Shadow Hearts

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Midway
  • Release Date: Dec 11, 2001
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Four Fat Chicks
    100
    Shadow Hearts is in turn tragic and comic, deeply philosophical and completely fluffy, and overall a great gaming experience that I was sorry to see come to an end.
  2. Gamezilla!
    87
    If you’re a turn-based or real-time RPG or action-adventure fan and don’t mind dark themes, or if you’re looking for an RPG with a twist to the average gameplay mechanics, I’d highly recommend this game.
  3. GameSpy
    86
    This game is well worth its 40 hours, and there are plenty of laughs to go along.
  5. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    It's like going through "Silent Hill" as an RPG or playing through a Clive Barker or Ann Rice novel.
  6. XenGamers
    83
    It's got an engaging storyline, interesting characters, lots of plot twists, and a host of nifty options and gameplay features.
  7. Electric Playground
    80
    Shadow Hearts’ enthralling plot and superb combat system make this one a keeper. Did I mention the micro-skirted heroine?
  8. Hot Games
    80
    The game is nothing if not involving. A story with real depth, actual humor and pathos, and some dramatic and frightening moments is something you don't see everyday - and even more rare in RPG's.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Along with the excellent story, Shadow Hearts has an engaging battle system that focuses on timed button-presses. [Jan 2002, p.134]
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  10. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    Add a spooky atmosphere set at the start of the twentieth century and little reluctance to tackle adult subject matter like sex and violence, and we finally have an RPG that appeals strictly for adult gamers without pushing into the realm of the ludicrous or indecent.
  11. netjak
    80
    Beneath the basic plot of guy saves his woman and the world; there are quite a few surprising twists in the story here.
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  12. GameSpot
    79
    Despite its considerable depth, Shadow Hearts is easy to get into and yet maintains a satisfying level of challenge.
  13. GameZone
    78
    If only the battle system, so integral to the enjoyment of a game, wasn't so blasé, Shadow Hearts could have easily jumped up into one of the best surprise games of the year.
  14. Game Informer
    78
    At times, Shadow Hearts drudges along with some mind-numbingly stupid puzzles, but the story and the unique battle system always kept me coming back for more. [Jan 2002, p.82]
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  15. Media and Games Online Network
    76
    One of the coolest and most interesting storyline and opening movie (I’ll get into the visuals part later) I’ve ever seen in a game to date.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best PS2 Game of 2001
23
#23 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
50
#50 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 109
  3. Negative: 7 out of 109
  1. ralphpugsley
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    Incredibly unique JRPG that combines innovative battle mechanics, alternative history, Lovecraftian horror, and fantasy to create somethingIncredibly unique JRPG that combines innovative battle mechanics, alternative history, Lovecraftian horror, and fantasy to create something wholly original, even nineteen years after its initial release. Music is astoundingly eclectic, almost experimental, in its instrumentation, cresting some truly haunting melodies. Graphics are mixed, which is somewhat excusable, given the games seemingly lower budget. Character modeling is decent, even good in places, but textures are sometimes muddy and ill-defined. Animations are janky, but in a way that oddly lends to the games surreal aesthetic. Much of the titles graphical shortcomings are made up for, in part, thanks to its excellent art direction. Story is strange, sometimes obtuse, but also compelling and engaging. Gameplay is fun and unique, thanks to the games use of an action-time prompt called the judgement ring, which permeates every aspect of the gameplay and encourages careful play due to its purposefully fickle nature. Overall, this is a must play for anyone looking for something to break up the mold of JRPG tropes and staleness.… Full Review »
  2. iKen
    Apr 12, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GOOD.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  3. VESF-18
    Aug 9, 2019
    10
    Best RPG I have ever played. Story, ambient, characters, combat system, music... all of it are perfect.
    My favorite game of all time, RPG or    Best RPG I have ever played. Story, ambient, characters, combat system, music... all of it are perfect.
    My favorite game of all time, RPG or not RPG. A must play for everybody.    … Full Review »
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