Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Nov 16, 2004
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 48
  3. Negative: 1 out of 48
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    If graphics and gameplay are more important to you than story, by all means dive in. [Holiday 2004, p.134]
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  2. Edge Magazine
    70
    So well integrated is the card collection/reward mechanic that the traditional RPG exploration elements slip easily between the staccato rhythm of the battles. For this reason, the game takes on an invigorating freshness that overrides most of its generic frustrations. [Jan 2005, p.93]
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  3. The New York Times
    70
    While the game doesn't have a compelling story or interesting characters, it does have an easygoing charm and a few goofy locales like a village built from candy and an ingenious hall of mirrors.
  5. GameSpy
    70
    The brisk card battles provide a frantic element few RPGs can claim, and the visuals hold up their end of the bargain. But a huge reliance on luck, some quirky gameplay issues, and a ho-hum plot saddled with atrocious voice acting holds this one down like a pair of concrete shoes.
  6. The Sydney Morning Herald
    70
    Floating island environments are intricate and beautiful but paper-thin characters and an evil empire revenge yarn are disappointingly dull.
  7. Play Magazine
    67
    Baten Kaitos isn't bad, but it doesn't stack up to the games it seemingly wants to emulate. [Dec 2004, p.58]
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  8. GMR Magazine
    60
    Unfortunately, unique visuals and a well-made battle system can't always rescue this easy linear game from the swell of mediocrity that often threatens to overrun it. [Jan 2005, p.82]
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  9. G4 TV
    60
    An engaging card battle game wrapped up in a solidly mediocre story.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best GameCube Game of 2004
12
#12 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
18
#18 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 91
  3. Negative: 8 out of 91
  1. thedarkorb
    Oct 21, 2012
    7
    Baten Kaitos is conflicted and flawed but still manages to be an enjoyable game. The story is familiar, cliche, and predictable but wellBaten Kaitos is conflicted and flawed but still manages to be an enjoyable game. The story is familiar, cliche, and predictable but well written and charming at the same time. The voice acting is horrid but you can turn it off. The environments are often gorgeous but character animations are stiff and awkward. The card battle system is as refreshingly different as it is deep but also flawed and frequently frustrating. The only thing that doesn't have anything detracting from it would be the score, which is solid across the board. Perhaps the best card in it's hand is that it's an actual RPG on the Gamecube. That alone is reason enough for owners of the system (or the Wii) to check it out if they have the opportunity.… Full Review »
  2. TheElusivePossom
    Sep 2, 2005
    8
    Baten Kaitos gets a lot of things right: the soundtrack is brilliant, for starters, being a delicious mix of orchestral splendour and power Baten Kaitos gets a lot of things right: the soundtrack is brilliant, for starters, being a delicious mix of orchestral splendour and power metal. The pre-rendered backgrounds look great, and the character models suit them well. The battle system is certainly inventive and easy to get into, although perhaps unnecessarily involved (I've almost finished the game, and I haven't paid any attention to the run/pairs combo system). The storyline is pretty well thought out and movement not as linear as some other RPGs. However, the voice-acting is unfortunately dire, but this can be turned off. Also, if you're the kind of person who wants to find everything in a game, then be prepared to take a LOT of pictures early on with the camera Magnus, because you'll kick yourself when you lack the essence of the first boss you faced.… Full Review »
  3. GouletteD.
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    This is gamecube masterpiece that every gamecuber must have. Unique and very addictive. Stunning visuals and near-perfect gameplay.
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