Wild Arms 4 Review

Al-ARM-ing Gameplay Changes

Remember the traditional-style combat system that the series has used since the first installment? Remember how you needed to switch characters and use different tools to solve various puzzles while exploring? Remember the radar system used to find towns and dungeons from the second and third Wild Arms games? Well, forget them. Wild Arms 4 completely scraps past staples in favor of exciting new gameplay elements that give this tired series some much needed new blood.

Instead of turn-based combat, Wild Arms 4 uses a hex-grid system that is clearly inspired by tactical games. You can move around to attack, find elemental keypoints to give your attacks and special abilities an extra earth, wind, water or fire bonus. Tools are still used to solve puzzles, but now instead of switching between your four main characters, Jude acquires the now-temporary items from spheres found in dungeons. Plus, he also has the ability to slow down time with his Accelerator, as well as run, jump and slide through different platform-style areas. While these changes may not appeal to everyone, they certainly add a little more spice to this particular entry in the genre.

I've Heard This Somewhere Before...

While Wild Arms 4 takes a lot of chances in the gameplay department, it plays its cards rather close to the vest in terms of the plot. Boy saves damsel in distress, and the two of them team up with two equally plucky young heroes to defeat the bad guys and save the world from ultimate destruction. That's not to say that its a bad story -- in fact, it works quite well here, and there are a few nice plot twists. But it is lacking in originality. Plus, the central theme of the "nature of maturity" suffers due to some questionable localization decisions, and the whole tale unfolds much like an old Super NES era RPG.

Bring Out Your Reading Glasses

There are very few cutscenes and lots of reading, presented in discussions that closely resemble comic book panels. It certainly would have been nice to see more cinema sequences, as the few that are used are quite well done, but most RPG veterans shouldn't have a major problem with the chosen method of plot advancement, especially considering that most of the characters are eminently likeable. In particular, fans should enjoy the story of supporting cast member Raquel Applegate. Without venturing into the realm of spoilers, let me just say that hers is one of the most touching and heartfelt journeys even seen in an RPG.

A Wild Ride

Ultimately, Wild Arms 4 is a well-designed, but flawed, product that somehow winds up being more than the sum of its parts. It is a lot of fun to play, thanks mostly to the new combat system and the platforming elements. The story isn't perfect, but it doesn't particularly drag the game down either. You may actually find yourself getting into it if you're not careful. Furthermore, the game looks and sounds good, with both the visuals and the soundtrack blending elements of past Wild Arms games with more typical anime/j-pop style offerings with solid results. Wild Arms 4 is a game that role-playing fans should definitely check out. It is on the short side, though, so a rental should suffice.