Glory of Heracles DS Review

Short Version: While I did enjoy playing Glory of Heracles… This title will most likely end up being a big hit only for die hard, turn-based RPG fanatics or those looking for a classical Greek fairy tale fix.

Game Rant’s Marc Bell reviews Glory of Heracles

Glory of Heracles is the latest turn-based RPG for the Nintendo DS from Paon, the makers of DK: King of Swing, Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, and DK: Jungle Climber.  The game begins with you, Heracles, washing up on shore, unable to remember who you are or how you got there.  As you travel on your way back to Mount Olympus in order to ask Dad what happened, you meet some fellow forgetful immortals, happy to join you on your journey, looking for the same thing as you…Answers.

Now before we go any further, this review isn’t full of spelling mistakes.  The guy’s name is Heracles.  And yes, he is the same dude as Hercules.  Hercules was the Roman adaptation of the original Greek demi-god Heracles, son of Zeus.

This game uses your standard turn-based RPG fighting mechanic.  Anyone with experience playing other games in this genre, such as Final Fantasy, should have absolutely no problems at all getting a hang of the battle system.  The game adds some interesting aspects to armor and weapons by giving players the ability to enhance their gear with power-ups based on abilities, magic, and skill making even the most basic weapon something to be feared.

The graphics are not very impressive and pixilation is a regular experience. I would hope that after 6 years, developers would have a greater ability to fully take advantage of the hardware in the DS.  We have seen the possibilities with such remarkable RPG DS titles as Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride.

This game is long!  I am rolling up to the 20 hour point in this game and I fear I am just about reached the halfway point.  Being just under 50% completed, the other thing I have noticed is that as big as this game feels, it’s extremely linear.  Whether you are in a forest or a dungeon, there is usually only one way to go.  Towns typically offer opportunities for side quests, but these are unnecessary and only provide you with alternative equipment that, while helpful, is not required to complete the game.

While I did enjoy playing Glory of Heracles, it really only left me waiting for the next great RPG for the DS.  This title will most likely end up being a big hit for die hard, turn-based RPG fanatics or those looking for a classical Greek fairy tale fix.

Is there anything coming for the DS in 2010 that you can’t wait to get your hands on?

Glory of Heracles Released January 18^th, 2010