Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment

 Xbox 360
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. RPGamer
    80
    Vandal Hearts is an affirmation that a small company without gobs of funds can take a game premise and turn it into a true treasure.
  2. Game Over Online
    80
    Although the game relies heavily on conventions and standards of an era long gone by, it’s still a load of fun. Experienced RPG gamers may view it as a short and easy way to pass the time until the next big thing comes along and takes up another eighty or so hours of their lives.
  3. games(TM)
    80
    Excels where it counts thanks to its imaginative and engrossing battles. [Issue#93, p.120]
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  5. X-ONE Magazine UK
    80
    Superb. [Issue#56, p.105]
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  6. 9Lives
    79
    Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment may not be innovative, but it is a decent turn-based RPG, pleasing both the fans as the newcomers to the genre.
  7. Pelit (Finland)
    79
    A fun and tactical game that's easy to play. A bit too easy perhaps, but at least there's multiple endings for added value. [Apr 2010]
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  8. TeamXbox
    79
    Flames of Judgment is not a bad game. Visually, it’s got a distinct style, foregoing the usual anime style for a slightly more modern animated style that’s closer to some of the CGI cartoons you see on Saturday mornings.
  9. Game Informer
    75
    The disturbingly dwarf-sized characters may serve as an analogy for the game’s place among strategy RPGs: It’s shorter and uglier than most that have come before, but it’s also unique in a way that some will find charming.
  10. ZTGD
    75
    Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment is a solid edition to the downloadable libraries of both the PSN and XBLA. The SRPG genre is not overly represented on either service and this addition is comprised of both quality and substance.
  11. Kombo
    75
    However, if you're looking for a fast little RPG and you don't mind some grid-based combat and you can ignore the chibis, then Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment is just what you're looking for.
  12. MS Xbox World
    75
    Konami presented the XBLA with a fine turn-based RPG game that will have players testing out different strategies and exploring every nook and cranny on the battle field seeking plunder. While hardcore enthusiasts will find this a mediocre diversion, many gamers will find this a pleasant addition to their games library.
  13. Official Xbox Magazine
    75
    You're in for a snooze if you demand a hurried pace and copious eye candy, but dice-rolling dungeon nuts will happily while away a dozen hours over the course of Vandal Hearts' satisfying ride. [Jan 2010, p.69]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. RickB.
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    This is a great turn-based tactics game. Has a good look to it, animation is charming, and the story isn't half-bad. I can't think This is a great turn-based tactics game. Has a good look to it, animation is charming, and the story isn't half-bad. I can't think of another turn-based tactics game available for arcade -- this feels like Final Fantasy Tactics on PSX blended with Joan D'Arc on PSP. For an arcade title, this is the best you can get within the tactics RPG genre. You will similarly disagree with the Critic Reviews, if understand and appreciate the previous two titles I mentioned above.… Full Review »
  2. Macca
    Jan 24, 2010
    8
    Its almost as if all the official reviewers of this game weren't even born when the original of this title was released. Not all games Its almost as if all the official reviewers of this game weren't even born when the original of this title was released. Not all games are for teens or those in their twenties. Some of us are on the old side, and rarely get a look in when we want a casual treat, and this is where this version of VH comes in nicely. I don't always crave super hi-tech graphics, for that I play games like Dirt 2 on my PC etc, and Vandal hearts is pretty enough for the price you pay. The story is ok, and the combat is addictive and not too forgiving if you make mistakes. From the 2nd chapter onwards the game ramps up the difficulty and the game makes you think. A dfeinate recommendation if you feel like a break from the world.… Full Review »
  3. LeeT
    Jan 22, 2010
    10
    Ignore the mediocre reviews if you're a fan of tactics RPGs(such as Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre etc.), especially if you enjoyed the Ignore the mediocre reviews if you're a fan of tactics RPGs(such as Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre etc.), especially if you enjoyed the original Vandal Heart games. It may look cartoonified, but the gameplay is still great and pretty much untinckered with, nice solid remake and I for one am chuffed that Konami saw fit to bring Vandal Hearts back, hope it leads to more Tactics RPGs on XBLA, Tactics Ogre next please :)… Full Review »
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