Spectral Souls: Resurrection of the Ethereal Empires

 PSP
Metascore
47

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 27
  3. Negative: 11 out of 27
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  1. RPG Fan
    43
    One of the worst RPG experiences on the PSP, and one of the worst RPGs of the past few years. The terrible story, bland battle system, and the atrocious load times and slow down makes this Strategy RPG unbearable. And because of this, Spectral Souls is like eating your grandmother's fruitcake. It looks appetizing on the outside, but as you put it into your mouth, it's stale and hard to swallow.
  2. GamesRadar+
    40
    Spectral Souls is a true sob story. There's a perfectly serviceable game here, buried underneath one crucial problem.
  3. Gaming Nexus
    37
    You don't want this game, your friends don't want this game. In fact I don't think anyone wants this game.
  5. Console Gameworld
    35
    You will develop a new hatred for the words “disc access” five minutes into this game. Stay far away if you value your time or your sanity.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    33
    A game of chess could take forever, but when you pick up a piece, it doesn't take an hour to move it. But that's what Souls' slowdown-laden mess is like. Souls is one of the worst-optimized PS2-to-PSP ports I've played.
  7. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    30
    Outside studio Idea Factory developed Spectral Souls and it shows; NIS would be much better off sticking with its internal developers next time. [Nov. 2006, p.120]
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  8. 1UP
    30
    A system this young doesn't need any more titles like this potentially damaging its rep. The only thing keeping the game from absolute worthlessness is the fact that a competent SRPG can still be found within.
  9. GameBrink
    25
    So while the original SSII definitely has some merit, this PSP port of the same said title shares so little of the same experience and fun that it’s almost farcical that it even shares the same name. [JPN Import]
  10. TotalPlayStation
    20
    Pointless loading EVERYWHERE means the game just comes off as coded by monkeys rather than being something different. Stay away.
  11. Game Chronicles
    19
    I like the Final Fantasy Tactics games and was initially impressed with the presentation of Spectral Souls, but after the very first battle I was convinced that this game was going to be long and agonizing, and it was.
  12. Gaming Age
    16
    Spectral Souls had an awesome idea to allow the player to directly control the outcome of the game. Unfortunately, the execution of this title is done so poorly, it takes literally all of the fun out of the game.

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2006
24
#24 Most Shared PSP Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. DesignadoNerd
    Nov 10, 2022
    8
    Interessante, desafiante e o conceito de três exércitos trás um tempero pra estória.
    Pra quem gosta de grind, um prato cheio.
    Os bugs e quedas    Interessante, desafiante e o conceito de três exércitos trás um tempero pra estória.
    Pra quem gosta de grind, um prato cheio.
    Os bugs e quedas de frame me impedem de dar 10.
    Uma ótima pedida pra quem curte o estilo tactics.    … Full Review »
  2. Ayreos
    Nov 25, 2011
    10
    No loading times at all with an old PSP2001 model here. This game is faster for me than Final Fantasy Tactics and most other tactical RPGs,No loading times at all with an old PSP2001 model here. This game is faster for me than Final Fantasy Tactics and most other tactical RPGs, possibly because my cpu speed is set to 333Mhz. Not sure what to say about all the raging reviews about loading times. I guess the majority of the populace shudders at the very idea of having to fiddle just a tiny bit with their hardware configurations to better their play experience. Too bad for those people as this is a magnificent tactical RPG with an entertaining battle system and engrossing features they will never get to experience. I'm enjoying it more than any other tactical RPG i have played up to this day. It deserves a ten just to rub it in the faces of those people who enjoy beating cripples, but i doubt they will understand the metaphor anyway.… Full Review »
  3. CoffinSandman
    Sep 30, 2007
    8
    Sure, I do agree that the load times are pretty appalling, but any true strategy rpg fan has to agree that it's an excellent game once Sure, I do agree that the load times are pretty appalling, but any true strategy rpg fan has to agree that it's an excellent game once you look past them. It has a very deep and entertaining battle system, well thought out battles, great graphics, and a good sountrack. While the story is a bit derivative, It's fairly easy to get into without much complaint. Still, because of the load times, I can only recommend this to very devoted srpg junkies. If you fall into this category, check it out ASAP.… Full Review »
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