Grandia Xtreme

 PlayStation 2
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
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  1. Ayreos
    Sep 25, 2018
    9
    Hugely underrated game. It's not an RPG with dungeon exploring like other Grandia titles, which seems to get this game negative reviews, but it's a dungeon crawler with light RPG narrative. It has the same battle mechanics of Grandia 3, which makes it one of the best, if not the best combat system on the console, with the perk of having more likable characters and less fluff to getHugely underrated game. It's not an RPG with dungeon exploring like other Grandia titles, which seems to get this game negative reviews, but it's a dungeon crawler with light RPG narrative. It has the same battle mechanics of Grandia 3, which makes it one of the best, if not the best combat system on the console, with the perk of having more likable characters and less fluff to get distracted by. The dungeons are expansive and provide different challenges. If you really miss the narrative you'll be glad to find out the few NPCs present refresh their dialogue very often and the meal scenes from previous games deepen the relationships between characters egregiously. Post-game content is also great. I can't find a single complaint, if not a few animations and the damn english voice-over. Remember Nanao from RAD? She's going to be your party member in this one. Gave me PTSD.… Expand
  2. KevinW.
    Feb 25, 2003
    10
    This game combines the advantages of many other rpgs out there. It is awesome!
  3. F.C.
    Nov 16, 2002
    10
    what a great game!
  4. Mistoltean
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    After Grandia 1 and 2, most expected Grandia Xtreme to be the same in line: the spirit of world exploration and full narratives. However, this game does not focus on narrative or story as much as battle and gameplay. This is a dungeon crawler game in disguise with a turn-based battle system and storytelling of RPG style.

    I can understand the mis-expectation from its processors caused    After Grandia 1 and 2, most expected Grandia Xtreme to be the same in line: the spirit of world exploration and full narratives. However, this game does not focus on narrative or story as much as battle and gameplay. This is a dungeon crawler game in disguise with a turn-based battle system and storytelling of RPG style.

    I can understand the mis-expectation from its processors caused this game to get more negative opinions than it deserved. People complained about what it lacks from their Grandia 1&2 and forgot about what it excels as its own game. To give this game justice, as rogue-like RPG, no game can surpass this even in 2020. Here are its pros.
    1. The best battle system in Grandia series and fast pace. No long animation like GD3 that mobs keep spamming skills. This makes grinding in itself never boring.
    2. The story is not the best and admittedly the worst out of GD series, but it is consistent and satisfactory, even very good for the rogue-like genre to keep you hooked.
    3. It did the right thing for rogue-like. The randomness and plethora of item drops are what make dungeon crawlers interesting and high replay value. This game is the best in this regard.
    4. As the game does not focus on storytelling but gameplay, there is almost no restriction whom you can bring in the party. This game offers a high level of customization and DIY. No bs of backtracking from town to town to interrupt you from exploring dungeons. You just have 1 (or 2) town.
    5. The level of character customization is astonishing and, believe me, they balanced it very well.

    In conclusion, if you seek one, if not the best, of rogue-like RPG, this game is a must-play. If you like RPG and do not mind a simplistic but coherent story and dungeon crawler, this game is great. If you look for GD1 and GD2 storytelling style or playing for the story, I would say avoid this game as it is RPG in 90' where gameplay overrides the story.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
39
#39 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. GameSpot
    62
    There's not much plot development, and more importantly, the gameplay has numerous shortcomings.
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  2. Play Magazine
    50
    The game's battles are simply the best in the turn-based bunch...Oh, how I wish this game was more polished outside of the battles. [Nov 2002, p.85]
  3. GamerWeb Sony
    80
    High time demands put on the gamer by the "no saves in dungeons" design... won't bother hardcore fans but may tax the patience of the more casual fan.
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