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. Just RPG
    70
    The game features some really good concepts, but much of these could be easily overlooked because of the load times and slow-down.
  2. GameZone
    69
    It’s like the song says, “Load times killed the video star.” In this case a well-planned, well-executed RPG caught in a cluster of technical idiosyncrasies.
  3. GamerNode
    67
    To summarize, this is not a game for everyone; it has its load times and a learning curve that can throw the average user at first.
  5. ZTGD
    65
    If you can get past the snail pace caused by loading, there is a truly great game here just waiting to be tapped.
  6. Play Magazine
    60
    I'd like to recommend Spectral Souls for such an occasion, but unless you're a hardcore SRPG junkie, it might be more frustration than relaxation. [Oct. 2006, p.65]
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  7. GameSpy
    60
    Strategy titles are already known for their deliberate pace, which may mean that strategy gamers, with their large reserves of patience, will be better equipped to deal with the load-time interruptions, but the effect is very disruptive to gameplay.
  8. Deeko
    60
    It's almost like a Jekyll and Hyde syndrome. On one hand, you've got the worst load times found in the entire PSP library, yet you've got a decent game underneath this mess that, while not reinventing the genre in any way, seeks to provide the game with an entertaining experience and it's a struggle I don't believe many people will be able to deal with.
  9. Game Informer
    55
    Even the most patient of strategy nerds will be hard-pressed to maintain interest in Spectral Souls. [Nov. 2006, p.146]
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  10. Extreme Gamer
    55
    Spectral Souls is going to appeal to the fan who likes to take their time with an RPG and learn the intrictacies of the game. Spectral Souls expects you to invest a lot of time and if that's something you don't have you can safely put this one aside.
  11. IGN
    55
    A decent plot and gameplay elements (albeit somewhat repetitive) are consistently dragged down by constant load times, and only the most dogged or hardcore dedicated fans will disregard how plodding the game is.
  12. GamingTrend
    55
    If you are a hardcore SRPG gamer with the patience of a saint, you might be able to get through Spectral Souls: Resurrection of the Ethereal Empires. There is a deep game somewhere in there.
  13. Worth Playing
    55
    It falls short of even being mediocre. Even though it presents some truly superb ideas, the game is destroyed by the incessant load times, which should have been addressed long before its release date.
  14. GamePro
    50
    A landmark in programming incompetence. Exclusive or not, it's a bigger embarrassment than any retro port could have been.
  15. GameShark
    50
    A game only for the most hardcore RPG gamer with an endless supply of patience. The gameplay itself is pretty solid and the game's unique elements make for a lot of fun, but this technical issue can prove to be a deal breaker for many players.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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