Blue Dragon review

The Xbox's first serious JRPG is a winner

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Blue Dragon is, ultimately, enjoyable. Its appeal, once started, is undeniable. Yes, it's a turn-based RPG, and it's a wholly traditional one. With generally excellent storytelling and competent voices in English or Japanese, though, it's one you'll enjoy for its dramatic tale. And the system of building up your shadows' powers is also irresistible. But the game does lag in pacing when it comes to exploration and battle; a touch more evolution might have launched this from extremely good to indispensable.

Blue Dragon is, ultimately, enjoyable. Its appeal, once started, is undeniable. Yes, it's a turn-based RPG, and it's a wholly traditional one. With generally excellent storytelling and competent voices in English or Japanese, though, it's one you'll enjoy for its dramatic tale. And the system of building up your shadows' powers is also irresistible. But the game does lag in pacing when it comes to exploration and battle; a touch more evolution might have launched this from extremely good to indispensable.

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GenreRole Playing
DescriptionA touch more evolution might have launched this traditional RPG from extremely good to indispensable.
Platform"Xbox 360"
US censor rating"Teen"
UK censor rating"12+"
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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