Shadow Hearts: From the New World

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 63
  3. Negative: 4 out of 63
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  1. NaomiC
    Jun 8, 2008
    7
    I admit I'm a lover of the entire series (including Koudelka) however I felt this game fell a bit short. While the music and graphics were as visually entertaining as it's predecessor (Covenant) I felt that the humour of the game took away all the heartache that could have been - I should have been crying and I didn't. Also the ending was not on par. The other games as soon I admit I'm a lover of the entire series (including Koudelka) however I felt this game fell a bit short. While the music and graphics were as visually entertaining as it's predecessor (Covenant) I felt that the humour of the game took away all the heartache that could have been - I should have been crying and I didn't. Also the ending was not on par. The other games as soon as I completed them I was replaying them. This one has been on my shelf since. On the whole - I DID enjoy the game, just not as much as I should have.… Expand
  2. LilyB.
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    Ok first of all you guys are being to cruel to the game , this game has been the funnest game i've ever played (and i've played ALOT). Also the series have been really fun expecially because of the judgement ring it makes the battles unique so if you people have anything else to say play the freaking game first and dont lie about iplaying it.
  3. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 23, 2011
    8
    From the New World has its faults, but overall, it's a compellingly unique -- often quirky -- turn-based RPG. Pros: A core battle system that keeps gameplay in depth; variety of character designs and voice acting. Cons: Actually, some of the characters are a hit-or-miss, as well as some of the prominent voice acting; sometimes, you'll be wandering locations room after room after room...
  4. hugoboy
    Feb 14, 2012
    10
    Even to this day, from the new world still remains an outstanding role playing game.
    It is a traditional role playing game with a modern twist. The game really doesn't tries to be fancy or over ambitious, but still it does pack alot to make any hard core rgp fan happy.
    One fact i do love about this game is the complete uniqueness of every single character. They are so unique that a    Even to this day, from the new world still remains an outstanding role playing game.
    It is a traditional role playing game with a modern twist. The game really doesn't tries to be fancy or over ambitious, but still it does pack alot to make any hard core rgp fan happy.
    One fact i do love about this game is the complete uniqueness of every single character. They are so unique that a player has a hard time deciding who stays in the party and who doesn't.
    To be honest, not the strongest story i've seen, but it is indeed an emotional one (and i do love an emotional story). But aside from the story being a bit weak, the game does makes up for it with everything else. There by warranting the big fat score.    … Expand
  5. Caestus
    Mar 11, 2013
    8
    The story is not as good as its predecessors but it is still better than the average JRPGs stories. The graphics and the battle system are improved and while the characters are not as memorable as the characters from covenant they still can convince you.
  6. Rox22
    Dec 13, 2012
    8
    While it is my least favorite of the series (aside from Koudelka) it is in no way bad. It is almost as good as its predecessors in almost every aspect. But what bothered me the most was how far it had stayed from the tone of the first 2 games. It is more lighthearted and colorful, which is nice, but what set Shadow Hearts 1 apart was its dark nature, SH: FTNW seems to have drifted intoWhile it is my least favorite of the series (aside from Koudelka) it is in no way bad. It is almost as good as its predecessors in almost every aspect. But what bothered me the most was how far it had stayed from the tone of the first 2 games. It is more lighthearted and colorful, which is nice, but what set Shadow Hearts 1 apart was its dark nature, SH: FTNW seems to have drifted into generic RPG territory. But on its own, set aprt from the other 2 games, it's still a really great game with a great story combat, visuals and interesting characters. Overall: It could have been better, but I still thought it was great.… Expand
  7. PascalB.
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    A great game with a good battle system, nice music and a hilarious ninja.
  8. JoseC.
    Mar 13, 2006
    9
    the game is great. the graphics are adverage. But, the story, charactar develpoment, and battle system are unique.
  9. SerK.
    Mar 9, 2006
    9
    Fighting is more amusing and more challenging. Looks likfe Final Fantasy but the fighting is completely different along with the plot. Nicely continues on from the 2nd game just in a different place.
  10. JoeH.
    Mar 23, 2006
    10
    Shadow Heart: From The New World is great, just like the rest of the series. I love the way they manipulate pieces of the past and put them into a magical world. Plus the judgement ring is a great way to make the battles better.
  11. Tanvir
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    This was an excellent game. Even though it doesn't live up to the storyline, it makes it up in the gameplay. The battle system is improved giving limits to the combo attacks and giving the fights more of a challenge. The characters are quirkier and not as cool as the characters in Covenant but they are all very fun to use.
  12. iKen
    Apr 12, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  13. OwtDaft
    May 16, 2018
    7
    + Has some cut-scenes with great animation and some ok voice acting.
    + Fantastic graphics.
    + The awesome judgement ring is still fantastic. + There is lots of side content before the final part of the game. - Story has it's moments but for the most part, the story isn't anything to write home about - The dark mood of the first game is no more. The game is less enjoyable and less    + Has some cut-scenes with great animation and some ok voice acting.
    + Fantastic graphics.
    + The awesome judgement ring is still fantastic.
    + There is lots of side content before the final part of the game.
    - Story has it's moments but for the most part, the story isn't anything to write home about
    - The dark mood of the first game is no more. The game is less enjoyable and less interesting as a result.
    - Puzzles are easy to understand yet gives you obvious instructions with pointless cut-scenes.
    - Doing puzzle in dungeons with random encounters is very annoying.
    - Big difficulty spike for the final boss.    … Expand
  14. Kai82
    Apr 15, 2020
    8
    Definitely a real good RPG. The main drawback was that it had to follow the superb Shadow Hearts Covenant which was the highlight of the series. By comparison it is the weaker game but that does not equal a bad or even mediocre game. It has its own new story with some connections to the previous game. I enjoyed the characters, the over the top humor and the story of the game. Each game inDefinitely a real good RPG. The main drawback was that it had to follow the superb Shadow Hearts Covenant which was the highlight of the series. By comparison it is the weaker game but that does not equal a bad or even mediocre game. It has its own new story with some connections to the previous game. I enjoyed the characters, the over the top humor and the story of the game. Each game in the series has a wonderful cast of characters. Here we have Johnny the protagonist, Mao an anthropomorphic cat with connections to the Mafia and film business, Shania a female native American shaman, Frank the Ninja that uses hilarious stuff as blade for his swords, a mariachi playing gunmen, and Hilda Valentine who is a vampire and has 3 forms caused by nutrition of the blood she drinks. It is even a bit crazier than it sounds. The story picks up themes from Shadow Hearts Covenant (the bad ending if I remember correctly?) and uses this as starting point for a chase around the world. For me the mixture of hilarious fun and seriousness was always a plus for the series. I must mention that this could be a negative for others. However the twist are good but I saw one of the big reveals coming from miles away. The battle system is a bit different from other RPG (series). It uses the judgment Ring for battles. You must stop via button press in the hit areas to get results with small critical hit zones. There is a combo system and a good variety in the characters abilities. The side quest are another highlight of the game. It was again full of great humor, some easter eggs for fans and references. The graphic and soundtrack were really good for its time and aged relatively well for me. Overall the game does nothing wrong. It is the combination of following the best game in the series and a restart with new characters that drove away fans. For me the humor alone was worth playing it.… Expand
  15. SuperClaudio64
    Apr 3, 2021
    7
    Questo è stato il primo gioco della serie di Shadow Hearts che ho giocato, ed è stata una buona esperienza. SH From The New World è un rpg unico nel suo stile, un gioco a tema horror ma che cade molto di più nella comicità dei suoi personaggi. Ha un cast bizzarro ma che funziona bene, un ottimo sistema di battaglia che porta a Boss Fight impegnative, e una buona dose di missioniQuesto è stato il primo gioco della serie di Shadow Hearts che ho giocato, ed è stata una buona esperienza. SH From The New World è un rpg unico nel suo stile, un gioco a tema horror ma che cade molto di più nella comicità dei suoi personaggi. Ha un cast bizzarro ma che funziona bene, un ottimo sistema di battaglia che porta a Boss Fight impegnative, e una buona dose di missioni secondarie. L'unica pecca del gioco è data dalla trama che è poco sviluppata e dagli antagonisti che appaiono molto generici già dai loro nomi. In ogni caso rimane un rpg facilmente reperibile a un prezzo decente, cosa che non si può dire degli altri due titoli della serie.… Expand
  16. DarkSoulAxel
    Apr 10, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Before I played this game, I have played Shadow Hearts: Covenant, one of m favorite games ever. But sadly, this game here doesnt live up to its expectations. Dont get me wrong tho, it is a pretty good game. I enjoyed it most of the time, it even improved on certain aspects of its prequel, for example in my opinion the four basic attack modes which gained high importnace due to positioning and in combos. My criticism is just that the characters are a bit too bland, the main villians are boring and have ridiculous names (lady and killer, scary names for sure, geez). The setting was different and interesting, although a bit too bright for my taste. I liked the new magic system as well and the combat was obviously satisfying as hell. One more disappointment though was the low amount of fusions with the fusion character of this game. However, it was nice that the game included tons of side content, mostly enjoyable (not referring to Frank ones, felt it was annoying) and that it also had a couple of appearances of characters of the previous game. I would have loved to see a visit of a different continent but its fine I guess. This game is definetly worth picking up, therefore the score of 7/10.… Expand
  17. AdamEvans
    Feb 23, 2022
    0
    Best game I ever played, great story and fun bosses. I played for 3 years and it was always fun
  18. Dimordimon
    Jul 21, 2023
    9
    Love it. Always a nice refresher from the edgy over the top triple a “jrpg” experiences of today. Just a fun game that wants to be fun and knows how to do combat well.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best PS2 Game of 2006
42
#42 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
26
#26 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Siliconera
    83
    It’s also lacking the presence of Yuri, who was one of the coolest RPG protagonists in recent memory. But if you let yourself free of any previous conceptions - and can forgive some uneven storytelling - you’ll find From the New World to be one of the most unique, engrossing, and well designed RPGs of this generation.
    Read full review
  2. Deeko
    85
    The latest installment in the Shadow Hearts series will have fans of the first two clamoring for more. Those just joining the series, prepare for a RPG unlike anything you have ever played before.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    88
    Thankfully, you'll spend a majority of your time immersed in the stellar combat or drinking in the often surreal moments that define Shadow Hearts: From The New World as one of the most inventive and entertaining RPG's in years. [Mar 2006, p.106]
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