Skies of Arcadia Legends

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Jan 27, 2003
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 122 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 122
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 122
  3. Negative: 13 out of 122
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  1. McGlone16
    Jan 30, 2011
    10
    Skies of Arcadia is nothing short of a masterpiece. I'm not even sure where to start. Everything from the bright colorful visuals with in a charming world with distinct towns and cities. The soundtrack while slightly gimped on the GC version (DC version is superior in this aspect), is the best I have ever heard in a video game. For example the boss battle music will actually shiftSkies of Arcadia is nothing short of a masterpiece. I'm not even sure where to start. Everything from the bright colorful visuals with in a charming world with distinct towns and cities. The soundtrack while slightly gimped on the GC version (DC version is superior in this aspect), is the best I have ever heard in a video game. For example the boss battle music will actually shift depending on how well (or bad) the fight is going for you. I sometimes found my self just hanging around town so I could listen to the music. The characters are lovable and interesting and I found my self so into their stories and the story at large that I sometimes had to just put the controller down so I didn't rush through the game.

    Phew, I haven't even talked about game play yet. It is a standard old school JRPG and if I could get one complaint out of the way is that the random battles can sometimes get excessive. Other than that the gameplay uses a unique system where all the characters share a single action bar with different moves and attacks subtracting from that bar. Special attacks have some great visuals and it's satisfying finishing off a boss with them. I really could go on and on about this game. Go on Ebay and buy either the GC or DC version and play it, if you are even a remote fan of RPG/JRPGS you will not be disappointed    … Expand
  2. RaddyG.
    Dec 4, 2009
    10
    The measure of a game is taken twofold, first, in how well one becomes immersed in the setting, and second, the amount that it makes you want to keep playing. On both fronts, this is the best game I have ever played.
  3. BlacksitePSU
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    Can you name a more exciting JRPG with twists and turns at every corner? Skies of Arcadia is a game that pulls off everything flawlessly: the writing, gameplay, visual style, music, and last but not least, the controls. And as a port of the underrated Dreamcast version, Skies of Arcadia: Legends improves upon the story by adding a new side-quest. So do yourself a favor and pick up thisCan you name a more exciting JRPG with twists and turns at every corner? Skies of Arcadia is a game that pulls off everything flawlessly: the writing, gameplay, visual style, music, and last but not least, the controls. And as a port of the underrated Dreamcast version, Skies of Arcadia: Legends improves upon the story by adding a new side-quest. So do yourself a favor and pick up this rare gem today!… Expand
  4. Discord
    May 19, 2012
    10
    Skies of Arcadia is without a doubt the absolute greatest game I have ever had the pleasure of playing. The music is incredible, the graphics are still quite nice today, the storyline is simply a glorious masterpiece of gaming, the characters are fantastic, the combat is fun, and the setting is nothing short of immersive. The music is slightly altered in the Gamecube version, but it stillSkies of Arcadia is without a doubt the absolute greatest game I have ever had the pleasure of playing. The music is incredible, the graphics are still quite nice today, the storyline is simply a glorious masterpiece of gaming, the characters are fantastic, the combat is fun, and the setting is nothing short of immersive. The music is slightly altered in the Gamecube version, but it still sounds nice. In short, this game is one of the greatest games ever made, and you are doing yourself a favour by playing it.… Expand
  5. Sephiroth_X
    Oct 28, 2014
    9
    The greatness of this game caught me off guard. Had it on my collection for some months and one day decided to give it a shot, WOW. Best RPG on the gamecube? This is a port of the original from the sega dreamcast, i've read everything is better except the music who knows...
    The thing is this is a must play rpg, go get a cube and find this game if you haven't played it, is charming and    The greatness of this game caught me off guard. Had it on my collection for some months and one day decided to give it a shot, WOW. Best RPG on the gamecube? This is a port of the original from the sega dreamcast, i've read everything is better except the music who knows...
    The thing is this is a must play rpg, go get a cube and find this game if you haven't played it, is charming and does everything well.
    Appart from the usual turnbased battle mode and nice exploration on a airship, you have to do air battles that can take 30mins or more to complete! Characters are great too. One of the most beautiful endings as well.

    100% recommended!    … Expand
  6. Nina3ds
    Sep 7, 2015
    10
    Its one of my favourite Games ive ever played ;D deserves a 9,8/10 ;D the world is huge and the music perfect the Gamecube version is superior to the Drreamcast version i love it !
  7. Orcking
    Nov 30, 2016
    10
    One of the best games eve made. It has fantastic music, and entertaining characters. The story is well written and engaging. I truly wish games were made this way these days.
  8. DavidA.
    Apr 22, 2006
    10
    Really good but they could have added voice.
  9. TomR.
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    This is my absolute favourite game ever. I've been around for every gaming system, and owned them all. I've played a majority of the games for them all. The story line is exciting, adventurous, creative, and even romantic. The characters make me disappointed in my friends. The setting inspires me. The gameplay is easy to learn, but hard to perfect. And when I thought that the This is my absolute favourite game ever. I've been around for every gaming system, and owned them all. I've played a majority of the games for them all. The story line is exciting, adventurous, creative, and even romantic. The characters make me disappointed in my friends. The setting inspires me. The gameplay is easy to learn, but hard to perfect. And when I thought that the random battles got boring, lo! The programmer endowed the game with the "white map." There's a checks-and-balance system in the game. It is the perfect game. I need a sequel.… Expand
  10. theNILE
    Aug 5, 2016
    2
    It seemed every time I started midly enjoying the game, I then ended up running around an area forever because the game never gives you any indication of where to go next, it treats the player like a kid yet it's just as stupid. The elemental weapon system is frankly annoying, especially when it's tied to learning magic. The camera is a pile of **** and your characters position in battleIt seemed every time I started midly enjoying the game, I then ended up running around an area forever because the game never gives you any indication of where to go next, it treats the player like a kid yet it's just as stupid. The elemental weapon system is frankly annoying, especially when it's tied to learning magic. The camera is a pile of **** and your characters position in battle isn't controlled by you yet it affects the battles... This game is a trainwreck. Areas are designed to be annoying. Very little is obvious, nothing is compelling and everything feels pointless.… Expand
  11. Bilaxxi
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the finest jrpgs ever crafted, the battles are fun and engaging, the upgrade and ability system is on point, the story is constantly escalating, the ship battles add so much, building your crew of the Delphinus is rewarding and the discovery system is a heck of a lot of fun… Expand
  12. Eric
    Feb 10, 2003
    9
    If you loved the DC version then this game is literally a Director's Cut with slightly upgraded graphics, added content and only one disc to contend with. If you've never played the earlier version and you like RPGs then this is the only real RPG on the Gamecube. Get it, get over the graphics and pay attention to the story because it's actually not bad.
  13. ShawnT.
    Mar 8, 2003
    10
    Best rpg i have ever played.
  14. JonathanP.
    Feb 8, 2003
    10
    The original Skies of Arcadia was easily the best RPG of all-time (along with having 60+ hour of gameplay) and this update only furthers that. A definite 10/10 and one of the best games ever released.
  15. JohnY.
    Mar 2, 2003
    10
    This game is better than final fantasy by tenfold.
  16. Spiner
    Mar 5, 2003
    10
    This game rivals FFX because of story and gameplay why? Because of never ending gameplay, there's side quest (which seem to go on and on) when you first start off your map is huge, but as you go on the map keeps growing. I spent a whole week playing from morning to night every day and I only was only 4/11 of the way through the game! You start of with a small ship but late into the This game rivals FFX because of story and gameplay why? Because of never ending gameplay, there's side quest (which seem to go on and on) when you first start off your map is huge, but as you go on the map keeps growing. I spent a whole week playing from morning to night every day and I only was only 4/11 of the way through the game! You start of with a small ship but late into the game you get this huge ship with a hyper moon beam cannon that knocks the crap out of stuff and the story line will keep you in for more play. Basically if your looking for a RPG that you'll never get bored of very fun for a long time and non stop adventure with mabey 100+ hours of gaming then this is a must for all you FF freaks and RPG gamers.… Expand
  17. DustinM.
    Apr 21, 2003
    9
    Sure it doesn't have the best graphics but if your looking for those go see CG movie. It's nice to see there are game makers that are not afraid to go against the tiresome RPG trend.
  18. RyanT.
    Apr 30, 2003
    10
    Amazing all i can say.
  19. RenuelP.
    Feb 14, 2003
    9
    Little slow at first, but slowly builds up. This one is a classic. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
  20. ChrisS.
    Feb 21, 2003
    10
    This is a very bitch'n game I just hope for a part 2 in the future and if so it could beat ffx or xenosaga!
  21. Michael
    Feb 25, 2003
    10
    The ultimate turn based battle RPG ever "I love this game". "it's really cool" (in the words of my friends)
  22. Nick
    Feb 27, 2003
    10
    Awesome graphics.
  23. [Anonymous]
    Feb 7, 2003
    9
    Insanely fun, and a great RPG!!
  24. Theimminent26
    Mar 4, 2003
    8
    If you like both classic and new rpg's you just might enjoy this game. Most of its themes are that of something you witness in newer Rpg's, such as the crew and base system. The Plot being more classicly simple with a newer feel. The Story is definetly not the best but it doesn't suck either it remains simple but interesting. The battle system is very unique but I have to If you like both classic and new rpg's you just might enjoy this game. Most of its themes are that of something you witness in newer Rpg's, such as the crew and base system. The Plot being more classicly simple with a newer feel. The Story is definetly not the best but it doesn't suck either it remains simple but interesting. The battle system is very unique but I have to say I got tired of doing the same moves over and over for their was barely not enough. All in All This is a great yet simple game. It is not as New Wave I guess you could say as Other BETTER games such as FFX but I still think I'ts a great game. … Expand
  25. MarioD.
    Aug 19, 2003
    9
    A kind of windwaker, this is a great game!
  26. KieronG.RAAAAAT
    Apr 21, 2004
    10
    The best rpg ever. Just brilliant! I am a rat and i believe that it takes very very long to complete!!! Excellent!! CHEESE CHEESE!!!!
  27. JohnC.
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    Best rpg ever!!! in depth story and characters. its just so easy to get hooked to it. theres hours of gameplay. its a game you shouldnt miss out on and saga should bring out a sequel.
  28. Mr.Smith
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    Really an awesome game that no one should miss.
  29. JordanG
    Sep 21, 2009
    9
    Best RPG experience ever? Yes. I admit I haven't played much Final Fantasy, as sad as it may seem, but from my experiences Skies of Arcadia Legends is just the most fun I have ever had in an RPG. People criticise the story, but I enjoyed it, and the combat system is amazing, you find yourself strategising so much that you forget it's a turn-based RPG at all! Oh and the air ship Best RPG experience ever? Yes. I admit I haven't played much Final Fantasy, as sad as it may seem, but from my experiences Skies of Arcadia Legends is just the most fun I have ever had in an RPG. People criticise the story, but I enjoyed it, and the combat system is amazing, you find yourself strategising so much that you forget it's a turn-based RPG at all! Oh and the air ship combat system is one of the most unique and engaging experiences I ever played through. They are a game in themselves.… Expand
  30. Jon
    Jan 13, 2004
    10
    One of the best rpg's I've ever played, competing very closely with the final fantasy series.
  31. J.D.Ronne
    Nov 4, 2004
    10
    This is the second best RPG I have ever played, beaten only by Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. With an enchanting story, addicting battle scenes, and a great RPG feel, the only things I can think of that can be better, would be to make it an E3 RPG. Also, a better title theme should be included. Quick! Call Koji Kondo!
  32. LonnieB.
    Dec 24, 2004
    10
    The most fun I've ever had!!!!
  33. EricL.
    Apr 29, 2004
    9
    One of my top 4 gamecube rpg's.
  34. RaineyS.
    Nov 24, 2004
    9
    Despite the ridiculous amount of random battles and the horribly long, I mean hours long, ship battles...This game kicks ass! The characters are fun and so is the plot. Plus there are lots of things to keep you occupied other than damn ship battles, and once you get far enough you can avoid random battles! For the most part.
  35. GenuineOpinion
    May 15, 2012
    10
    Simply a masterpiece. The sound track, the visuals, the RPG aspects of it... it's all.... so perfectly blended together. This is actually my favorite game. I think I played through this like... 5 times.
  36. drlowdon
    Aug 3, 2013
    8
    An 'enhanced' port of the original Dreamcast game Skies of Arcadia: Legends remains one of the best RPGs available on consoles. Set in a world of islands that float amongst the clouds the player takes on the role of sky pirate Vyse. Initially setting out to loot a band of less likable pirates you soon discover more than you bargained for and thus is set in motion a plot that will take wellAn 'enhanced' port of the original Dreamcast game Skies of Arcadia: Legends remains one of the best RPGs available on consoles. Set in a world of islands that float amongst the clouds the player takes on the role of sky pirate Vyse. Initially setting out to loot a band of less likable pirates you soon discover more than you bargained for and thus is set in motion a plot that will take well in excess of thirty hours to complete.

    Most of what Skies of Arcadia does is fairly traditional. Side quests can be discovered through exploration, turn-based battles use a mixture of weapon based attacks and magic and levelling up is crucial if you are to defeat the games bosses. Everything is done with such charm and assurance however to ensure that the majority of RPG fans will be hooked from the start.    … Expand
  37. GamerPiggy
    May 17, 2012
    10
    This is a great game. The huge, open world gives a very non-linear feel to a genre drenched in linearity. The battle system is turn based, although the tactics and planning it gives room to make the system very exciting. The game is massive, the gameplay is addictive, the writing is fun and interesting. It's a shame it stay to so many tropes of the genre, but for newcomers it is aThis is a great game. The huge, open world gives a very non-linear feel to a genre drenched in linearity. The battle system is turn based, although the tactics and planning it gives room to make the system very exciting. The game is massive, the gameplay is addictive, the writing is fun and interesting. It's a shame it stay to so many tropes of the genre, but for newcomers it is a revelation. I may have a pair of nostalgia goggles on, since this is one of the first JRPGs I played, but give this game a chance. It's a keeper.… Expand
  38. robloz92
    May 29, 2012
    10
    Perfection A++++++ this game is incredible one of the best or perhaps the best RPG I have ever played. Of all the video games I have played this is the only one that I never wanted to conclude. Skies has all the ingredients to be by far the best GameCube game. There must be a sequel for this game gladly would pay $100 for it.
  39. AJCk19
    Jul 11, 2023
    4
    If this game got a full remake, and not just simply hd remaster, I see it for a contender of GOTY. The exploration is top notch. And if you like endless skies and pirates, then just go out and buy this game now. No point in listening to me.

    However, if you don't like dated jrpg game design from the 2000s and bad combat, then avoid this.
  40. LuisAntonio
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    One of the best games of the 6th generation. This JRPG is a forgotten classic. Unfortunately, games like Final Fantasy gained all the attention. Also this masterpiece was launched in consoles with poor sales.
  41. GamecubeLover
    Aug 3, 2016
    10
    I thought sega would kinda let me down with this game like I would give it an 8 but NOPE a 10! This rpg is probably one of the best rpgs on the gamecube and in the world!
  42. Pariable
    Mar 23, 2017
    10
    If you wonder to yourself what the epitome of SEGA can do when given the time and money look no further. This turn based RPG will go down as my number 1 for years to come. Not just due to all the nostalgia it holds years later, but because it was challenging, rewarding, and down right impressively emotional at times. The holy trinity for those of us who will grind, and sink many hoursIf you wonder to yourself what the epitome of SEGA can do when given the time and money look no further. This turn based RPG will go down as my number 1 for years to come. Not just due to all the nostalgia it holds years later, but because it was challenging, rewarding, and down right impressively emotional at times. The holy trinity for those of us who will grind, and sink many hours into fantastic digital worlds. When you finish a lengthy RPG sometimes you want to conclusion to mean the story is over. Sometimes you wish for a chance to continue exploring that place you quested in for so long. This game seems to satisfy all of these answers. As someone who has run through it 3x's I can say it feels like opening up a well aged bottle of your favorite loqua. There is a reason copies are around 80-100 dollars these days. Get a chance to play it while you still can!… Expand
  43. TheHambro
    Jul 2, 2021
    10
    I played this a long time ago on the Dreamcast, and for whatever reason, it never quite clicked with my young, teenager self; so, I never finished it. I do remember watching my brother play this and loving the hell out of it. Fast forward some 20 years later, I decided I wanted to give it another shot; this time, playing the GCN version. What I can say is, I can't believe I didn't enjoyI played this a long time ago on the Dreamcast, and for whatever reason, it never quite clicked with my young, teenager self; so, I never finished it. I do remember watching my brother play this and loving the hell out of it. Fast forward some 20 years later, I decided I wanted to give it another shot; this time, playing the GCN version. What I can say is, I can't believe I didn't enjoy this, because I absolutely adore this game. It has so much character and love poured into it. I do lament that Legends does not have that awesome music quality of the DC version. Is it the best JRPG ever? Who knows, that depends on you. Is it a memorable one? Most definitely, and that's the main reason that brought me back to it. If you ever have the opportunity to play Skies of Arcadia, do not hesitate. It's so good, and I know you'll love it as much as I do.… Expand
  44. waltBR
    Mar 7, 2022
    10
    O melhor RPG do Gamecube. Excelente jogabilidade, gráfico lindo e uma história memorável.
  45. thehbrwhammer
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. Story-line is incredible. Really feels like a full exploration and discovery with fun action.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best GameCube Game of 2003
10
#10 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
25
#25 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    A one-time sleeper hit [has] evolved into a bona fide classic. Quite possibly the finest next-gen RPG thus far. [Feb 2003, p.70]
  2. Eurogamer
    80
    If you're looking for an enjoyable but fairly traditional RPG with a cracking storyline and likeable characters, Skies of Arcadia Legends comes about as highly recommended as any game can.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendojo
    97
    A definitive RPG. This is the killer RPG app for GameCube. No, it isn't "Final Fantasy" (nor does it try to be), but in this writer's opinion, it's something even better.
    Read full review
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