Shadow Hearts: Covenant

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2004
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 122 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 122
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 122
  3. Negative: 7 out of 122
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  1. WalterN.
    Jan 3, 2007
    10
    Simply the best RPG I've played. The FMVs and the story is near unmatched by most of today's new animes on all consoles. The gameplay is also very unique. Xenogears still remains the best ever.
  2. KatyG.
    Feb 14, 2006
    10
    Awsome!I love it! I am trying to fight the jellyfish thing so I can get the book thing. But this game is just cool!
  3. Rox22
    Dec 13, 2012
    9
    It took everything that made the first game great and made it better. While in principle it play very similarly to the first game not really adding too much new, that isn't a bad thing. The first game was fantastic so why change the formula. But the real star here is the narrative. The story is utterly gripping. Yuri's journey is really touching and dark (to be honest I nearly wanted toIt took everything that made the first game great and made it better. While in principle it play very similarly to the first game not really adding too much new, that isn't a bad thing. The first game was fantastic so why change the formula. But the real star here is the narrative. The story is utterly gripping. Yuri's journey is really touching and dark (to be honest I nearly wanted to cry by the end.) The rest of the companion characters are unique with fully flushed out characters (Joachim is just a laugh a minute.) The story and atmosphere aren't as dark as the first game but do have more depth and drama. If I had to mention one critique, it is that the relationship between Yuri & Karin plays out in a VERY similar way as Cloud & Tifa's from Final Fantasy 7. Again this isn't really bad, just noticeable. Overall: A terrific RPG that is just as good as the first one, if not better.… Expand
  4. EmilyR.
    Dec 4, 2005
    5
    An average game. Wonderful graphics and most of the characters were enjoyable. The Judgement Ring battle system is one of the most unique that games have to offer. But that's about it, that's all the game has to offer. The storyline is rather bland, some of the characters are downright annoying with their stupidity, and the music was something left to be desired. You An average game. Wonderful graphics and most of the characters were enjoyable. The Judgement Ring battle system is one of the most unique that games have to offer. But that's about it, that's all the game has to offer. The storyline is rather bland, some of the characters are downright annoying with their stupidity, and the music was something left to be desired. You couldn't explore much of anything, everything was entirely too straightforward. You went from Point A to Point B and that's about it. I played it for a good while and found that the music didn't change much and the humor that everyone else seems to find in this game I can't see. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I had thought I would and I'm going to be giving back this game to the person I borrowed it from. If, at most, you should rent or borrow it. Because it isn't worth buying.… Expand
  5. EduardoR.
    Nov 5, 2004
    10
    One of the best RPG games I have played. Great graphics and awesome combat system.
  6. IgalV.
    Oct 29, 2004
    10
    Quite possibly the single best RPG on the Playstation 2 in 2004. How many games do you have that take up 2 DVD's? Shadow Hearts: Covenant does. It's got gameplay, plot, characters, and music. Graphics aren't too shabby either, especially the movies. Highly recommended!
  7. N.Voegele
    Oct 8, 2004
    8
    Wonderfully done, game graphics are great even on the old ps2, good sound that keep you wondering, only drawback a little old fashion, pulls from final fantasy where you are unable to see enemies. Mix final fantasy and star ocean and you have shadow hearts covanent.
  8. AndiH.
    Sep 10, 2004
    10
    Awesome story, funny battle system, nice characters, fantastic atmosphere, good graphics, enjoyable soundtrack - actually one of the best rpgs I've ever played! It´s improved upon nearly every aspect of the original title! So, give Shadow Hearts: Covenant a try, even if you don't liked the first part.
  9. BelgianS.
    May 28, 2005
    8
    Bad start, great ending! and repetitive in the middle but for some reason one of the best games ever.
  10. TommiK.
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    Simply awesome!
  11. AnonymousMC
    Jun 20, 2005
    7
    I dunno, this is a pretty good RPG but it lacks the horror and macabre nature that made the first game so unique, in fact it seems like a lighter fluffier version of the 1st game, the combat has been improved dramatically though I think the combo system is kinda worthless. I do like the wolf battles and some of the new minigames, the story is okay but after 10 hours into the game I haveI dunno, this is a pretty good RPG but it lacks the horror and macabre nature that made the first game so unique, in fact it seems like a lighter fluffier version of the 1st game, the combat has been improved dramatically though I think the combo system is kinda worthless. I do like the wolf battles and some of the new minigames, the story is okay but after 10 hours into the game I have yet to be blown away, though I admit I have laughed out loud a number of times to this game and the voice overs are really quite good.… Expand
  12. SamiY.
    Sep 15, 2004
    10
    F.....g awesome rpg ever played by the pro gamer like myself.
  13. JavaJive
    Jan 10, 2005
    10
    Great game! One of the best RPGs i've ever played. The only RPG that rivals Final Fantasy Series. In fact, I liked this slightly better than Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2. Better characters and interesting storyline and good gameplay. Definitely beats Fable, Dark Cloud 2, Kingdom Hearts hands-down! Only RPG that's truly better is Chrono Cross (when are they making the sequel??!)
  14. KevinF.
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    Great game if you like the FF battle system. Graphics are great and the story line is great. A lot of exciting twists in the story and unexpected happenings. So get it...cuz i say so.
  15. Michael
    Sep 28, 2004
    8
    If your like me, you didnt want to spend the extra money for the hard drive and a monthly fee just to play FFXI. So like me you missed out on over a years worth of playing an FF RPG type game. Well your wait is over. This game plays,looks,feels, and sounds like a FF style game. In fact youd almost think your playing the latest FF game. Ok so its a FF clone, but is it good? Graphics: 8 If your like me, you didnt want to spend the extra money for the hard drive and a monthly fee just to play FFXI. So like me you missed out on over a years worth of playing an FF RPG type game. Well your wait is over. This game plays,looks,feels, and sounds like a FF style game. In fact youd almost think your playing the latest FF game. Ok so its a FF clone, but is it good? Graphics: 8 Sound:9 Gameplay:8 Story:8 If you liked FFX, youll like this one to. … Expand
  16. MarinaMa
    Dec 29, 2009
    9
    I hate JRPGS. Let me just say that outright. A great deal of them are a pile of worthless freshly made cow manure. So when I saw a copy of SH:C, I was seriously doubtful of whether or not I should get it. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it has some of the stereotypical JRPG elements, turn-based fighting, irritating character designs, 50 plus hours (lord). However, the Judgement ring I hate JRPGS. Let me just say that outright. A great deal of them are a pile of worthless freshly made cow manure. So when I saw a copy of SH:C, I was seriously doubtful of whether or not I should get it. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it has some of the stereotypical JRPG elements, turn-based fighting, irritating character designs, 50 plus hours (lord). However, the Judgement ring actually made gameplay fun (something I've been harping on about on FF forever), and I found the story enjoyable. The characters, while cliched at time, are interesting enough once you ignore the stupid clothes they're all wearing. Luckily, I got this game earlier in the years, so it wasn't that hard to find. However, I've heard the game is pretty rare and expensive now so only the most determined will get this game. Seriously guys, if you've lost faith in JRPGS (or didn't have any to begin with), GET THIS GAME. It might make you think differently.… Expand
  17. Stealthgear
    Apr 21, 2013
    5
    This game starts out with really boring military cutscenes. The game doesn't get going very quickly. Japanese anime characters are out of place in WW1. The gameplay is basically a golf-like reaction system, but a bit harder. If you are old or feeling slow you won't be able to play this. It makes sitting down to play on a lazy afternoon an impossible annoyance. The interestingThis game starts out with really boring military cutscenes. The game doesn't get going very quickly. Japanese anime characters are out of place in WW1. The gameplay is basically a golf-like reaction system, but a bit harder. If you are old or feeling slow you won't be able to play this. It makes sitting down to play on a lazy afternoon an impossible annoyance. The interesting characterization just isn't there, as typical as later Japanese RPG games. This is why Midway went into bankruptcy. Not fun.… Expand
  18. Caestus
    Mar 7, 2013
    8
    I liked the battle system, the characters and the humour but SH Covenant pus new things to the SH Story, which just don´t fit. It was also way to easy, probably the easiest game that I ever experienced. But it is still a good RPG with some memorable events.
  19. GenXY
    Nov 18, 2015
    10
    Fantastic experience. One of the best JRPGs of all time imo. The real world atmosphere with a balance of dark and light-hearted themes make this a more than worthy sequel to the original!
  20. pandaman3608
    Aug 18, 2012
    10
    This is an excellent role-playing game! Never has a game made me laugh and cry so much!! SHC is the total package. It has a compelling story with the perfect balance of funny and lighthearted to dark and mature. The characters are so endearing and funny, especially Joachim XD. The combat is also creative and fun! I can keep going on about how excellent this game is, but you'll need to seeThis is an excellent role-playing game! Never has a game made me laugh and cry so much!! SHC is the total package. It has a compelling story with the perfect balance of funny and lighthearted to dark and mature. The characters are so endearing and funny, especially Joachim XD. The combat is also creative and fun! I can keep going on about how excellent this game is, but you'll need to see it to believe. SHC is the best RPG for the PS2 since Final Fantasy X!!… Expand
  21. DeepDive
    Oct 4, 2012
    10
    Gems like these presents the ultimate jrpg experience, the combat system is unique just as much as the story telling. The atmosphere present in the game is unparalleled.
  22. Seraphix
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    One of my favorite RPGs of all time. Story is great. Wide range of characters. I don't believe I've ever enjoyed a story so much. They added quite a bit of comedy with some characters. Battle system is more than just clicking through menus. Makes the battle system engaging and entertaining. There are options to increase or decrease some functions of the battle system for those whoOne of my favorite RPGs of all time. Story is great. Wide range of characters. I don't believe I've ever enjoyed a story so much. They added quite a bit of comedy with some characters. Battle system is more than just clicking through menus. Makes the battle system engaging and entertaining. There are options to increase or decrease some functions of the battle system for those who want more or less of a challenge. Monster design in the Shadow Hearts games are amazing. Creepy monsters all with lore. Plenty of side quests, and difficult battles for completionists.… Expand
  23. iKen
    Apr 12, 2020
    9
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GREAT.
  24. OwtDaft
    May 10, 2018
    10
    + This is the best Shadow Hearts game.
    + When thinking of a great JRPG other than Final Fantasy, this is one of the first to come to mind.
    + The story in this game is so fantastic.
    + The game is very dark and unique.
  25. dashantaozi
    Aug 25, 2018
    9
    Great art, music, story, gameplay. This game does everything incredibly well. I only wish it could have more depth and content.
  26. dragoneric
    Mar 23, 2018
    10
    I just love this game, it's the best one I've ever played, the best story ever, the characters have such a great development like no other. I hope that someday there'll be a remake of the trilogy and Koudelka.
  27. TheGoodGoat
    Feb 27, 2022
    10
    A true hidden gem and one of the best games ever. Easily like top 3 stories ever in videogame history. The gameplay is solid and rewarding. The characters are fantastic and enjoyable. The game is perfect.
  28. ATemplarZ
    Feb 18, 2019
    9
    Shadow Hearts Covenant isn't a revolutionary game but it took the ideas from the best JRPGs combined to make a consistent solid experience that has a perfect length in where it doesn't feel neither short or a slog to make one of the best RPG experiences i have ever had.

    Gameplay 10 -> Turn based RPG with a unique and refreshing battle system called the Judgement Ring, beautiful towns    Shadow Hearts Covenant isn't a revolutionary game but it took the ideas from the best JRPGs combined to make a consistent solid experience that has a perfect length in where it doesn't feel neither short or a slog to make one of the best RPG experiences i have ever had.

    Gameplay 10 -> Turn based RPG with a unique and refreshing battle system called the Judgement Ring, beautiful towns with interesting side quests for each party member that never feels repetitive, amazing dungeons that never drags or feels to long with some interesting puzzles and a dark mysterious atmosphere.

    Graphics 9 -> While not the best looking game in the ps2 it's definitely an improvement from previous games, world is beautiful, some characters have good detail while others could be a little better.

    Sound 9 -> Amazing overall sound quality even for it's time and amazing music by great composers such as Yasunori Mitsuda and really well done voice acting, the only small and minor complaint i have is it could use some more music variety in towns and dungeons but nothing major just a minor touch that doesn't impact the great experience in this journey.

    Story 10 -> Mature writing is what i like to describe this journey always keeping the player interested on what is going to happen with it's amazing unpredictability, tone of story keeps changing throughout the game to make the player engaged and to never feel bored, it changes from seriousness to humor to heartbreaking moments and some unexpected twists to make it an overall unique and accomplished story.

    Overall 9.2 -> Coming from a person who rarely gives games a high score and never gives a 10 because i think nothing is perfect, i highly recommend to any turn based RPG fan to give this game a try, one of the greatest hidden gems i have ever experienced. Interesting Characters with an amazing lead character Yuri who experiences a lot of different emotions throughout. Like i said above this is NOT a revolutionary game that did completely new mechanics or anything for it's time but it really does an amazing job of capturing all the goods from previous RPG to make an solid, interesting and unique experience. Worthy of more recognition by JRPG fans and definitely should get an HD release on current gen systems and Steam.    … Expand
  29. shootingstars99
    Jul 10, 2019
    9
    A great Shadow Hearts game, but doesn't pull it off quite as well as Shadow Hearts 1. The plot and characters feel more anime-esque, and the plot and scenarios have that feel too it, and just do not feel like they hold as much weight as the original. Still a great game and improves the length of the story significantly as well as the battle system, but the dark atmosphere and plot areA great Shadow Hearts game, but doesn't pull it off quite as well as Shadow Hearts 1. The plot and characters feel more anime-esque, and the plot and scenarios have that feel too it, and just do not feel like they hold as much weight as the original. Still a great game and improves the length of the story significantly as well as the battle system, but the dark atmosphere and plot are toned down a few notches for this one, will appeal to some, will detract some value to others who found Shadow Hearts 1 entertaining in its gritty and depressing atmosphere.… Expand
  30. blk_mamba
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    What a masterpiece of a game! I had high expectations after playing 1 but 2 is so much better in every way possible. Definitely give it a try if you can find a way to get your hands on this gem. I wish games like this would come back with modern graphics and some QOL improvements.
  31. Hyperion1007
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    I always come back to this game. Definitely the first to come to mind on the ps2 and one of the best RPGs ever made.
  32. DarkSoulAxel
    Apr 10, 2021
    9
    This game is only a 9/10, because I cant give it a 9.5/10. I remembered this game from my childhood and all I ever achieved was getting to france. After that, it disappeared. One day I found it again and purchased it and god damnit, this game blew me away. Right now, it is my all time favorite JRPG of all time. I played through it for 70+ hours and still wanted more. That says a lot aboutThis game is only a 9/10, because I cant give it a 9.5/10. I remembered this game from my childhood and all I ever achieved was getting to france. After that, it disappeared. One day I found it again and purchased it and god damnit, this game blew me away. Right now, it is my all time favorite JRPG of all time. I played through it for 70+ hours and still wanted more. That says a lot about a RPG, which in m optinion normally should only last 50-60 hours. The game starts off pretty tough but becomes easier the more you get used to its skilled based batlle system (referring to the timing based judgement ring). I was amazed, the first time in an RPG in the beginning, I actually had to use and stock up on healing items before dungeons etc. The combat is damn satisfying, the bosses are cool, the music is insanely good, making me hear it in my head for hours. The magic system feels very different to what I have seen so far and its pretty cool. Characters are all unique and lovable, sidequests are interesting and the story is great. Normally I dislike changing villians throughout the campaign, but for some reason, in this game it worked to its favor. This game made me buy the sequel and making me interested in picking up the prequel, hesitating because of the price though. For every RPG or JRPG fan out there, this game is an absolute must have. One of the best games I have ever played in my life.… Expand
  33. harrietjane
    May 5, 2022
    10
    This is the best. game. ever. I first played it back in 2005 and it's still the best JRPG I've ever played. It's hilarious, sad (moved me to tears) and epic, referencing real events (World War 1, Rasputin, Lawrence of Arabia) in an alternative world where there is magic and demons. Yuri is a wonderful protagonist who is powerful (with this demonic fusions) and funny with a sharp witThis is the best. game. ever. I first played it back in 2005 and it's still the best JRPG I've ever played. It's hilarious, sad (moved me to tears) and epic, referencing real events (World War 1, Rasputin, Lawrence of Arabia) in an alternative world where there is magic and demons. Yuri is a wonderful protagonist who is powerful (with this demonic fusions) and funny with a sharp wit despite a tortured soul. The story is epic, the cutscenes amazing, and the characters memorable - a vampire, a white wolf, Anastasia Romanov to name a few.

    Each character has a detailed side quest that reveals more about them, and the gameplay is the best of any game. Turn-based but with a judgement ring that requires times key pressed to get the best out of it. I recommended this game to two friends who were Final Fantasy fanatics and after playing it they both changed their minds about which is the best. game. ever. It's Shadow Hearts Covenant.    … Expand
  34. buronizzz
    Oct 18, 2022
    9
    Such a forgotten gem. I really loved it on the PlayStation 2. It's probably my favorite jrpg on the platform after ff10.
  35. Utzimo
    Jan 10, 2023
    10
    A must play one of the best rpg on the PS2, great story characters and the gameplay is fun

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PS2 Game of 2004
32
#32 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
20
#20 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. DarkStation
    90
    Shadow Hearts is not a short game by any means, as it will take normal gamers anywhere from thirty to forty hours to complete.
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  2. Warcry
    90
    Its style is like no other, and the mechanics behind battles are rock solid.
    Read full review
  3. G4 TV
    80
    It's balanced to near-perfection, and manages to pack very few slow moments into a few dozen hours of gameplay. Sure, it's not a Square-Enix title, but you'll be surprised at just how good this game is.
    Read full review
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