Arc the Lad: End of Darkness

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Jun 14, 2005
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. RPG Fan
    72
    Crippled by poor gameplay, redeemed at times by enjoyable dialogue and decent aesthetic qualities, Arc the Lad: End of Darkness ends up being a mediocre game.
  2. eToychest
    70
    End of Darkness needs the online mode to stay fresh, without which it will be left as nothing more then a boring and repetitive experience garnished with a few notable features.
  3. DarkStation
    70
    The simple combat system works really well for the game and the storyline for me was really interesting. I would have liked more diversity in the single player mode, but the online mode really helped out its cause.
  5. BonusStage
    70
    A serviceable and accessible action-RPG with a solid storyline, mad replay value and a number of clever and unique game mechanics that do outweigh the barebones combat system and the remarkably dated production values.
  6. IGN
    69
    A unique upgrade system, online competitive modes, and semi-linear mission structure can't shine the way they're supposed to if they're supplemented by poor AI, repetitive progression, and a storyline that's nowhere near as powerful as its predecessor.
  7. GamingTrend
    66
    The action-based battles are not well thought out and are almost rudimentary compared to other superior action-based RPG games like "Kingdom Hearts," a game that came out almost 3 years ago.
  8. DailyGame
    65
    Repetitive button-mashing gameplay and recycled graphics and music keep Arc the Lad: End of Darkness from being on the A-list, but the online multiplayer modes are enough fun to give this game a try.
  9. VGPub
    61
    It is a semi-lengthy RPG, as the adventure clocks in roughly around 20 hours, and the online portions are pretty entertaining.
  10. Armchair Empire
    61
    There are just simply too many things done completely wrong with this game. They need to take a step back and remember how the true Arc the Lad games were like.
  11. Next Level Gaming
    61
    The slow single player mode along with unimpressive graphics, and a bad soundtrack really hurt this game. What helps it are the good online play, along with the easy controlls.
  12. Game Chronicles
    60
    In the end though, this game feels like a throwback, or an experiment gone wrong. Die-hard ATL fans should rent this first.
  13. Cheat Code Central
    60
    It's doubtful that it will spawn any new recruits.
  14. GameSpy
    60
    A well-crafted game, but it's so by the books in so many ways that it never really gets off the ground.
  15. Game Informer
    55
    Combat just plain sucks. [July 2005, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. PSM Magazine
    55
    Too convoluted and mechanically routine to recommend to anyone except the most subbornly devoted. [Aug 2005, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. GameSpot
    53
    The new battle system is mindless and repetitive, and the online multiplayer does nothing to mitigate the weak single-player campaign, lifeless characters, and dull presentation of the game.
  18. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    52
    Darkness' molasses pace, cut-rate presentation, and simplistic throwaway quests leech any sense of drama or importance. [Aug 2005, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  19. Detroit Free Press
    50
    This isn't quite an awful game; stick around long enough and the story picks up. But it's too bland to be worth more than a rental unless you're a hard-core fan.
  20. GamerFeed
    50
    I'm not much of a cook, but I do know how to make a mediocre game. You toss in some bland graphics, ridiculously boring combat, and then top that off with an atrocious story.
  21. TotalPlayStation
    50
    An above-average RPG experience loses all the things that made it entertaining and in the process makes it purely average in nearly every way. This is a horrible way to reuse the assets from a game that was legitimately entertaining.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 7 out of 13
  1. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  2. FreeRPGer
    Oct 3, 2019
    3
    After the 1st four games being great, especially the one before this, Twilight of the Spirits, I've naught to say about this except what wasAfter the 1st four games being great, especially the one before this, Twilight of the Spirits, I've naught to say about this except what was Cattle Call thinking? They bungled this.
    Moreover, some story elements of this either alters or discards significant plot-lines from its predecessors. And the fact that it's no longer a tactical game is one thing, but that it's a horrible attempt at an action game is another. If this series is ever brought back, it's this game's battle system and plot-lines that need to be discarded, as it goes back to its roots.    … Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    Jul 16, 2005
    0
    I don't know what anyone see's in this poorly made game. The graphics are only average at best, the animation for charecters spells I don't know what anyone see's in this poorly made game. The graphics are only average at best, the animation for charecters spells and what not are terrible. And the combat system blows! If this game was for a lower system I'd think more highly of the game.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »