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Great RPG, leaves you wanting more

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: February 01, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This is truly a gamer's game. There is really no extra fluff to this game. The turn-based strategy during battle sequences is great, the dialogue between your main character and his four female companions is enjoyable, funny, and almost ranma½-like at times, and doesn't take any time away from gaming, and the story line and character development is pretty descent. The graphics are great, especially on a new DS lite, though it would have been even better if they could have increased the size of the characters during different sequences. Now for details:

Story synopsis--You play Ein, a grim angel sworn to protect your land and you accompany a friend, who's far more powerful than yourself, but shows you how to play the game. You talk about what's going on with the demons and eventually it's revealed to you that the land you're traveling to will have to be completely obliterated to save your homeland. You get separated from your friend and find yourself being awoken by a sprite who brings you to her town. This is the main reference point you come back to after each mission. You have amnesia and you talk with all the characters there and find out terrible things are happening in other cities and agree to accompany your new friends to find out what's going on. Eventually you find yourself siding with your new friends, fighting against those who sent you to destroy the land.

Combat-- For those of you who just like to hack and slash or have a plethora of weapons at your disposal, you're in for a shock, but those of you who like strategy, it's great. In this turn based system you encounter an enemy(enemies) and then you pick two members of your party (who you find rather early on in the game) to join you in combat. Each character has different strengths and weaknesses to different attacks. There are six elements: Physical, Lightning, Fire, Ice, Holy, and Dark. You can preview each of your characters and your opponents to see their strengths and weaknesses to different element attacks. There is also a strategy hint section that gives you a little more info on your opponent if you wish to use it (you probably will want to use this at times).

Anyway, once you decide who you want to use in the battle, you next choose a formation to use--two in the front and one in back, or vice versa. Be careful, if you always use a 2and1 some opponents will use long-range attacks only and pick on a lonely member in back or you could have a strong opponent who hits the entire front line with an attack. Not to worry though, you can always rotate your party once your power meter is high enough (more on that later).

Next you need to choose weapons/items to use in the fight. This is the most important step in a battle. Items are typically found in treasure chests, but there are other ways to obtain them, just try to find out for yourself. Not all characters use weapons/items the same. One item that's used for an attack by one character might be used as a spell by another. Weapons have element characteristics also which can change from character to character. You can see how effective a weapon will be for each character during their turn in a battle.

Weapons also need to be used to enable your characters to use special skill attacks. When you find a new item and select it during weapons selection before a battle, you can see who has a special skill with that weapon by the number of bars next to their name. The number of bars indicates the number of times the weapon must be used in combat before that character gains the skill. This is important because for every new weapon skill you obtain you go up a level and gain HP etc... You are limited in the number of weapons you can carry, but before you discard a weapon you don't want, make sure you level up everyone you can first.

Weapons also have a number by them indicating how many times they can be used before they break, but don't worry, there are always more powerful weapons to be found as the game progresses, though there are a few, very powerful, limited use weapons you want to use wisely. The great thing about this game is that it is very easy to gain weapon skill for everyone without using up your weapon by using practice fights from the menu. You WILL want to do this to fight the enemies at the end. Once someone has learned the skill, you will see what level it takes to use it. Level 1,2,or3. Once the power meter/skill meter is high enough you can use the Overskill Breakout which is more powerful than a regular attack with the weapon. There's even a cool little animation to go along with the attack.

The power meter rises depending on the number and severity of blows you administer as well as sustain, so it rises when you attack and when your opponent attacks. Use this to your advantage also as some weapons have multiple attacks and raise the meter faster. But beware, they also raise your opponents meter faster and sometimes you just don't want to do that.

Misc--Many choices you make affect how individual members of your party feel toward you. This also effects the final ending sequence of the game. If you like a particular character more than any other, always side with her. This is a fun anime element of the game which is enjoyable. Anyway, just buy the game. It's cheap and I already sold one copy I had and am keeping the other for who knows how long.

Highly addictive, perhaps too much so ....

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I have recently picked up this game, because it was cheap and I love RPGs. After you get to the point of being able to practice (gaining experience and building up overdrive attacks) this game gets ADDICTIVE! I've played this game for many of hours while I should've been sleeping and what not. Then again I am an adult and can do what I please but still.... sheesh! Also I own an huge library of GBA RPGs and I find myself playing this most (And YES I known the wonderful FF 6 advance) Kinda strange, I guess the uniqueness of this game sets it above in my view. What can I say, I adore niche games (also own Yggdra Union ... very cool too.) ok, I'm done ranting!

One of my favorite games ever...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: January 05, 2007
Author: Amazon User

No, seriously, I've had more fun playing this than most games on any platform. The graphics are hand-drawn and gorgeous- they really threw a lot of atmosphere into this game and it's endearing right from the start. The gameplay definitely takes some getting used to, but I count that as a bonus: unlike cookie-cutter RPGs, this game really strived to create something original and they succeeded by a mile. This RPG/Strategy hybrid has kept me coming back again and again, especially for the multiple endings- apparently there are over five.

I found the story to be not only entertaining, but refreshingly original. I don't really play RPGs for their award-winning plots. They are often cliche and predictable- even the greats. Riviera is above par, though, and I was genuinely surprised at some of the turns the story took along the way.

One of the greatest strengths of this game is how perfectly tailored it is for a handheld system, and not many people have commented on that. YOU CAN QUICK SAVE AT ANY TIME. Yes, at any point in the level. Yes, IN THE MIDDLE OF COMBAT. It's perfect because you can sit down on your lunch break and play a few screens, and then just quick save and come back later. Hey, you could sit down on a CIGARETTE break and still accomplish something.

I had a REALLY difficult time finding this game, but it was well worth the searching. There is just nothing else out there quite like Riviera. If you're tired of the same old RPG formula, give this a try. You'll probably end up hooked.

Excellent game, you have to try this.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: March 30, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Okay first, I am a massive japanese culture fan, particularly when it comes to manga, so if I seem biased its cos I love this genre. Anyone who likes RPGs will at least like this. At first I found the lack of free movement restricting, but when I found the depth of exploration I was quickly hooked. Poeple who have played Zelda or Pokemon will probably have the most problem with the movement.
But it is the games depth that makes it so superb, I have played it three times, second and third times right through and I am still discovering secrets and working through the alternatve endings, the first time you will probably get the "unhappy ending" but do not be discouraged. The artwork is superb, it is the sort of thing that would normally cost as much as the game without the game. Oh and by the way, it is a "Teen" game for good reason, parents please be aware, this is not Pokemon.

Riviera: The Promised Land..........

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: January 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Riviera: The Promised Land was, originally, released on the Wonderswan Color and was one of that systems' best games and is now on the Gameboy Advance for RPG fans to experience. You play Ein, a Grim Angel, who's been sent to Riviera to start 'the Retribution' that will destroy Riviera, and all the demons that have taken over there, once and for all. That's where the story begins and, although it's alot like Valkyrie Profile(dealing with Norse Mythology and whatnot), it's definitely not your average RPG. Combat and navigation is played out alot differently than your normal RPG, that's the unique twist to this game. Since other reviewers have explained this in detail, I won't go into that but ask you to read thier reviews to understand alot better. What I will tell you is that Riviera is one of the deepest, most enjoyable RPGs to come along in quite some time. Character development is the most important element in RPGs and Riviera has that in spades. You can't help but love Ein & the women who accompany him on his adventure. With multiple endings, it's worth playing through again and again. There's even extra content to unlock in the game, like another chapter in the story to play, sound & voices tests, a CG collection and more.

While it may not have as much flash, as say Golden Sun or Final Fantasy(in terms of the guardian summons spells), it definitely has alot of it's own flash with its' overdrive gameplay element and all the vocal accompaniment that is in the game. Yet, like Golden Sun, it can hold it's own with RPGs on the consoles with it's 30 to 40 hour adventure(depending on how you play the game).

RPGs, like Riviera, only come along once in awhile. It's one that I highly recommend to RPG fans. It's a new take on classic RPGs that shouldn't be missed. I tip my hat to Atlus(for bringing the game stateside) and Sting(for developing such a great game), as Riviera: The Promised Land is one of my all-time favorite RPGs. I hope we see a Riviera 2 or another great RPG soon from these two.

Exceptionally Average

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 8
Date: October 17, 2005
Author: Amazon User

"Riviera: The Promised Land" is a fairly decent game worth playing if you have run out of other options. Though the game is not that bad, the gameplay is too repeditive and requires little to no strategy or skill. I found myself pitted in a similar battle over and over again using the same strategy, and winning. Furthermore if you do manage to lose a fight the game restarts the battle except the enemy starts with less hp. This aspect of the game allows you to win the game through sheer persistance as opposed to actual skill, cheapening the victory at the end.
The plot is by no means astounding, but it also won't make you cringe every time the characters speak. The game has you saving Riviera from demons as your character, Ein, travels across the land and meets four girls who assist him (all of which get naked at some point or another during the game). The game allows you to say and do different things but as opposed to actually affecting the plotline, these actions entice or repel the different female members of your group.
The game does have some good elements to it. Before you get sick of it, the fighting system isn't so horrible. You pick three characters and four items, line up in a basic formation as your characters and your enemies take turns as individuals. Your characters can master certain weapons in order to learn powerful moves. The game is also fairly addicting so that it gets hard put down at times. The graphics are good for gameboy game and as long as you play it in small doses you just might enjoy yourself.
Overall you might want to spend your money on a different game, but if you're looking for an easy game that never takes itself too seriously this is a good one.

Unique style and superb story

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 16 / 17
Date: August 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Please note that as of this the date I am reviewing this, Riviera game may be extremely hard to find in stores. It was graciously released in the US by ATLUS (known for bringing Ogre Tactics to the US). I finally managed to locate a copy, though I had to hit 6 different gaming stores first. (Prior to getting a copy, I pretty much was told by all retailers that my best bet would be to try online because the production run for this game was EXTREMELY limited).

The graphics include nice anime-stylized characters, and the backgrounds are bright and colorful (but not overly so). Graphically, it reminds me of some of the SNES RPG's I've played in the past (think Chrono Trigger).
The character animations are typical in the scheme of things, and I say this because this game is more oriented towards battle animations (which are very simple, but none-the-less effective), and as far as the graphics of the characters moving on screen-- well, this is something I feel is hard to give a rating to due to the unique way you "move" your characters through environments. Character movement is something different than many other RPG's you may have played. It's best described as: let's say you are in a dungeon: You are not able to freely move around, but rather you are presented with different directions (shown on-screen by arrows, but don't confuse this movement with a 'turn based' strategy game!) for the next "step" or "direction" you can take. In my initial playing of the game I was somewhat put down by this style of movement. However, after playing upwards of 6 hours now, I can safely say that this is not a deterent by any means- it cuts to the chase (so to speak) as this way of moving simply allows you to progress a tiny bit quicker to the next battle.
The battles are where it's at (naturally so, as it's an RPG :D).
Your characters gain experience through battles (building up the stats), and you also gain increased skill with an individual weapon with repeated use of that weapon. Also, some characters are better wielding one weapon over another- which gives better play depth. Also, there is an "overdrive" meter which builds with each hit you or a party member takes- once these overdrive bars fill-up, certain charcters can use their breakout "special" power moves, in battle these are effective and you are greeted with a screen showing that character in profile before using said "special" power move- this screen after awhile will annoy you slightly as you can not skip it & have to wait for it to end before moving back into the battle-action (enemies have the same ability and you'll have to wait through their 'breakout' move also).
I'm only a little bit into the game, but you do fall in with the character storylines pretty quickly- and certain decisions will affect how the characters interact with you. (ie. deciding if you should pick that flower or open that chest).
I'm trying to think of another RPG that this is close to, but I'm at a loss at the moment. It's not filled with the deep turn based strategy like Fire Emblem, on the other end, it isn't overly simple in it's battle system (ala FF1&2 for GBA)- although Riviera does obviously share certain elements with each.
If you are an RPG fan there is no reason not to grab this game.

Ecci Fan

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 11
Date: August 08, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This game has a unique system for play, the interchange of items is so interesting, and the mood of the female characters is so special, that gives a little ecci touch to this great RPG

Excellent.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 8
Date: August 07, 2005
Author: Amazon User

A unique battle style with nice graphics, it's a good RPG, even though the plot is pretty predicatable. Good character development and gorgeous art.

The only issue I really had with it was the limited inventory space. Heh.

Sucked the life out of my batteries...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 17 / 18
Date: July 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I popped this GBA game into my DS earlier today and just stopped playing an hour or so ago because I ran my batteries dry. I even had other things to do, but I just couldn't put this game down. Take an old-school rpg and mash it up with a turn-based strategy game then add stunning hand-drawn graphics and you have Riviera: the Promised Land. The unique way of leveling up by mastering weapons and items is a great addition to the rpg scene. I found myself thinking over and over, "Ok, I'll just master this one other weapon/item then save the game for later..." I also enjoy the storyline, and a lot of the dialogue is pretty humorous.

I have heard that this game's production run is incredibly small, and I see it has already sold out on Amazon. I was lucky enough to pick this up on a whim yesterday not knowing anything about it, but I *highly* recommend actively searching for this title and snatching up a copy before they're gone.

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