Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
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  1. GameZone
    73
    Not a bad game, but do not expect to be blown away by the story or innovative gameplay. The Invite system is very nice, but the game moves slowly.
  2. The New York Times
    73
    Statistics-centric games have never been my strong point, and while the game does a good job of presenting pertinent information clearly and simply I found all the numbers a bit daunting.
  3. Play Magazine
    70
    Brings a fresh chapter to the stagnant SRPG genre. [Aug 2005, p.49]
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  5. GameSpy
    70
    The off-the-wall humor is wickedly pointed and the characters are simply hilarious; the gameplay is deep and engrossing but clunky and far too close to what the developer's been doing for the past several years, just more so.
  6. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    What Makai Kingdom lacks in visceral appeal it more than makes up for in complexity and nuance. It's fun in a brain-taxing kind of way, but in the end a bit too cold and piecemeal to love. Though it may be fun and challenging, it never quite hangs together as a compelling whole.
  7. NTSC-uk
    70
    On its own, Makai Kingdom stands out as a solid and decent example of the SRPG genre managing to bring in the new elements of buildings and vehicles, but it is less strategic than "Phantom Brave," and the story isn’t as enthralling or interesting as "Disgaea."
  8. AceGamez
    70
    It's unfortunate to have to say that Makai Kingdom falls down when compared to its close cousins.
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  9. Inside Gamer Online
    68
    A pretty good game. It’s not amazing, it’s nothing special, and it’s not even something to get worked up about if you’re a diehard fan of RPGs. It’s just another one of those playable and fun, but forgettable, RPGs on the market.
  10. netjak
    68
    Without characters that you care about and with very little fleshing out, you don't have a compelling story. Without a compelling story, a lot of the flaws one could overlook due a more complete overall package, like Disgaea, become major annoyances.
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  11. My Gamer
    58
    To the average gamer, it may seem like Makai Kingdom doesn't know what it wants to be, but to the strategy RPG fan it's exactly what it should be.
  12. GameShark
    58
    In the end, the game does end up being rather short -- toping out at around thirty hours -- but it still makes sure to satisfy.
  13. Gamers Europe
    55
    A completely mediocre title, its only saving grace being the sheer complexity of its innards.
  14. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    50
    What could have been an engaging effort has been spoiled by bland presentation, a cliched story and tedious gameplay. [Nov 2005, p.122]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best PS2 Game of 2005
70
#70 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Elgar_The_Fox
    Mar 7, 2014
    9
    Easily the best SRPG I have ever played. It's unique gameplay style adds flair and style to a generally boring SRPG scene. Combine that with aEasily the best SRPG I have ever played. It's unique gameplay style adds flair and style to a generally boring SRPG scene. Combine that with a strong narrative, good voice acting, flashing animations, and witty dialogue and you have a recipe for success. The game provided hours upon hours of fun and last-ability. Out of all the SRPGs I have play it is the funniest, wittiest, and most entertaining by far.… Full Review »
  2. ClevelandW.
    May 30, 2009
    9
    I'm not sure why critics didn't like this game so much. While yes, the semi-2D SRPG was already done and conquered by Disgaea and I'm not sure why critics didn't like this game so much. While yes, the semi-2D SRPG was already done and conquered by Disgaea and many, many others, Makai brings a sense of humor and haphazardness to the fray that makes it all worth playing. I haven't laughed this hard at a game or loved one quite so much as Makai Kingdom in a while.… Full Review »
  3. Thomas
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    Great game by NIS, they make the best S.R.P.G.
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