Grandia Xtreme
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| Grandia Xtreme | |
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| Developer(s) | Game Arts |
| Publisher(s) | Enix |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date | JPN January 31, 2002 NA September 30, 2002 |
| Genre(s) | RPG |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen |
| Media | 1 × DVD-ROM |
Grandia Xtreme is a console role-playing game developed by Game Arts and published by Enix (now known as Square Enix) for the PlayStation 2 video game console. It was released in both Japan and North America in 2002. Despite being the third game in the Grandia series, the game's title, along with the release of another game called Grandia III, led many fans to categorize Grandia Xtreme as more of a "gaiden" or sidestory game within the series.
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[edit] Story
The world of Grandia Xtreme is populated by three distinct races: The militaristic and resourceful Humans, the magic-using and somewhat arrogant Arcadians (characterized by their teal or light green hair color, fair skin and pointed ears) and the tribal Hazmans (characterized by dark skin, dark brown or red hair, and pointed ears). Although each of them has existed in an uneasy alliance for several years, a new epidemic known as the Elemental Disorder threatens to affect them all. In response, the Humans focus their military (known as the Nortis Army) into researching and eventually eradicating this deadly disease. Representatives from all the other races have gathered to help, but tensions continue to run high in each of their respective nations. The fact that the disease may have been created artificially also leads to distrust among everyone involved.
The game is told through the perspective of a young man named Evann, who is thrown into a series of events that lead him to discover the cause of the disease, the full extent of the military's intentions, and uncover the hidden truths buried within several ruins of an ancient civilization. Along the way, he is joined by several characters from all the other races, and, using their combined forces, attempt to put an end to the problems facing their world.
[edit] Game play
Grandia Xtreme plays very similarly to the rest of the games in the Grandia series, which all resemble a traditional CRPG with somewhat random battles that occur within dungeons or during scripted situations. Combat takes place on a three-dimensional battlefield where the characters move around, striking enemies as they get near them. Very similar in both style and execution to Grandia II's battle system, with the notable exception being that the Battle Gauge, formerly stylized as a horizontal line, is now a circle that the character icons move along clockwise. Each icon represents a character or enemy currently in battle, and they move along it at a rate which corresponds to their "speed" rating. Once an icon reaches the top of the circle, they are allowed to either attack, use items, defend, or flee the battle.
The game is progress by going through various dungeons and completing a number of puzzle-based problems. Instead of saving the progress using the recurrent rainbow-colored save points, a few "Geo Gates" are to be located, which transport the player back to the city - the only place with a save point in the armory. Some gates are one-way, and can only be used to return to Locca, not leaving an opportunity to return. After using these gates, players have to redo the dungeon.
Unlike story-driven RPGs, Grandia Xtreme is a heavy-grind game, meaning there is far more focus on levelling up and acquiring new equipment and skills than similar titles like the Final Fantasy series. There are only 7 main dungeons and three random dungeons (one of which becomes unavailable after the final boss is defeated). For a first-time playthrough, it will usually be necessary to play through some areas multiple times in order to become strong enough to advance past certain difficult battles.
After the first set of dungeons, each related to one of the four elements, the game's difficulty ramps up in all areas (known as the first boost). The second boost takes place after the first randomized dungeon (a thirty-floor tower which links to three other dungeons every 10 floors), and a final boost occurs at the end of the main game. These can be markedly frustrating for inexperienced players, as the abilities of all monsters will increase simultaneously—meaning if underleveled at the time of a boost, the player will find it exceedingly difficult to proceed forward in the story or even train at the now-deadly earlier areas.[citation needed]
[edit] Characters
[edit] Playable characters
Evann (Human, age 18): The main character of Grandia Xtreme who is training himself to become a better Ranger. Being a Ranger, Evann can activate the ancient technology within certain ruins littered throughout the world, allowing him to teleport in and out of them as he wishes. He has trained himself to use a sword after his father's death, but has never developed much of a work ethic.
Carmyne (Human, age 31): Female Master Sergeant of the Nortis Army who prefers to fight with a saber. Knowledgeable about fashion, and, despite her long military career, dislikes taking orders, but revels in giving them.
Brandol (Human, age 38): A large, physically imposing soldier who has a knack for engineering and vehicle operation. His gung-ho attitude and bravery in battle that his enemies know him for is in stark contrast to his actual gentle nature. He is very skilled with a long sword but hardly the same can be said for his luck with women.
Myam (Hazman, age 16): A young girl who is a member of the forest-dwelling tribe of Hazma. Her natural agility and skill with a bow make her a fierce fighter while her impulsive nature has gotten her into trouble on more than one occasion.
Lutina (Arcadian, age 18): A Commanding Officer identified by her department as a "lethal weapon", for her extreme combat prowess and cold-hearted nature. Born and raised in high-pressure situations, Lutina cannot fully understand the concept of a peaceful life. Her skill with a dagger is practically unparalleled.
Ulk (Hazman, age 50): An aged Hazman who works with the Nortis Army in eradicating the Elemental Disorder which plagues his people. Though normally quite and composed, he is an accomplished warrior who wields a large axe.
Titto (Arcadian, age 16): A quiet young man who rarely speaks, and is only comfortable around those he knows, particularly Jaid, the only person he fully trusts. He fights with a knife.
Jaid (Arcadian, age 22): A knight of the Kingdom of Arcadia who prefers to fight with a short staff instead of a sword. He often overlooks his own pride and arrogance, which stems from his interest in Arcadian legend and lore. Jaid also looks after Titto, and will defend him without question.
[edit] Other characters
Colonel Kroitz (Human, age 23): Supreme Commander of the Nortis Forces who has worked his way to the highest rank in the military through years of deception. A power-hungry and hateful man, Kroitz is a skilled tactician, yet often disregards the welfare of his men. He has a particular distaste for Evann, whose carefree and lazy lifestyle is an afront to everything he stands for. (can be unlocked)
[edit] Voice actors
Though several people lent their voice talents to the characters in Grandia Xtreme, only three professional actors were credited in the English language version of the game:
Mark Hamill - Col. Kroitz
Dean Cain - Evann
Lisa Loeb - Lutina
[edit] External links
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