Resonance of Fate

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 109
  3. Negative: 17 out of 109
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  1. m3xc
    Jul 17, 2012
    9
    This game is a breath of fresh air for RPGs. It is esoteric, as in, it will appeal most to those who associate RPGs with games like Final Fantasy or Parasite Eve- Mainly, the original Parasite Eve. What makes this game so addicting are the grid system (using hexes to unlock areas on a map- think of using hexes like puzzle pieces), the gameplay that is more formulaic than repetitive, andThis game is a breath of fresh air for RPGs. It is esoteric, as in, it will appeal most to those who associate RPGs with games like Final Fantasy or Parasite Eve- Mainly, the original Parasite Eve. What makes this game so addicting are the grid system (using hexes to unlock areas on a map- think of using hexes like puzzle pieces), the gameplay that is more formulaic than repetitive, and little things that may take a bit of time to get used to but once comprehended can lead to some epic battles. The graphics are reminiscent of Shadow Hearts or Final Fantasy VIII, however; a gripe I have is that the customized weapons (another interesting facet) do not appear in the battle. The only major fault in the game is when the team goes into what is called "critical condition," where recovery is nigh-impossible, and the boss battles will seem equally impossible if someone can't get the battle system down.

    To summarize: Resonance of Fate has to be the most innovative RPG I have played on the XBOX 360, incorporating so many elements that to those few players who are looking for RPGs that play more like older RPG games this is practically perfect. It does get pretty technical when it comes to weapon customization and battle mechanics, however, it is easy enough to figure out if one has patience. The story is a bit banal, not because of being cliche, it's just nothing very interesting or compelling: the cut scenes are pretty short. Even so and much regardless, this is a definite must have for fans of action RPGs who don't mind having to work with a game that is very unique and standalone.    … Expand
  2. SwoopTrust
    Nov 13, 2011
    9
    Only thing preventing this game from getting a 10 is how utterly complicated the battle mechanics are, and a mid game that's a little boring. Other than that, it's pretty good, and you should give it a try.
  3. Boeboe
    Mar 26, 2010
    8
    This is actually a really decent game. The only thing that puts off a lot of people is the incredibly steep learning curve, but once you master the combat mechanics (don't worry, the boss battles will still be nightmarishly difficult) you get a VERY fun, yet challenging game. The music is quite catchy without ever becoming boring. The storyline is vague because each chapter tells a This is actually a really decent game. The only thing that puts off a lot of people is the incredibly steep learning curve, but once you master the combat mechanics (don't worry, the boss battles will still be nightmarishly difficult) you get a VERY fun, yet challenging game. The music is quite catchy without ever becoming boring. The storyline is vague because each chapter tells a different story, but there is a lot of humorous moments without becoming too "Japanesque". This game was released shortly after FF13 and in my opinion Resonance of Fate is the game to choose if you are a true rpg lover looking for a challenge.… Expand
  4. roachtbp
    Dec 4, 2017
    8
    I enjoyed this game. The graphics were good and the music was great. But of the 3 main characters, I only found Leanne to be interesting. I found most of the NPCs you meet in the game to be boring, except Pater, who is hilarious!!! Also, the main villain in the game wasn't epic (I like an epic main enemy, like Kefka from FF6). The story itself is pretty sparse, with lots ofI enjoyed this game. The graphics were good and the music was great. But of the 3 main characters, I only found Leanne to be interesting. I found most of the NPCs you meet in the game to be boring, except Pater, who is hilarious!!! Also, the main villain in the game wasn't epic (I like an epic main enemy, like Kefka from FF6). The story itself is pretty sparse, with lots of meaningless (though often funny) events occurring throughout the game that have nothing to do with the main story. And now for the gameplay: This is a very different JRPG. The battle system was so different from anything I had played before that I was confused at first, but it doesn't take too long to figure it out. After I figured out the battle system, I loved it! I had so much fun with it (at least at first - by the end of the game the battle system starts to feel a bit repetitive and grindy). It is VERY fun to customize your guns and make some super-powerful weapons. The game also has a pretty good crafting system where you can make ammo, grenades, accessories, etc. Lastly, you can find clothing for you characters and change their appearance. Clothing in no way affects their statistics and is actually pointless unless you enjoy customizing your character's appearance. Overall, I thought the game was good, and if you enjoy JRPGs you should definitely give this a try.… Expand
  5. Mucki
    Dec 22, 2014
    9
    One of the best RPGs of the last generation. The combat system is what really makes it stand out. I can see why many people didn't enjoy it, since the game does have a steep learning curve and does not explain itself very well, but once you understand how the combat system works, it opens up so much for the game. The story is very interesting and is one of the few games I actually paidOne of the best RPGs of the last generation. The combat system is what really makes it stand out. I can see why many people didn't enjoy it, since the game does have a steep learning curve and does not explain itself very well, but once you understand how the combat system works, it opens up so much for the game. The story is very interesting and is one of the few games I actually paid attention to all the cutscenes to figure out the lore. What's holding this game back from a 10 is the level design in dungeons is very repetitive, and you'll sometimes find yourself fighting the exact same enemy force in the exact same tileset. Otherwise, I love it.… Expand
  6. nickytheford
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    This Game has a very intricate combat system that provides a extreme depth in the tools it gives you it has the most unique system I've ever seen,The music is impressive and sets the mood for the game. the graphic in this game are nice the maps give this game an set mood and the cinematic scenes in battle give of a feeling of epicness. the story in this game is by far the best ive everThis Game has a very intricate combat system that provides a extreme depth in the tools it gives you it has the most unique system I've ever seen,The music is impressive and sets the mood for the game. the graphic in this game are nice the maps give this game an set mood and the cinematic scenes in battle give of a feeling of epicness. the story in this game is by far the best ive ever seen in a video game the story and development is very subtle though unlike most rpgs it wont outright state who the "Bad guy"is and you are not necessarily the good guys the game The game will throw you off in the beginning with a lot of nothingness ,nut throughout the story you will see different themes reflected in characters(7 deadly sins,responsibility ,hopelessness ,grief,regret) ,Even the Npc will have small character development over time and the game world as a whole is a symbol, the game has a lot of twists that go on behind the scenes that may be missed if you're not paying attention.The storytelling of this game is he best i have ever seen.Overall the deep and strategic combat mixed with the thematic music and fitting locations makes this game great but what really did it for me was the story ,this is my favorite game of all time and i highly recommend it… Expand
  7. HighChronicler
    Dec 24, 2014
    10
    This game is awesome.

    This is the best example of how storytelling can be done in a game. The characters all have a depth lacked by most other RPGs.

    Each aspect as this is unique:
    The method of Story Telling
    Exploration on the World Map
    Combat, oh the Combat.
    Crafting.

    Each of these makes the small flaws in the game not worth mentioning. Easily the best game on the X-box 360.
  8. ThePatientOne
    Jul 24, 2015
    9
    A fantastic game that still leaves an impression with me today. I have never been able to enjoy JRPG's due to their predictability, similar plot lines, and stagnating combat systems. However, I picked this one up on a whim a few years ago during the gaming dry season and was hooked until the end.

    STORY The main story (at best) is confusing. It seems that the main narrative was pushed    A fantastic game that still leaves an impression with me today. I have never been able to enjoy JRPG's due to their predictability, similar plot lines, and stagnating combat systems. However, I picked this one up on a whim a few years ago during the gaming dry season and was hooked until the end.

    STORY
    The main story (at best) is confusing. It seems that the main narrative was pushed to the background to explore the interaction between the three protagonists. This is not a bad thing at all however.
    The comedy, drama, romance, and action that the story pushes will have you staying up another hour wanting to see what the next chapter is like. This is done in a very 'anime' way though, so if you find this form of story telling grating, I would mark it down a point or two.

    GAMEPLAY
    The first part of the game is difficult. Very difficult. The difficulty curve seems reversed as you progress through the game, with almost impossible enemies at the beginning, with seemingly placid enemies at the end.

    But this is not the case.

    The beauty of this game comes with its ability to stay consistently difficult throughout most of the play-through and reward the player for using the game mechanics to their advantage. Specialising your characters, using the map, using over-world stat boosts, weapon mods; all must be taken into consideration.

    The only flaw I will give to it is that it didn't explain these concepts to me explicitly enough. Personally I quite liked it, as it gave me reason to experiment with the tools at hand. However, from a design view, this is a major flaw for the wider audience.

    But lets be frank, it's fun to jump in the air whilst doing a side flip, shooting a mutant robot and bouncing it of the floor 12 times. How can that not be?

    GRAPHICS
    The game takes a steam punk aesthetic withing a dying city and somehow makes it look new and magical. Graphically, it still stands up today (albeit limited to 720p) with character clothing customisation being the main attraction. With combat looking this good, the characters need to look just as.

    SUMMARY
    Pros
    - Deep and fun combat
    - Great characters
    - Touching/Fun Story.
    - Character customisation.

    Cons
    - Very difficult learn the combat.

    OVERALL
    A fantastic game and a hidden gem that should be in an JRPG Collectors library. Get past that combat wall, and you will be rewarded with an experience like no other game.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
76
#76 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 43
  3. Negative: 1 out of 43
  1. RPG Fan
    78
    Overall, Resonance of Fate is a good game that took many risks in order to bring some new ideas to the JRPG market, while maintaining some traditional gameplay mechanics.
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  2. 9Lives
    81
    Resonance of Fate breathes new life into the stagnating JRPG genre with a unique battle system that unites real-time and turn-based combat. Visually the game might not excel and the steep learning curve may mean it's not for everyone, but the strong, strategic gameplay more than make up for these little downsides. JRPG fans who don't mind getting their hands dirty should pick this up.
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  3. Eurogamer
    80
    A hugely interesting game, as fascinating as it is frequently frustrating, as engaging as it is eccentric and, for those who are hooked by its quirky charms, it will provide one of the most inspired approaches to the JRPG seen in a decade.
    Read full review
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