Riviera: The Promised Land

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. eToychest
    90
    It's not going to satisfy if you're in the market for another "Golden Sun" game or a new "Tactics Ogre" game. Despite the screen shots, it is not a tactical RPG, and it breaks a number of genre conventions associated with traditional RPGs. It could be argued, however, that this is the best reason to buy Riviera, as it certainly allows for a very interesting and unique experience with an emphasis on strategy and a wonderful story.
  2. Inside Gamer Online
    88
    The game also features some nice unlockables as well as multiple endings for every character in the party. And just in case you need another incentive, Atlus isn't shipping too many copies either, so grab it while you can.
  3. Gaming Nexus
    88
    If you own a GBA or a DS then be sure to check out Riviera if you can find a copy, you'll find a very fun and challenging game underneath its cutesy exterior, and clocking it at well over twenty hours for the first play through you'll be long entertained, even into your second time around when you seek out all the stuff you missed the first time.
  5. GameSpot
    87
    The game ultimately exceeds expectations thanks to its engrossing story and superslick production values.
  6. GameCube Advanced
    87
    I was delighted to find such a different approach and concept that somehow worked so well. My only real complaint is the inventory system, and frankly that is in itself, trivial.
  7. Deeko
    85
    A fantastic storyline, beautiful art design and a soundtrack that will blow your mind are just a few of the factors that make Riviera one of the best RPGs on the GBA to date.
  8. BonusStage
    85
    The storyline is captivating, the technical presentation is superb and the unique gameplay twists make for a fresh role-playing experience that's unlike any other currently available.
  9. Game Informer
    83
    An exceptional adventure and worth a try for any RPG enthusiast. [Aug 2005, p.109]
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  10. GameShark
    83
    The storyline ends up feeling quite fresh in the overused area. It is a refreshing storyline that will have you commit to playing it from beginning to the end, trying to unlock all aspects of the game.
  11. GamingTrend
    82
    This is a very well crafted game, and aside from the sound issues, fits perfectly into the GBA's hardware. Atlus did us all a favor by taking a chance on this and bringing it to North American shores. I can think of only one thing I want to do after playing through it and seeing one of the endings.
  12. Weekly Famitsu
    80
    9 / 8 / 7 / 8 - 32 gold [Nov 2004]
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  13. GameZone
    80
    Simple game mechanics, wonderful visuals and a good story all give Riviera compelling elements that should delight RPG fans.
  14. VGPub
    80
    Any RPG fan owes it to themselves to check it out for its strong story and offbeat, but fun, gameplay.
  15. Just RPG
    79
    A merely solid game in a crowd of giants like "Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones." But for all that, it managed to etch itself a little place in my memory, and I can't help but recommend it to any RPGer with a little time and an open mind.
  16. My Gamer
    76
    If you are looking for an out of the ordinary RPG for your GBA, Riviera will definitely fit the bill. Atlus, once again, has continued their legacy of making entertaining but slightly different games.
  17. GameCritics
    75
    And despite the very real possibility of some people being put off by the huge amount of text to get through, I strongly feel that Riviera has quite a bit to offer-not only to people still hanging on to their GBAs, but to fans of RPG's in general.
  18. 1UP
    75
    An interesting, entertaining adventure in its own right. Atlus' latest probably won't be to everyone's tastes, but anyone looking for a lengthy, engrossing and above all unique handheld quest this summer would be remiss in passing it up.
  19. IGN
    70
    The plot takes a bit to get going but it eventually does move along, even if it's a story that you've probably experienced in some fashion in nearly every other Japanese RPG game in the past two decades.
  20. NintendoWorldReport
    70
    A game that desperately tries to be different, but it just ends up making itself frustrating in areas that should be simple.
  21. N-Insanity
    70
    This would have been a great RPG had it not used all the "uniqueness" that makes it annoying rather that a classic.
  22. GameSpy
    70
    The game works hard to achieve a balance between elements gamers are familiar with and elements to provide new experiences. For the most part, Riviera manages to keep that balance quite well.
  23. Nintendo Power
    65
    Just don't expect the next great epic. [Aug 2005, p.83]
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  24. Nintendojo
    60
    Riviera is extremely bland. There are a lot of pleasing elements like the artwork and audio, but it cripples a sense of freedom and feels altogether too straightforward.
  25. G4 TV
    60
    For all the innovation in Riviera: The Promised Land, it still plays out like a standard RPG. Sure the developers mixed things up--and that's a good thing--but they left in all the excruciatingly dull parts, and that's not so good.
  26. Nintendophiles
    58
    A great experience for a niche crowd, but you'll just have to figure out for yourself whether or not you're part of that niche.
  27. netjak
    51
    They tried to cram too many unusual features into the game, and though each is interesting and has potential individually, the resulting hodgepodge is no better than the average RPG.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
9
#9 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
25
#25 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. VampiricS
    Jul 18, 2005
    8
    One of the best role playing games on the gameboy advance, perfect for people that can't play for hours long. The abgility to save One of the best role playing games on the gameboy advance, perfect for people that can't play for hours long. The abgility to save everywhere even during battle makes it perfect for the handheld. Graphically, the game artstyle is georgeous, and the audio fits the game really well, some o fthe overskills used in the game are really a joy to look at. The gameplay itself can seem simple at first, but there is a new kind of depth to it and some nice innovations. The leveling up system is really done differently there, and each weapon or item can have different effects depending on who's using it. All in all a really good role playing game for every GBA users.… Full Review »
  2. PabloEnver
    May 23, 2023
    5
    Bastante decepcionante en todos los sentidos. Es de los pocos RP que no he llegado a terminar porque no le cojo el gusto. Graficamente esBastante decepcionante en todos los sentidos. Es de los pocos RP que no he llegado a terminar porque no le cojo el gusto. Graficamente es bastante pobre, y el diseño artístico es bastante regular, en especial el diseño de los niveles. El sistema de batalla no tiene ningun sentido, solo puedes llevar 4 objetos al combate, incluyendo TUS ARMAS, pociones, objetos de ataque, etc. Con las armas puedes aprender habilidades...pero luego solo puedes usarlas si llevas dicho objeto. Un sinsentido absurdo. Encima el inventario es super limitado asique te verás descartando objetos cada dos por tres.… Full Review »
  3. NM
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Just an absolute awesome game, the best rpg game I think there is on GBA and possibly PSP in future.
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