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Available on: PS2

Dawn of Mana

If this is the dawn, I'd hate to see the sunset

Words: on May 22, 2007
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Dawn of Mana trades RPG tradition for action, eschewing classic elements in favor of tired double-jump platforming mechanics. Its initial moments are filled with hope, as the colorful characters of Keldy and Ritzia are introduced. The basics of play are explained: knock inanimate objects like barrels, lumber, and boulders into enemies, and those monsters will panic for a few moments while you whack them with impunity. Since only panicked baddies drop upgrade items, and fully-aware opponents can knock you ridiculous distances, your only choice is a constant cycle of stun-and-kill.



As interesting as this indirect twist on hacking and slashing might sound at first, it grows old almost immediately, thanks in part to a camera that blocks the view whenever possible, and takes forever to orbit your character, leaving Keldy forever vulnerable to assault from off-screen. Worse, the physics are unpredictable, monsters sometimes won't panic at all, and target-lock obstinately refuses to latch onto nearby enemies in favor of those hopelessly out of reach. Granting the player a vine with which to whip objects around is pointless when controlling basic brawling is next to impossible.

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Platforms:

PS2

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Disappointing
YOU'LL LOVE
  • Beautiful character designs
  • Top-notch soundtrack
  • Cute and cuddly moments
YOU'LL HATE
  • Repetitive as hell
  • Maddening camera
  • Wounded lock-on targeting
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More Info

Release date: US
May 22 2007 (PS2)
Expected release date: UK
TBA (PS2)
Available Platforms: PS2
Genre: Role Playing
Published by: Square Enix
Developed by: Square Enix
ESRB Rating:
Teen
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