Spectral Force 3

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jul 29, 2008
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
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  1. GamesRadar+
    70
    But buried underneath the sometimes slopped-on content is fairly competent strategy game. It's challenging enough for serious gamers, but forgiving enough that you can go ahead a use your favorite Sorceress even if a goblin Warrior would be stronger.
  2. RPG Fan
    70
    If you really enjoy SRPGs and don't have anything on your plate at the moment, Spectral Force 3 is a decent buy.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    70
    The cartoonish, blocky graphics don't help, but constantly challenging gameplay and surprisingly smart A.I. make this a game that all strategy nuts will enjoy. [Oct 2008, p.85]
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  5. Planet Xbox 360
    69
    The achievement point set is one of the more frustrating yet. Though they mostly focus on just completing the game, you are likely to go over ten hours in before sniffing a single one.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    68
    I enjoyed Spectral Force 3 when I first started it up. I liked the old school tactical gameplay, and I was excited to see where it went. However, I was sorely disappointed when this game ended up going nowhere.
  7. 1UP
    67
    For all of Atlus' hype about the game's "full HD support," SF3 looks no better than your average PS2 title.
  8. Game Revolution
    67
    Pretty or not, no JRPG on the 360 has the edge on Spectral Force 3 in terms of gameplay. In other words, it has a great personality.
  9. TeamXbox
    63
    At budget-price, IF’s fantasy adventure is a consideration for sure, but those that don’t need Spectral Force 3 to complete some odd JRPG collection should save up their scratch for the big boys that will arriving in the fall.
  10. Destructoid
    60
    The game play is entertaining enough, and battles and missions provide callenges that keep you coming back. It's just that the lackluster presentation and boring story really hurt the overall package.
  11. GameSpot
    55
    Spectral Force 3 is a functional and predictable strategy RPG without a lick of personality.
  12. GameZone
    50
    Spectral Force 3 is a throwback to older days from the genre, but feels a bit too antiquated and uninteresting to be recommendable.
  13. GameSpy
    50
    Die-hard fans of the genre might be able to find some value, but those same fans would be better served by the likes of Final Fantasy Tactics A2 on the DS, which not only features superior gameplay, but is also about $30 cheaper.
  14. Gamervision
    50
    There might be some gleaming light beyond the inch-deep layer of grime and poor design, but it isn’t worth looking for.
  15. IGN
    49
    The graphics are outdated, the sound is abysmal and the presentation is so bad that it's laughable. While some may enjoy the old-school, turn-based gameplay, much more should be expected than what you get.
  16. GameCritics
    45
    In the end, Spectral Force 3 is more disappointing than bad.
  17. GamingTrend
    43
    It's obvious that they put little or no effort into developing this turd, and Atlus should be embarrassed charging a full $60 for it.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. thelawgiver
    Mar 9, 2011
    6
    This is a quirky little game with pretty bad graphics, almost no story, horrible voice acting and a sloppy main interface. However, the partThis is a quirky little game with pretty bad graphics, almost no story, horrible voice acting and a sloppy main interface. However, the part of the game that matters - the combat - is challenging and fun. There are TONS of characters, each with different strengths and weaknesses (although I think your original 6 or so remain the strongest throughout the game, so there is little need to use others). There are several different maps, each with different facets and challenges. Enemies also develop along with you, getting stronger and more complex. This is a competent SRPG, but don't get your hopes too high - this is no Final Fantasy Tactics.… Full Review »
  2. SebastianMcMillan90
    Jun 3, 2009
    9
    This is a great game, Sure it has about no plot and the "war" waging around you is just an overworld map with badly animated swords clashing!This is a great game, Sure it has about no plot and the "war" waging around you is just an overworld map with badly animated swords clashing! But hey, the gameplay is solid and fun as hell. I've beaten the game once and I'm still having a hellava hard time actually beating it agian because I have a completely new party from the one i chose last time because thiers so many characters to play (40+). While most of them are the same type just with a slight differnce (one sorcerress would push the oppenent away, another towards, another to the ground) it still makes the game hard when you have 3 mages and your fighting nothing but warriors! Pure awsome game.… Full Review »
  3. Andyman
    Oct 22, 2008
    2
    I'm a huge fan of the sRPG genre, and this game is among the worst I've ever played. How do you mess up the camera in a static-viewI'm a huge fan of the sRPG genre, and this game is among the worst I've ever played. How do you mess up the camera in a static-view turn-based game? The AI is a joke, the characters are dull, and the story is poor at best. Even the battles - an sRPG's bread and butter - are lifeless. Avoid this junk at all costs.… Full Review »
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