchy and loading takes some time when you are up against an enemy. I do like it! I haven't finished it yet but its still really fun! I like games like these. Games that aren't very popular but you still want to give it a try! I'm not one to complain about much. I just thought Id mention a few things that were out of place!

Popolocrois is a great JRPG for the PSP. My only Complaint is the Loading times.. If it wasnt for that this would be a much better game. But if your not like me (Impatient) Then you shouldnt be bothered by this. I still recommend buying this though regardless it is a great game. My overall score for this game = 8.0Pros+Great Battle System+Graphics are neat+Good StoryCons-Long loading times

I wish amazon wouldnt use shipping envelopes for loose games

New rpg's are rare for the PSP so I turned to replaying the many earlier rpg's and Popolocrois is a great game and a long game.The story line is great and the many characters draw you into the game. Graphics and game playing control is awesome.Hard to put down once you start playing and the old games for the PSP are worth replaying.

Wow! I was not expecting to have so much fun with this game. While the game is a bit too easy, the writing and characters more than make up for it. So Much Charm!

Very cool.