Nightcaster
Xbox- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Release Date: Jan 21, 2002
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The current system is too cumbersome for an action-oriented game, and the inability to save anywhere only makes things even more frustrating.
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If one can look over the odd, “brave Sir Arron ran away” combat method, and a ineffective story sewn together from fantasy cliche’s, there is some fun to be had with Nightcaster.
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The best action/adventure game on the Xbox. The spell system is fun, the boss encounters are well done, and there is enough game here to make you feel like you got your money’s worth.
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If you go into Nightcaster knowing it's a fantasy-themed action combat game and not an RPG by any stretch of the imagination, you'll be rewarded with a solid, gorgeous and low-maintenance experience.
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyNC is too shallow to be an RPG and too complicated to be a quick-fix good time...highly repetitive. [Mar 2002, p.144]
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While a bit overblown and convoluted...The story is solid, the graphics are spectacular, and the action is fast-paced and frantic.
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Game InformerGraphically, Nightcaster eats acid. The textures of the ground and rocks are barely N64 quality. [Feb 2002, p.90]
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It's a solid adventure (easily dusting "Azurik"), but greatly limited by its monotonous gameplay.
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Seems like a battle system without a role-playing game. There is little variety or depth to the combat, and even in the presence of assorted power-ups it becomes painfully repetitive after only a short while.
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This is one game where it would be absolutely cool to have a co-op mode where you and a buddy – even just one other buddy – could join forces to blast monsters. Considering the difficulty of the game, it’s almost a missing necessary feature.
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It is an update of "Robotron" with a fantasy backstory. If you’re looking for a new kind of shooter, NightCaster will do—but RPG fans, you’re still in the dark.
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There are of course boss battles, and a (very) few puzzles to solve, but overall, it's basic spell casting over and over again. This limited gameplay styling ultimately is the downfall to Nightcaster.
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The main problem that kills NightCaster's chances of being a great game is the very thing trying to make it unique; the targeting system.
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It's almost a shame that the detail put into the graphics is all but hidden by the overhead view that you're seemingly stuck with.
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The combat is challenging because of the limits of the interface.
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This game is at once addictive, and yet annoying to me.
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The controls are amazingly easy to get used to. It might become a bit repetitive or bland to some who aren't big fans of fast-paced action alone though, so go into this one with an open mind.
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Even with this new attacking system, the game still falls into the monotonous, repetitive game play that has affected the genre for years. Nightcaster isn’t what you’d call clumsy in terms of game play, just not as precise as you would like.
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The end result is a game that could have been a "Gauntlet Legends" or "Diablo" type action title, but is more methodical and repetitive than it has any right to be.
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Official Xbox MagazineTechnically proficient with an interesting gameplay system, but with no polish or soul to back it up. [Mar 2002, p.76]
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Play MagazineRepetition aside – and there's lots of it – this is like those Neo Geo games of old where it's so beautiful you just deal with it to see the next level. [Apr 2002, p.62]
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The game lacks long-term value or originality.
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A confused and chaotic game. On top of this are some of the most basic graphics yet seen on the Xbox.
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If you are looking for a fun fantasy action game with an adventure twist, go out and grab Nightcaster. Be wary though, if you tire of the gameplay, there isn't a deep storyline to back it up.
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Xbox Nation MagazineDoes little, if anything, to elevate itself past mediocrity. [Spring 2002, p.93]
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It's a great diversion, and it really is fun for a while, but Nightcaster's overly defensive gameplay will likely turn people away.
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A fast moving, initially addictive action game that soon becomes too repetitive and limiting to sustain a long involvement.
Awards & Rankings
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93
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#93 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002
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32
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#32 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2002
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 1 out of 5
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Mixed: 2 out of 5
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Negative: 2 out of 5
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ZakW.Nov 14, 2003
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Mar 22, 2013
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ChuckF.Aug 17, 2002Good graphics, thats it. Buy it used.