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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AdamD.
    Nov 29, 2007
    10
    Astounding visual flair and gameplay that fuses Kirby with Mana, this game represents developers actually taking chances. If you're tired of looking down the sight of an M16, throw your support behind this gem.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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!
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. AndyK.
    Oct 5, 2007
    9
    Great title with beautiful graphics, groundbreaking design and gameplay.
  8. RobH.
    Dec 15, 2007
    9
    I have played quite a bit of this game and i really have enjoyed it. It is not at the top of my list of games i have to have but i feel it was worth the sixty dollars. however this game is not enough to pull a significant amout of time from puzzle quest.
  9. RasmusB.
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    Just simply amazing storytelling and awsome grapics, one of the best games on consoles for this year.
  10. AndyC.
    Oct 20, 2007
    9
    This game is really good. It has a great storyline and the cut scenes are like nothing I have ever seen before. The only problem with this game is the slight pause when switching between folk. If you have a PS3 then this is at least a must rent if not a must buy.
  11. DannAustin
    Mar 5, 2008
    8
    An amazing title for RPG fans. The graphics and music is amazing, the use of the AXIS function brilliant. It's an addictive game, but having to play the same levels and beat the same bosses twice (once with each character) to advance a somewhat confusing and dull story bring down the replay value. Still, it's such a great looking game and the battle system is so fun, you'llAn amazing title for RPG fans. The graphics and music is amazing, the use of the AXIS function brilliant. It's an addictive game, but having to play the same levels and beat the same bosses twice (once with each character) to advance a somewhat confusing and dull story bring down the replay value. Still, it's such a great looking game and the battle system is so fun, you'll pump plenty of hours into it.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. AndyW.
    Dec 21, 2007
    9
    This game is ridiculously under-rated. The combat system is intuitive and fun, the gameplay is fun and challenging, the story is one of the ATG's and the graphics are very high quality. Great game.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. JasonA.
    Oct 5, 2007
    9
    dont listen to those rating this game lower than an 80, and if i were you i'd play the game to know it for myself. best next gen rpg out there. yes better than blue dragon and eternal sonata IMO.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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,
  28. Viper7seven
    Oct 27, 2007
    9
    This game is really difrend from many games that have been relased in nextgen platforms, it gives the player chance to explore the mysterious and beatifull village of Doolin and the 7 neatherworlds. The story is filled with mysterious twists and it keeps the player interested well trough the game. The battles in the neatherworld which are roughly 75% of the game are really enjoyable, This game is really difrend from many games that have been relased in nextgen platforms, it gives the player chance to explore the mysterious and beatifull village of Doolin and the 7 neatherworlds. The story is filled with mysterious twists and it keeps the player interested well trough the game. The battles in the neatherworld which are roughly 75% of the game are really enjoyable, altho there are difrend oppionions on to it as well. I suggest to play trough the demo to get the feeling. Ofcourse the demo doesnt offer as much when it comes to strenghtening your folks and your character but it gives good image of the battle system. The games linear maps are the only downside of this game, Visualy folklore is one of the most beatifull game ever made, its not that it has top notch graphics but all the folks, sceneries and places are really well made and artistic which generaly makes you slowly walk around the village or the neatherworlds once in a while you play the game.… Expand
  29. DavidN.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    Beautiful artwork and addictive gameplay
  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.
prev
Page:

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 »