Ni No Kuni - Essentials (PS3)

Great fun - combines all the best of a classic JRPG with whatever it is that keeps taking us back to Pokémon. Surprisingly tough at times too. Creature evolution is a *bit* dull in that the evolved forms just get a palette swap and a slightly expanded range of abilities that are basically the same anyway. You have to rely on physical attacks until you get the main character, Oliver, to a point where he becomes your main tank, but that doesn't happen until a lot later on. I wouldn't say the cast left much of a lasting impression on me, and at times it did feel just a shade monotonous or sluggish, but overall it was a really great game.

I really enjoyed this game. The graphics are beautiful and all the characters are great, especially Drippy! (Definitely use the English version if you speak English - the welsh characters are fab) The music is gorgeous and is recorded by a full orchestra which makes such a difference when you're exploring big maps like in this game - lots of playing hours. Minor bug bears like overly long tutorials/very slow increase of difficulty/too much time spent in a realm where you can't use magic etc bring it down from a five star but it is really worth playing if you enjoy RPGs.

I can't give the game the full 5 stars because well, I haven't gotten anywhere near to completing it! But it definitely seems worthy. It has beautiful visuals, well thought out game/ battle mechanics (something which can make or break an RPG game for me) and an immersive world. Plus it really feels like you are in a Studio Ghibli movie! I wish I had picked this game up earlier. Just an expertly crafted game which I haven't yet been able to fault. It most definitely is essential.

I heard that there was a sequel for this game in the works so I decided to buy this game and truly I am struggling to find anything really negative to say about it aside from that it borrows a bit from the pokemon video game series and yet it looks at that financially successful franchise and flicks it away like a spec of dirt.I thought the story was very good one of the best I have seen in a rpg it is well thought out with a good amount of twists to keep you engaged, all the major cast members have a backstory you would not get that in a pokemon game.The gameplay once again very good the battle system was unique and after a few battles easy to use, side quests was varied so you wouldn't get bored, I liked the alchemy aspect of the game where you could make new stronger weapons, shields and accessories, the in-game language decoding I admit I had a few problems with and had to look up for the answers to learn new spells but the rest I figured out myself, however it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the game.The soundtrack had a lot of catchy tunes that helped me get even more immersed into the game, overall if you like rpgs this is a must buy and even if you don't traditionally buy these genre games you won't go wrong with this, it's more bang for your money than any generic pokemon game. After playing this I am looking forward to the second game in the series which I will definitely be purchasing .

Tons of stuff to do in this JRPG. Of all those I've played, this one needs utmost patience, preparedness to re-start the game umpteen times, and spend most of your life levelling-up. The story line is good, it looks wonderful, but without sneaking a peek at the only 'written' guide on the "FAQs + Walkthroughs" website, you will miss a ton of stuff, some of which may prevent you from progressing the game. Also, you WILL need to keep your own notes and stats.This will be apparrent if you are a 'smash your way through' type, and then end up at the next to final chapter, knowing that your chances of success have just zero'd. You do need to take your time, but, if you like capturing and nurturing monsties, alchemy formulas, flying, sailing, collecting, and not having to wait for specific waypoints to appear before saving, you will love this, Only annoying part for me is the combat system. As you progress, you will have 3 characters to control. You will find the command options for your two colleagues frustrating. For the purposes of monstie collecting, you will have to develop your own tactics, 'coz your mates really are a pain! Having said all that, I love it to bits. It's now very cheap to buy a new copy of a game that's only a couple of years old. Get it. Enjoy it.

my on loves this game, fast delivery too

This game I liked alot. I do enjoy RPG’s and have enjoyed some of what Ghibli has done, but for me this has a great storyline, a balance of fighting, exploring and talking and I never reached the point where I got bored and stopped playing, unlike alot of other JRPGs.

Heard alot about this title and thought I'd give it a go. wow a really well polished game, enjoyable and rewarding. must admit its one of the best games out there. I loved it so much I played it to achieve a platinum trophy.