Opoona

Its unique style and lighthearted charm set it apart in a genre increasingly filled with dark, somber epics.

RPGs are really under-represented on Wii; Opoona bucks the trend with style. [Sept 2008, p.81]

Opoona is one of those once-a-generation type games -- for many hardcore RPG fans this will be a bit of a letdown, but for others it could easily be heightened to the level of the Mother series if another game does come out.

If Opoona had a more motivating story and more enjoyable in-game tasks, it would rank as one of the best RPGs of the past five years, due in no small part to its innovative battle system and unique in-game world.

Casual RPGers may or may not latch onto this one, but longtime fans of the genre will should pick up Opoona without hesitation.

For every negative aspect of the game that inspires burning frustration to spew forth from your lips, there are plenty of things to like about Opoona.

If all you expect from your RPGs is groundbreaking graphics and tear-shedding cinematics, then Opoona is definitely not for you. On the other hand, if you look for a RPG that dares to stray far from the established rules of the genre, then this hidden gem in the Wii library might just be what you need, and is sure to provide loads of enjoyment -- as long as you know that it has some flaws before you jump in.

While Opoona boasts nice backgrounds and music, and is fundamentally solid, it's definitely rough around the edges. [Apr 2008, p.87]

Landroll is a great planet to explore. Opoona's design aesthetic is fantastic, and the world gives off a sort of Phantasy Star Online vibe.

Opoona has enough character that, combined with its innovative combat and leisurely pace through an interesting world, it is comfortably its own experience. [June 2008, p.93]

It may not be for everyone, but for fans of old-school RPGs, especially those who are sick of spiky-haired, angstful teenaged protagonists, it's well worth the $50 price tag.

Another six months in development and a little play-testing would have done Opoona the world of good - and from the inconsequential whimper of its arrival at retail, the wait could hardly have hurt - but as it stands, this is an able RPG that's brought down by some questionable design decisions.

Opoona doesn't break a lot of new ground, but the charming characters and bonbon battle system give it a distinctive flavor.

It looks good, it's easy to play, and there's a lot to do. If you don't mind random battles, you'll probably find the game to be enjoyable in spite of its many faults.

Opoona is yet another example of a game where very little is actually broken, but very little is noticeably good, either.

Tedium and aimlessness cast a shadow on Opoona's glowing charm.

Opoona has a great deal of potential, but it's too frustrating to properly recommend. A missed opportunity. [Aug 2008, p.96]

It's incredibly hard not to spend hours just wandering about the beautiful rooms that form the foundations of Opoona's play, but it's just a shame that most of the time there's little to do in them.

Opoona offers to younger players a simple control mechanic, fun to use in combat. Even so, the missions are very repetitive and the random combats could not be the best to captivate new players, who usually prefer more paced action. [Oct 2008]

A competent RPG that is hampered by several minor flaws. The controls are simple to pick up, and battles are quick and enjoyable. Some players however will get frustrated by the repetitive nature of the job licenses, the translation issues and the lack of a detailed map. If you don't have high expectations though, then there's enough on offer to keep you interested.

Though Opoona is original and exciting, there are too many problems for it to be anything more than an interesting diversion. [May 2008, p.84]

Give credit to Opoona for trying to wedge a lot of new ideas into its paper thin premise, but the half baked 'lifestyle' elements can't hide the fact that it's a very simplistic and ultimately uninteresting RPG.

You can comfortably sit back and settle into the sofa during your time with Opoona. [Aug 2008, p.102]

For most of us, though, Opoona is a curiosity - it's charming, strange and often fun, but too shallow and stretched out to make for a genuinely engrossing RPG experience. [JPN Import]

Opoona is stuck in a rather unfortunate position. The problem is that hardcore RPG fans looking for Wii RPGs will grow bored quite quickly and newcomers to the genre might not even want to play an RPG in the first place.

Within Opoona there is a really original game fighting to be discovered. Unfortunately the technical issues contained within and a mundane RPG battle system dimishes the overall gaming experience.

Go to your local game store, hand the clerk your money, and buy something other than Opoona. [Apr 2008, p.95]

Opoona's flaws are hard to ignore, but I at least had a decent time with it. [may 2008, p.78]

As an RPG, it's pretty standard, yet it manages to be just plain comforting thanks to its quirky looks and sounds -- and even its easy one-handed control option.

Beyond its intriguing battle system, Opoona is simply a monotonous trawl through futuristic cities that never impress, luscious exteriors that are never allowed to impress, gameplay that makes Crazy Frog Racer 2 look impressive, and an anorexic storyline that only succeeds in impressing on the player that the 30 hours required to drag themselves over the finish line will be lost in the pits of gaming hell forever.

If you've got kids who you reckon would benefit from an introduction to Japanese RPGs, there are far worse places to start. But for Christ's sake, let them use an FAQ for the indoor sections.