Grandia III

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 82
  3. Negative: 7 out of 82
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  1. PeterThompson
    Jul 20, 2009
    10
    A lot of fun. Once you get into it, it can take up a lot of your time with missions, powering up the character, learning the different spells etc. From someone who finishes a game a year at best, this one has me hooked. As I wind down into the 45 hour range, I know it's ending - and the mark of a good game for me is: I wish it wasn't.
  2. EugeneM.
    Feb 9, 2006
    10
    Excellent game with Airplane control Subperb Battle system Great special Effects for the magic and skills Fantastic graphics Everyone shut up with the word cliche its better than God of war
  3. [Anonymous]
    May 27, 2006
    10
    Shut up you losers!(who voted below a 6) Leave my poor Grandia alone! She's preety . Shes spunky and we plays nicea together!
  4. Dokkodo
    Sep 28, 2013
    4
    The combat system is interesting, but it does get repetitive, that's kind of standard for RPGs though. Voice acting is pretty good, although it could use more VOed parts.

    The storyline starts out kind of interesting, but it gets worse and worse until a pretty anti-climatic and predictable ending. There's minimal difficulty even if you rush through everything and don't do any extra    The combat system is interesting, but it does get repetitive, that's kind of standard for RPGs though. Voice acting is pretty good, although it could use more VOed parts.

    The storyline starts out kind of interesting, but it gets worse and worse until a pretty anti-climatic and predictable ending.

    There's minimal difficulty even if you rush through everything and don't do any extra leveling like I did. It's also incredibly linear, there is no exploration despite the main character being an apprentice pilot. I mean c'mon...they give you a plane but no where to explore with it?

    Overall it was pretty unimpressive.    … Expand
  5. VendonJura
    Nov 28, 2019
    10
    Grandia 3 is also an rlly amazing game. I just wish to replay it on PC or PS4. This would be rlly amazing.
  6. CarlJ.
    May 2, 2006
    8
    It's a good game the system is incredible most of all it is good but it is too easy to beat and there is too few shopping spots and items ( whats the used of money if there is a few items?)
  7. RobertL.
    Mar 5, 2006
    8
    So far the battle system is Great! There are NO cinematic movies. There are no Side Quests. Game completion is supposedly at 30 hours. And yet it is still a 2 disc game? Just doesn't make sense. Story is a little 1 sided. . .but has kept me interested for 10+ hours so far. Let's see if it continues.
  8. JerryH.
    Jun 7, 2006
    8
    I give this an eight b/c in the beginning it took forever just to beable to start playing the game b/c of movie ..... the movie within the games seems to take over sometimes but other than that i really love this game.
  9. AlexD.
    Feb 16, 2006
    10
    I'm really tired of the flock of reviewers which seems to have fixed on this word cliche like Alanis Morissette on irony. Look at the reviews: some love the story and characters most of all, but most can't get past the fact that it's "boy meets girl, boy saves world." Apparently, from now on, all the heroes should be alone and have nothing particularly exciting to do, or I'm really tired of the flock of reviewers which seems to have fixed on this word cliche like Alanis Morissette on irony. Look at the reviews: some love the story and characters most of all, but most can't get past the fact that it's "boy meets girl, boy saves world." Apparently, from now on, all the heroes should be alone and have nothing particularly exciting to do, or risk offending some very sensitive critics... How could anyone give a 70 to any game, let alone an rpg with 1. great gameplay/ very well told story (whether or not it in fact involves boys AND girls,) 2. sweeet graphics, and 3. lots of polish... not to mention that one of the reviews pretty much uses it as an excuse to bash ALL of the Grandia games, which are basically regarded as classics by RPG fans everywhere. This all, to me, is especially sad considering the closest thing to an industry ideal is Final Fantasy X, which had moments when the voice acting was so bad and the characters were so stupid I either laughed out loud or looked around embarassed, hoping no one had heard it but me. (Of course, I liked final fantasy X overall because while it might not have been really better than VI or VII or any of the others, it was much tighter than any previous one and had a good ending as well.) Anyway... point being... does this game look awesome? Do you like not having RANDOM ENCOUNTERS? (Not sure that was ever once mentioned as a plus in the reviews, although it nearly always seems to be mentioned as a minus in other games' reviews.) Are you tired of most of combat being a question of how fast you can select attack in order to get the darn battle over with? Try this game -- It's FUN.… Expand
  10. AndyK.
    Mar 3, 2006
    10
    This game is amazingingly great !! YES - it is ! It is not oly the fact that SquareEnix took care of it (see FF-Series), no it is the generell impression I got. It starts from the intro, which is really wonderfull and ends up with every single detail in game. Of course the battle system of the older parts was taken over, which is a big plus, and to have more veriety you can now buy skills This game is amazingingly great !! YES - it is ! It is not oly the fact that SquareEnix took care of it (see FF-Series), no it is the generell impression I got. It starts from the intro, which is really wonderfull and ends up with every single detail in game. Of course the battle system of the older parts was taken over, which is a big plus, and to have more veriety you can now buy skills and magic spells to personalize each and every char. Speaking of battles, you get a very good tutorial, where the most important aspects are explained, so no worries , that you might miss anything. Another great idea was the strategy helper, YES, you heard me correctly, a strategy helper. YOu have an option to either switch it on or off, if it is activated, you gethints during a battle what you should do (like take what kind attack and attack who). If you are new to RPGs or Grandia, it is a very welcome method to assist you during difficult battles. You like good music ? Grandia III has the songs you are looking for ! Many beautyful songs, played during the different sceneries and situations, underlines the great styled and drawn atmosphere. I say "whooohoo", Grafic's great, sound as well, so what about the story you ask ? I tell you something, you will love it, it has lots of humor and jokes, as we are used to it due to the prequals, Grandia III will make you laugh a lot. The voices (synchronisation) of the chars are fitting perfectly (as far as I see it). So if you are looking for a great new RPG and if you are amazed by the Grandia series, go and BUY it, it is definately worth buying it. You will love it !!! (Okay, now I need to run and continue playing Grandia III)… Expand
  11. GogetaP.
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    This is the best game to happen since Final Fantasy! Tactical and challenging battles, easy to follow storyline, and enjoyable challenging bosses.
  12. SteveM.
    Feb 16, 2006
    9
    Great game so far, especially the combat. I think that is defiantly the selling point of this series. In alot of RPGs the combat can get quite tedious after just a few battles. In this game it seems to get more and more fun. I love trying to sneak up on the ememies and give them a smackin! It gives you the initiative in battles. There is also several different ways to counter and combo, Great game so far, especially the combat. I think that is defiantly the selling point of this series. In alot of RPGs the combat can get quite tedious after just a few battles. In this game it seems to get more and more fun. I love trying to sneak up on the ememies and give them a smackin! It gives you the initiative in battles. There is also several different ways to counter and combo, it's awsome. I also don't see so much of a chiched story as I do a new twist on the pretty much standard Japaneese RPG storyboard. I'll admit that I am sick of seeing the same thing, 16-17 year old boy on quest of destiny teams up with mousey 15 year old girl. bleh! I wish for once we could have more lead characters like Yuri in Shadow Hearts. I digress though. Yuki actually looks pretty cool. I don't know why the girl is named Alfina though (sounds like something Gordon Shumway eats on Melmack). She also looks like she migrated from the Ys series. Oh well enough complaing. None of this stuff really bothers me. This game is fantastic. A toatal must have for the RPG crowd or just a fun game for anyone looking for something interesting to play.… Expand
  13. Dan
    Mar 31, 2006
    2
    overrated, too mediocre for its own good..i kept waiting for it to be better ...and it never was the beginning of the game filled me with hope...i was let down.
  14. AndyM.
    Apr 2, 2006
    6
    The story, dialogue and voice acting are unbearable. The only time I enjoyed the game was during battles. And even that only has so much magic after 35 hours. Despite the time it took, I really didn't get the 'grand epic' feel out of it. Go pick up Grandia II for $5 instead, you'll get a much superior game.
  15. AnsonG.
    Apr 22, 2006
    9
    Not bad this game. The battle system is great. i was completed this game nearly 30 hours. The story also quite good.
  16. ColdH.
    Apr 25, 2006
    7
    Don't really what to think in the end... The Battle System definitly is one of the best I've ever seen : dynamic, mixing strategy and action ! But... The plot is really cheap and the characters are just stupid. So ? Grandia III worth the shot, but skip the numerous cinematics and you'll pack it in less than 15 hours. BTW, the lack of side quests clearly is a bad point too.
  17. BTaylor
    May 2, 2006
    9
    I am at work as I write this and can't wait to get home to continue playing Grandia3. Granted, the cut scenes and conversations are a tad long and drawn out... I have caught myself snickering now-n-again in amusement at them though. I do like the battle system though.... like when the characters go after more then the one enemy if they don't quite get their quota on the enemy I am at work as I write this and can't wait to get home to continue playing Grandia3. Granted, the cut scenes and conversations are a tad long and drawn out... I have caught myself snickering now-n-again in amusement at them though. I do like the battle system though.... like when the characters go after more then the one enemy if they don't quite get their quota on the enemy you originally 'sic' them on. The one thing I would really like to see in this game is the ability to explore more of the environment (nothing worst then that impassable grass force field that runs along the path) 'tough stuff'...lol.… Expand
  18. ?????
    Jun 7, 2006
    9
    I myself happen to enjoy this wonderful game . I havent quiet finished it yet so i am not going to give a 10 til i finish it and seem to be in love wit it also i am having a hard time so i get mad at the game lol but i seem to get mad at all games also i like that it isnt the long of a game cuz i never stick to games
  19. Furqan
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    Some of the best graphics out there in the industry, rich polyginal detail, huge landscapes, minimal loading times, multiple gameplay styles, easy to pick up gameplay, diversity of environments and worlds...what else would you want from an RPG ?! Awesome game, two thumbs up!
  20. PatryckD.
    Feb 23, 2006
    10
    Grandia's fights are the BEST! i love the Movie seens and the story line is good if thay ever change the fight setup ill cry!
  21. iKen
    Apr 11, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GOOD.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Control & Voice Acting: GOOD.
  22. 2ksnipefest
    May 12, 2014
    10
    It would be the best rpg on ps2 if not for FFX. This game is fun and it is not overly complicated with finding specific items to progress through the game. The battle system is better than any RPG I have played to date. Sad that not many have heard of this game yet alone played it. My friend has a copy and i still borrow it from him once and a while. It takes roughly 40-50 hours to complete.
  23. TheDestroyer
    Sep 14, 2016
    6
    The game will be reviewed under year 2006 standards.

    Aside from it's unique dream of "man taking it to the skies" the rest of Grandia III is "the" ultimate cliche. There's a headline for you. To understand that, you'd have to buy the game, which of course debate the writing at the bottom of this review. Most newcomers will be fooled at first believing it's battle system is original,    The game will be reviewed under year 2006 standards.

    Aside from it's unique dream of "man taking it to the skies" the rest of Grandia III is "the" ultimate cliche. There's a headline for you. To understand that, you'd have to buy the game, which of course debate the writing at the bottom of this review.

    Most newcomers will be fooled at first believing it's battle system is original, but it's actually just the Final Fantasy series' ATB system, where your party members take turns attacking, and then must wait for a specified amount of time before said party member can act act again. It is a reoccurring element in the Grandia games, and one that most will easily adapt too. Certain attacks party members do can cancel enemy moves, and sometimes knock them in the sky, allowing other party members to combo attack them. Cancelling is a decent feature. Unfortunately the combo attacks are lost by mid-game as most enemies become immune to being knocked off the ground. Overall, the combat system is nothing spectacular nor dreadful.

    The game must be saved at a save point, which appears to look like a rainbow orb. Loading your file up resumes your adventure from that save. If all party members are incapicitated during battle; you will receive a game over and be kicked to the main menu. In other-wards you go back to the last place you saved. This in itself is fine. It teaches players not to get too cocky when encountering stronger foes, or otherwise participating in multiple battles. Unfortunately, the save points get spammed so much (as in there's too many save points) that it begins to lose that meaning.

    It comes with a skill and magic customization system, where you can choose exactly what special abilities and magic you want on your party. As you do more battles, you'll unlock more slots, which in turn lets you equip more magic and abilities. But no matter how many you get, one will find that the variety is always lacking one way or the other.

    The game will take about 50 hours to complete. In the end, I'm not going to tell anyone to buy this game or avoid it. There was a lot more I was going to say about Grandia III, but was cut due to spoilers or being too negative on a slightly above average game that doesn't deserve the hate.    … Expand
  24. dashantaozi
    Aug 25, 2018
    8
    Second half of the story goes downhill, but the combat system is really good.
  25. CaptainAssassin
    Mar 10, 2015
    7
    The Grandia series has one of the best RPG combat systems ever developed. Grandia III has refined this system even further, adding a 'juggling' mechanic (aerial combos/finishes) which makes combat even more exciting and potentially improves the loot dropped by enemies.

    That been said, the storyline is the weakest of diluted anime sauces— totally predictable, and the characters follow    The Grandia series has one of the best RPG combat systems ever developed. Grandia III has refined this system even further, adding a 'juggling' mechanic (aerial combos/finishes) which makes combat even more exciting and potentially improves the loot dropped by enemies.

    That been said, the storyline is the weakest of diluted anime sauces— totally predictable, and the characters follow suit with standard anime typecasting. Yes, I can still give it a 7... the combat system is that good.    … Expand
  26. thaesino
    Jun 29, 2018
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't know how I can spoil a game more than it already spoils itself with its own story downfall, but there's the warning. I'm writing this review to save anyone money from making the mistake of purchasing it on "PS2 on PS4," if it is ever released on there, as it was on PS3.

    Here's what is good:

    -The Battle system is so good, it would've been wonderful to see more of it in other turn-based RPGs that came later, especially more recent ones made in the spirit of these older games

    -The music is memorable in the same way Tales series music is memorable. It "stays out of the way." Nothing stands out. Sweet melodies here and there, and then, of course, the main theme from the original Grandia. But I think the music is a plus because some tracks are kind of nice.

    -The graphics are nice, some environments are very well-done, even in comparison to Tales games on PS3. Not as nice as some of its contemporaries (i.e. FFXII), but then again, not many games looked like FFXII on the PS2. Maps are also well designed, though puzzle elements are lacking or too easy.

    Now... for the Bad, and there's a whole lot of it (SPOILERS!):

    The Story (this is the first thing people hate about this game, and they're right) The amount of plot holes, from characters who completely disappear after you've leveled them up past level 25 (from lvl 6), to the main villain's motives never being fully explained (like, how did he go from being such a sweet brother to this murderous, maniacal guy), to the manipulator of the main villain dying the moment he speaks more than two words for the first time (again, we know nothing of this man either). It's just one big pile of "Holy sh*t this is going to be amaz..... what the actual f*ck? Who is this guy? Oh wait, wait... where did one of my main characters go? What do you mean they're gone for good? Huh..... but I leveled both of them up because they've got some of the best m......... wait! Where am I and why am I doing this? Huh? The main villain got killed by a guy I've never even met face to face, off scene? Oh!!! I GEEET IT! The reason this story leaves you feeling like you went from interesting, three-dimensional characters to moving people models that just happen to represent a memory you had at the beginning of the game that you thought these guys were gonna be so promising, is a METAPHOR for the story world slowly being turned to lifeless glass - shells of their previous existence - by the obligatory corrupt god-villain. NOW it all makes sense. GENIUS!"

    No. No it doesn't. It's a terrible story and the good of the game is brought down because of it. The only reason this game survives is, perhaps, because most people have never finished it, and therefore think the game must've been so good because the beginning felt promising, and the combat WAS actually innovative in comparison to other RPGs of the time, in the same way Chrono Trigger or Bravely Default were innovative in their own times.

    This game actually leaves you feeling like a 3/10, but then you remember the fun of the combat, so you raise it two or three points.    … Expand
  27. Ronkun26
    Apr 24, 2019
    10
    Es un juego excelente, sin duda uno de los mejores de la historia. Una compra segura y además es largo!! Totalmente recomendado.
    Sencillamente es un juegazo!!

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PS2 Game of 2006
24
#24 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
11
#11 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Deeko
    90
    A marvelous game with a few minor flaws that don't really kill the experience. With a lovable cast, mouth-watering graphics, and an innovative battle system, Grandia III is an excellent addition to any RPG aficionado's collection. [JPN Import]
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  2. Siliconera
    70
    It’s not like there aren’t any genuinely emotional moments in Grandia 3, but they’re balanced out by all of the cornball cheesiness. Still, if you can forgive this, and are up to the challenge of the battle system, then Grandia 3’s sprawling worlds are well worth adventuring through. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
  3. Weekly Famitsu
    88
    9 / 8 / 9 / 9 - 35 platinum [Aug 2005]
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