Folklore

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2007
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 192 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 192
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 192
  3. Negative: 21 out of 192
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  1. FreeRPGer
    Sep 5, 2023
    10
    Folklore, simply put, is an overlooked gem. Sadly, it's not even overlooked due to the developers, Game Republic, or the game itself. It's overlooked due the shortcomings of Sony's 1st sad year of releasing an overpriced PS3 (at $599 in 2006). The system didn't sell well in its 1st year, and so neither did the game in 2007.
    What's more, Sony's review board canceled the idea of a Folklore    Folklore, simply put, is an overlooked gem. Sadly, it's not even overlooked due to the developers, Game Republic, or the game itself. It's overlooked due the shortcomings of Sony's 1st sad year of releasing an overpriced PS3 (at $599 in 2006). The system didn't sell well in its 1st year, and so neither did the game in 2007.
    What's more, Sony's review board canceled the idea of a Folklore sequel, due to poor sales (which was Sony's fault in the 1st place), which in turn killed Game Republic.
    If you find this on the cheap (or even not on the cheap), don't pass this up. If you love Faery or Celtic lore, this'll be right up your alley, with unique gameplay, to boot. This is the best I've seen the SixAxis controls implemented in a game, to capture IDs (souls), then use them for battle weapons.
    With Celtic faery art along the lines of Brian Froud, and a Celtic story to match, this is a true work of art. Also love the unique gameplay that implements the SixAxis well, and the story. I bought this new in mid 2008 when I got a PS3 (waited for a price drop), tampered with it, and I'm FINALLY playing it all the way thru in 2020 (& beat it), & I can say that this game more than holds up. This game still has a unique visual style & gameplay going for it, even now, 13 years later.
    Lastly, I LOVE the character designs, especially Ellen. She's a pure beauty, right down to her clothes.    … Expand
  2. WellEvil
    Jun 18, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game with a huge focus on story, characters, and world-building. I don't remember the last time when the story absorbed me so much. Yes, there are a few bugs here are there, but nothing game-breaking. Usually minor visual glitches.… Expand
  3. ParanoydAndroyd
    Jun 6, 2023
    10
    I remember getting this game the day it came out. It launched a bit janky, but overall it ended up being one of the best PS3 semi-launch titles around. It's also a pretty rare game to find, and quite expensive these days. If you can deal with the PS3 graphics and tired gameplay mechanics based on today's standards, then you should definitely give this game a try. Also it has two playableI remember getting this game the day it came out. It launched a bit janky, but overall it ended up being one of the best PS3 semi-launch titles around. It's also a pretty rare game to find, and quite expensive these days. If you can deal with the PS3 graphics and tired gameplay mechanics based on today's standards, then you should definitely give this game a try. Also it has two playable characters with separate campaigns.… Expand
  4. ReviewsAreBS
    Feb 16, 2023
    8
    Underrated gem on the PS3 and the best (and perhaps only) one that made good use of the SIXAXIS motion control. It’s a shame the studio shutdown, a sequel would’ve been amazing.
  5. frederik1478
    Nov 13, 2022
    8
    I really enjoyed my time with this game even if the gameplay got boring at some point but I do understand why the general audience didn't go for it.

    The game has some good environment to sign from Ireland and some good music that makes it feel so atmospheric. I did enjoy just standing around and looking around which is really amazing. The game play with the spirits is interesting and I    I really enjoyed my time with this game even if the gameplay got boring at some point but I do understand why the general audience didn't go for it.

    The game has some good environment to sign from Ireland and some good music that makes it feel so atmospheric. I did enjoy just standing around and looking around which is really amazing.

    The game play with the spirits is interesting and I enjoyed collecting and levelling up but sadly realise that you don't really need it so much because the bosses are mostly puzzled the side so they are really good and interesting. I mean the boss were one of my favourite parts of the game, but it don't really really need so much. Hi help to defeat them all the different spirits are fun to use in some ways.

    The story is really interesting. I enjoyed my way all the way through and has some really fun turns the two characters are interacting with some really interesting characters. You know just that kind of Small Town character. you enjoyed man main character is a delight to look at and talk. It is good.

    But my biggest problem with the game is that you're basically Playing It 2 times and a second time is not fun and the first because there's not really enough differences to make it different , It Just feels like the same game just played a slightly different way, so I will say I got at the most bort the second town around.    … Expand
  6. Dragonlewa59
    Jun 12, 2021
    10
    Gameplay: 9.5/10
    Story: 10/10
    Graphics:9.5/10
    Innovations:10/10
    Sounds:9.8/10
    This is probabably the most underrated game of all time. Revolutionary gameplay, incredible story,
  7. CastleNerevar
    Feb 3, 2021
    9
    I came here to sing the praises of this game. It is HEAVILY overlooked when talking about RPGs from the 7th generation of game consoles but my god this is one that every PS3 owner needs to play.
  8. neko555
    Sep 26, 2020
    5
    Sin ser nada del otro mundo en jugabilidad o historia (remarcar que es de los poquísimos juegos de ps3 que hacen uso del giroscopio y acelerómetro del sixasis) el juego esta bastante bien,
    Para mí el problema viene con lo tedioso de estar teniendo que repetir los capítulos con ambos personajes cambiando apenas nada. De no ser por eso, para mi sería un juego de 7-8 sin problema.
  9. SaadAnime
    Sep 22, 2020
    8
    FOLKLORE is a hidden gem indeed, this game is so much fun with an interesting world and characters and the story is solid, the gameplay is nice to say but still a great game overall.
  10. Broyax
    Apr 12, 2017
    0
    Bah... c'est quoi ce machin...? une japoniaiserie ! une espèce de jeu d'aventure niais pour ados écervelés. Caméra fixe, carte mal fichue, cinématiques sous forme de bandes dessinées (pas assez d'argent, on dirait un jeu "indépendant"...). Graphismes acceptables (enfin faut pas être bien difficile) et musique lancinante non désactivable aussi niaise que le reste.

    De façon surprenante,    Bah... c'est quoi ce machin...? une japoniaiserie ! une espèce de jeu d'aventure niais pour ados écervelés. Caméra fixe, carte mal fichue, cinématiques sous forme de bandes dessinées (pas assez d'argent, on dirait un jeu "indépendant"...). Graphismes acceptables (enfin faut pas être bien difficile) et musique lancinante non désactivable aussi niaise que le reste.

    De façon surprenante, le jeu est intégralement en français mais le doublage est très inégal et ne peut prétendre rivaliser avec les Triple A habituels, loin de là. Mais surtout, ce qu'on en retiendra, on ne peut pas vous le dire : on s'est endormi au bout d'un petit quart d'heure.    … Expand
  11. thepatient613
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    I praise this game mainly for it's appealing visuals and interesting characters. The storyline was actually not half bad either! It's kind of dated now but I assure you it's still worth at least a playtrough. We need more original games like this!
  12. MTOrion
    Dec 10, 2015
    10
    I've always seen it, but never had the chance to pick it up, ended up buying it awhile back played it all the way through. Loved it. Beautiful graphics for a ps3 for title, well done story, and unique characters. All around great game.
  13. Anbalsilfer
    Dec 2, 2015
    10
    This brilliant game is one of the most overlooked masterpieces of the last decade in the game industry. Released as a PS3 exclusive designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the console at release, Game Republic Inc. demonstrated a boldness and integrity with the design of this pearl that is seldom seen in the industry these days. The aesthetic appeal is amazing and the visual styleThis brilliant game is one of the most overlooked masterpieces of the last decade in the game industry. Released as a PS3 exclusive designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the console at release, Game Republic Inc. demonstrated a boldness and integrity with the design of this pearl that is seldom seen in the industry these days. The aesthetic appeal is amazing and the visual style highly original, the tactical gameplay rich and deep, and the story is philosophically interesting as well as emotionally engrossing. If this game leaves you untouched, you are dead inside.

    The only drawbacks are that the story can get somewhat confusing or feel a bit strained sometimes, and the gameplay has a tendency to get mildly repetitive. Regardless, anyone who regards video games as a legitimate form of art owes it to themselves to play this work of art.    … Expand
  14. BaronMonaco
    Aug 3, 2015
    7
    Folklore was pretty much ignored by the public at its release and that's a shame cause this new IP had a lot to offer starting by a quite original gameplay (sort of mix between Pokemon and classic A-RPG) you collect each type of enemy you encounter and then use them to attack (everyone of them having one unique attack) adding some tactic to the fights. The game is also one of the few thatFolklore was pretty much ignored by the public at its release and that's a shame cause this new IP had a lot to offer starting by a quite original gameplay (sort of mix between Pokemon and classic A-RPG) you collect each type of enemy you encounter and then use them to attack (everyone of them having one unique attack) adding some tactic to the fights. The game is also one of the few that made a good use of the Sixaxis controller. My only complaint about the gameplay would be the difficulty or better said the absence of it.

    The atmosphere of the game is quite original and charming too, with great design on the folks and folklores (faerys and bosses) lovely music, all of this enhanced with astonish graphics for the time and globally a beyond reproach technical side (0 bugs, steady framerate, etc.).
    The story is also pretty good and interesting with original point of view on ghost, imagination and afterlife themes while providing a good mystery, unfortunately the absence of voice overs in the big majority of the game take away some immersion and was very PSone-ish.

    But what "ruined" (I still had a nice time playing it as my mark prove so) the game in my opinion was the mandatory "do over" of the first 5 chapters. Let me explain myself without spoiling anything, the game offers two playable characters, each with their own storyline but doing the same missions (except some unique folks for both of them) and once you've reached chapter 6 you cannot continue until you've done all the previous chapters with the other character. That made the second playthrough quite boring and exhausted the Sixaxis mechanics. At the end the game lasted approximately 15 hours and 6 of them were "deja vue". So it's not much for the genre and you'll most certainly don't want to replay it again before a long time.

    In conclusion this game is recommended for all the players looking for original gameplay and immersive universe, but be aware of its big failure in game design.    … Expand
  15. Ogmios232
    Apr 5, 2015
    9
    This 2007 game has stunning graphics, amazing sad storyline and very engaging combat system. I am utterly amazed by the art and diverse enemies. The combat system is amazing, you summon folks/creatures to fight for you. Since each creature has a specific unique attack, it makes game play very diverse. Players can choose specific folks that suits their combat style and progress. This gameThis 2007 game has stunning graphics, amazing sad storyline and very engaging combat system. I am utterly amazed by the art and diverse enemies. The combat system is amazing, you summon folks/creatures to fight for you. Since each creature has a specific unique attack, it makes game play very diverse. Players can choose specific folks that suits their combat style and progress. This game is hard, but I can;t help but think that even if it is hard, it still remains fair. The difficulty matches the storyline. Some games out there have insane mind blowing story lines but the gameplay does not match the environment and it ruins the whole gameplay experience. Folklore has a good balance of difficulty and story line which makes it better than most games.

    It makes me sad that Game Republic had to shut down due to low sales. This game is truly a diamond in the rough that is under appreciated.    … Expand
  16. sanluis20
    Mar 4, 2015
    8
    Folklore is a fantastic game, but there are some things I didn't like about it. Here are some positives and negatives.

    Positives -Fantastic story! It's similar to Heavy Rain, although a little less darker. -Combat is fun. Basically you fight different folk and obtain them as a power that you can use. You can also level them up by defeating that same folk. -Nice balance between    Folklore is a fantastic game, but there are some things I didn't like about it. Here are some positives and negatives.

    Positives
    -Fantastic story! It's similar to Heavy Rain, although a little less darker.
    -Combat is fun. Basically you fight different folk and obtain them as a power that you can use. You can also level them up by defeating that same folk.
    -Nice balance between linear and non-linear play. There are some areas for exploration, but there is linear play too.
    -Graphics and surroundings look fantastic. You can tell the developers put a lot of emphasis on the colors present and it shows.

    Negatives
    -No voice acting! Well at least very little. This is perhaps my biggest problem with the game. It's borderline PS1 with all the reading.
    -Game is quite difficult, which would keep casual gamers away. They should have put difficulty options for all gamers.

    Overall
    It's a fun game, definitely worth the pick-up if you own a PS3
    8.5/10    … Expand
  17. Arthur_S_Poe
    Feb 12, 2015
    9
    Although initially skeptical towards the game, I decided to give it a try and I was amazed at how good it actually was. With a brilliant storyline with an interesting mystery, 'Folkore' offers much more than your average Fantasy RPG. It starts of quite calmly, almost like a somewhat bizarre version of Carroll's 'Alice', but as you go along, the story becomes more intense, the charactersAlthough initially skeptical towards the game, I decided to give it a try and I was amazed at how good it actually was. With a brilliant storyline with an interesting mystery, 'Folkore' offers much more than your average Fantasy RPG. It starts of quite calmly, almost like a somewhat bizarre version of Carroll's 'Alice', but as you go along, the story becomes more intense, the characters get shaped by the plot itself and you get to experience a fantastic game in the imaginatively crafted world of 'Folklore'. The only issue you could have with the game, which does explain my score, is that the two game-lines, Ellen's and Keats', are quite similar and, although there are differences, playing the almost same level twice (which is mandatory in order to complete the game) can get a little boring. But, nevertheless, a great game and I'm quite sad that there aren't more like it.… Expand
  18. SunRider
    Jun 29, 2014
    8
    This is truly a unique game, I liked a lot the way how you're collecting Folks (your army), feels like you're fishing with dual shock :)
    Graphically, I'd never say it's a 2007. game, atmosphere and music are close to perfect.
    The only thing that annoyed me occasionally was leveling Folks up, and I have to admit that chapters between Ellen and Keits could be a little more distinctive.    This is truly a unique game, I liked a lot the way how you're collecting Folks (your army), feels like you're fishing with dual shock :)
    Graphically, I'd never say it's a 2007. game, atmosphere and music are close to perfect.
    The only thing that annoyed me occasionally was leveling Folks up, and I have to admit that chapters between Ellen and Keits could be a little more distinctive.
    Advice for all of you planning to play it - play 2 chapters with one character and then 2 with the other, to avoid boredom.
    Overall, very good and highly enjoyable game.    … Expand
  19. djrussell
    Jun 15, 2014
    9
    Easily one of the most unique and underrated games of last generation. Folklore is an amazing fantasy game... I'm not a big fan of the genre but something about the gameplay, story and visual style captivated me completely. A game I think everyone should check out.
  20. YoutubeTGW
    Feb 21, 2014
    5
    I like how you can play as both main characters and follow each story. The graphic and design are simply beautiful seeing the change from dull Doolin to this colorful magical realm I like how dark the story is..but the combat could of been altered a little better
  21. Whitemonk00
    Jan 21, 2014
    10
    Awesome game a must play. I've play through multiple times so far n I get to say the story line is amazing gets me hooked everytime lol. The only thing that sucks is getting karma
  22. Unclegrim
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    One of my all time favorite games PERIOD! Its unique gameplay along with its breath taking visuals by itself make it a great game, but its story that sets it apart! if your looking for a new fascinating story with beautiful graphics look to folklore!
  23. skeith
    Aug 2, 2012
    7
    This is not really a RPG as for there is not much rpg elements. The story is not bad but the way it presents is quite uninspiring, lack of voice acting maybe? Fighting is quite fun, you get to catch your enemies and use them. Setting in the game is not that "epic", the whole story is happening in a small village, and a few small realms. Overall, a quite decent game, but not enough to be great.
  24. Aronos
    Feb 3, 2012
    9
    Wow! This game was brilliant. I just got done playing it, (yes it came out in 2007, and I'm writing this in 2012 lol)
    Anyway, this game was near perfect, at least for me. The graphics were exceptional for a semi-launch title, as long as you don't get too close on character faces. The music fits very well with tracks for talking, environments, and bosses. The gameplay and story is where    Wow! This game was brilliant. I just got done playing it, (yes it came out in 2007, and I'm writing this in 2012 lol)
    Anyway, this game was near perfect, at least for me. The graphics were exceptional for a semi-launch title, as long as you don't get too close on character faces. The music fits very well with tracks for talking, environments, and bosses. The gameplay and story is where this game really makes an impact. Before buying the game, I didn't know practically anything about it. However this game does a fantastic job with pacing, mixing in clever situations, the writing never gets dull and always keeps you interested and wondering what's next and who dunnit, optional quests, items, and a very excellent difficulty curve. My only little gripe with the game is the feeling that the XAxis motion control parts were a little tacked-on. The game forces you to use multiple directions and motions for absorbing the Ids from the tougher and bigger enemies, and bosses. I would normally be fine with it, but during many times they have you fighting multiple enemies that require you to absorb their Ids as others are fighting you. The game doesn't pause, so if you really want their Ids, which isn't neccessary, but really rewarding. Then you have the near impossibility of either killing all but one, or some how passing the motion test without getting hit by the other enemies, as that cancels your attempt.
    Long story short, this game was a real "hidden gem" or game that most people owe it to themselves to check out. You don't have to buy it, but at least play this fantastic game, where the use of motion comics, CG cutscenes, art, interesting areas, amazing sountrack, and story that is probably the most interesting to playthrough I have been through in awhile.    … Expand
  25. loyal_drudge
    Jul 19, 2011
    10
    Folklore is an astonishing game that i just love to play. The graphics are amazing and the story line is laid out nicely. It's especially hilarious when you are capturing an ID of a folklore and you have to thrust the controller upwards as hard as you can which will sometimes hit yourself in the face if you don't pay enough attention to what you're doing. The designs for the Folks are alsoFolklore is an astonishing game that i just love to play. The graphics are amazing and the story line is laid out nicely. It's especially hilarious when you are capturing an ID of a folklore and you have to thrust the controller upwards as hard as you can which will sometimes hit yourself in the face if you don't pay enough attention to what you're doing. The designs for the Folks are also amazing, they all look different and at the same time have different abilities. With nearly a hundred different Folks at your control, you have thousands of combos for different worlds and Folklore's. I love this game most of all, i would like more cut-scenes though, just a couple than a comic book view isn't that well, but this is still a pretty amazing game overall. And anyone who doesn't like it, but other types of games, needs to learn to be diverse in games and learn to understand all of them.… Expand
  26. JohnF.
    Oct 8, 2009
    6
    Folklore is a love it or hate it type of game. There's definitely some things to like here -- cool artwork and a couple really creative boss fights, for starters. But the game just does too many things wrong. It forces you to play through most of the game twice. It forces you to use extremely annoying motion controls that feel like they were implemented just for the sake of having Folklore is a love it or hate it type of game. There's definitely some things to like here -- cool artwork and a couple really creative boss fights, for starters. But the game just does too many things wrong. It forces you to play through most of the game twice. It forces you to use extremely annoying motion controls that feel like they were implemented just for the sake of having motion controls, with the question "Is this fun?" being ignored. The story becomes muddled later in the game and leaves too many unanswered questions. Some people will be able to look past this stuff and still enjoy the game, but others won't.… Expand
  27. ericu
    Jul 7, 2008
    5
    I reall like adventure games...oblivion fable etc...but this game what a disappointment the storyline is mediocre at best & the game play is super repettitive u spend half the time killing a bunch of creatures (easily) so that u can power up your monster the problem is that there are a gazillion little monsters u control ( & need to power up) i am one of those types who always finishes a I reall like adventure games...oblivion fable etc...but this game what a disappointment the storyline is mediocre at best & the game play is super repettitive u spend half the time killing a bunch of creatures (easily) so that u can power up your monster the problem is that there are a gazillion little monsters u control ( & need to power up) i am one of those types who always finishes a game i am 3/4 thru but i don't know if i can finish it..… Expand
  28. MH
    Jun 20, 2008
    3
    Terrible. This is not a game, it's slightly more than a movie; meaning, this game is way too linear: no exploration whatever. The game forces you to go from A to B. I wonder if the creators ever played games like Kings Quest, or Gabriel Knight, or even Zelda. Those are what video games must have: Exploration. The point is to be able to freely roam and interact on a more than Terrible. This is not a game, it's slightly more than a movie; meaning, this game is way too linear: no exploration whatever. The game forces you to go from A to B. I wonder if the creators ever played games like Kings Quest, or Gabriel Knight, or even Zelda. Those are what video games must have: Exploration. The point is to be able to freely roam and interact on a more than superficial level. If I want to be led around on a leash, I'd watch a movie. Also, the fact that the characters don't talk, except in cut-scenes, is a huge minus. Had there been more interactivity, this might be overlooked. Wow, I could not get past the first 20 minutes. Folklore is that bad Sony: while improved graphics and colors are an important direction to go towards, if you completely rip out the sole of games, all meaning and enjoyment is lost and the product becomes a MERE LURE for hard-earned money to be thrown into a bottomless PIT. How any professional reviewer can, in good conscience, give this game more than a 6 becomes evident when $ is promised.… Expand
  29. JeremyW
    May 26, 2008
    9
    I like the game because of all the varied realms and I like how the game is a little creepy. I like the mystery in it. The way you get into realms is cool putting pictures and stuff like that into the henge.
  30. DanK
    Mar 11, 2008
    9
    Imaginative, whimsical, surreal, engrossing, and fairy tale are all words I'd use to describe this GEM of a game. GAME DAILY's score of 40 is absoultley absurd. The guy must be on Microsofts payroll to give it such a low score. At least rent this game, if you like action/adventure (It's not an RPG!) give this some time, its definatley worth the wait.
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS3 Game of 2007
13
#13 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
11
#11 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 55
  3. Negative: 1 out of 55
  1. Eurogamer
    50
    Folklore turns out to be one part boring adventure game, one part underdeveloped collect-em up, and one part standard dungeon crawl. The only aspect of the game that rises above the mundane is its technical polish and the vibrant creativity with which its imaginary worlds have been created - the vivid luminescence of the Fairy World, or the scratchy, Ian Miller-esque authenticity of the War World for example. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
  2. Computer and Video Games
    80
    Any tedium is overcome by the beauty of the game. It seems like PlayStation 3 has its first gem.
    Read full review
  3. Play Magazine
    90
    Evoking a sense of otherworldliness is, I am assuming, the reason Folklore exists, and it succeeds at this in an almost heartbreakingly beautiful way no other game ever has. [Oct 2007, p.70]
See all critic reviews »