Crimson Gem Saga

 PSP
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Gaming Age
    91
    I'm really happy with Crimson Gem Saga. It goes right up there with Jeanne d'Arc as far as PSP RPGs go.
  2. Worth Playing
    88
    While many Atlus games tend to only appeal to niche audience of hardcore RPG gamers, Crimson Gem Saga is one of those approachable, fun and rewarding games that will appeal to hardcore players and more casual RPG fans alike.
  3. GamingTrend
    88
    If you are a fan of the classic 16-bit era of RPGs then you should definitely buy Crimson Gem Saga.
  5. RPG Fan
    86
    PSP owners who want a solid, fun, long-lasting, no-nonsense, traditional turn-based RPG will be served quite well with Crimson Gem Saga.
  6. GameZone
    85
    While the characters are not always that sympathetic, it is the gameplay that truly shines here. This is an entertaining and challenging portable RPG.
  7. IGN
    84
    It doesn't really do anything new, but it's so comfortable in its skin that that doesn't matter. It revels in its simplicity. And so did I.
  8. ZTGD
    84
    This is the RPG that PSP fans have been clamoring for since the system launched.
  9. GamePro
    80
    Crimson Gem Saga is as classic as modern RPGs come, but it also stands to remind why this genre has been so steadfast throughout the life of gaming.
  10. Kombo
    80
    Crimson Gem is a classic RPG that shines as brightly as the name implies.
  11. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    80
    The combat, however, does add a hint of freshness. [Aug 2009, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. TotalPlayStation
    80
    If you are looking for portable RPG goodness, both your time and money are well-invested if you choose Crimson Gem Saga.
  13. Gamervision
    78
    Crimson Gem Saga probably won’t win any awards for innovation, but it’s an enjoyable game from start to finish, and one I had trouble putting down.
  14. Cheat Code Central
    78
    The classic feel of the game does make grinding a little boring, and the story feels contrived at times, but this is a great title for those who crave a more classic approach to their RPG gaming.
  15. GameCritics
    75
    The word "original" may not apply, but the level of production and care taken in crafting Crimson Gem Saga is certainly noteworthy, especially in conjunction with the pure, reductive nature of its game design.
  16. SpazioGames
    74
    Quotation forthcoming.
  17. RPGamer
    70
    Despite its mostly average base components, Crimson Gem Saga is a surprisingly good game.
  18. Thunderbolt
    70
    Crimson Gem Saga proves just how much better a game can be if it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
  19. GamesRadar+
    70
    In short, CGS is a lot like its own hero, Killian - stuck in second place between mediocrity and exceptional.
  20. GamerNode
    70
    It can be a bit of a grind and won't wow players with its originality, but Matrix Software's Crimson Gem Saga is a fine traditional RPG experience that's easy to play and features an excellent user interface and attractive presentation.
  21. GameSpot
    50
    Crimson Gem Saga's cheery veneer quickly wears away to show a simple, uninspired role-playing game.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best PSP Game of 2009
26
#26 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2009
9
#9 Most Shared PSP Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 5 out of 36
  1. jwh
    Jun 12, 2009
    9
    I don't know what crack pipe the Gamespot reviewer and the other low-rating reviewers were smoking, but this game is wonderful. I have I don't know what crack pipe the Gamespot reviewer and the other low-rating reviewers were smoking, but this game is wonderful. I have played just about every RPG and turn-based tactical game out there for not only the PSP but also the DS and this one is fun and excellent. There is a TON of whimsical detail in the game world and the graphics are excellent. They are cartoony - but not in an off putting way and they rival easily any other RPG out there for either handheld platform. The game is challenging at some points but focuses on staying FUN (and I have played Dark Spire, Etrian Odyssey etc. and have beaten them....) and not level-grinding to an extreme degree - which I find nice (variation is always good game to game). I HIGHLY recommend this game to anyone looking for a fun, satisfying RPG experience that has a wide open world to explore (NOT LINEAR - Hooray!!!) and decent voice acting, fun character development (including being able to modify weapons) and a decent enough story. Some of the reviewers are either 1) not RPG people or 2) people who consider only one "type" of RPG to be true RPGs..... Trust me - get this game if you enjoy RPGs/Turn based fighting - you will not be disappointed.… Full Review »
  2. KOGFanstarks161
    May 30, 2020
    5
    Okay first of all. This game is not as good as everyone says. For one the story is unfinished except I bet no one know that because no oneOkay first of all. This game is not as good as everyone says. For one the story is unfinished except I bet no one know that because no one played the first game. While at follows the classic turn based combat it strips away a layer of complexity that the previous game had. which was area and locomotion control. The whole Isometric plain wasn't greatly executed. Also the amount of grinding one would have to do can sometimes be tedious… Full Review »
  3. ConstantineZ
    May 28, 2009
    10
    Excellent, light RPG. Charming story and visuals. Truly enjoyable, if somewhat easy, experience.
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