Dark Cloud?s sleek graphics, catchy tunes, the favorable gameplay makes this a solid RPG for the Playstation 2.

Introduction: Dark Cloud was a game that was released by Atlus during the time the Playstation 2 was launched. I understand this is a very late review, but I have completed the game loved it enough to write a review on it.

Story: Dark Cloud?s presentation based on its story was quite fascinating. Your village was attacked by ?Dark Genie? the villain in the story along with the buildings and people around you. They town?s people, shops, and buildings were revived as ?Atla?. Atla are shaped like spheres which hold various items that help you rebuilding the village(s). Now you, Toan, have the ability to go throughout the randomized dungeons of Dark Cloud recovering Atla to rebuild your village, bring peace restructure your fellow villagers, and and of coarse, slay the evil Dark Genie.

7/10

Graphics: Dark Cloud?s presentation based on its graphics was average. The Playstation 2 console knows it?s capable of doing a much better job on the graphics. The graphics have some polygonal issues but aside from that, they are great. The sky, weapons, and town effects were very well thought out. Great graphics on the characters as well, especially the main character, Toan. This was a premier title for the Playstation 2, therefore the visuals are not on par with the notable games in today?s standards.

8/10

Gameplay Dark Cloud truly shines in the gameplay aspects of the game. With over 80 hours of rebuilding several villages, dungeons, and even advancing your weapons, there is always something to do. The game includes six different characters, each with their own unique abilities. This adds a excellent mix to the gameplay department of the game because you will use each characters abilities to get past diverse obstacles. Collecting Atla is also a lengthy process, which lures you into keeping your eyes glued to the screen. I would have liked to see some side quests or mini games added to the gameplay, to keep the game fresh and open. The game also does not include voice acting, which does not give me the sense that the characters are real. Nonetheless, the gameplay overall is truly one of the games strong points.

9/10

Replay Value: Although the main storyline of the game is quite lengthy, Dark Cloud does not offer much replay value after the game is complete. The first play through the game will keep your eyes glued to the screen for several hours in a day and can get incredibly addicting. After you have completed the game you will look back and will be glad that you played it. However, with this being said, the game lacks any extra modes, mini games, side quests, and is really only follows one path. The replay value unfortunately falls flat.

5/10

Sound: Dark Cloud?s presentation based on sound was subpar to say the least. The sound is quite repetitive and can occasionally get annoying. The game does not offer any voice acting which again, feels as if you are scrolling through pages and pages of text. Dark Cloud?s mediocre sound does not compete with what is expected in today?s modern role playing games.

6/10

Overall: In conclusion, Dark Cloud is an average RPG with the proper potential to succeed as a top tier RPG for the Playstation 2. The games lack of replay value and voices truly brings down the games overall experience. However, with those negatives aside, Dark Cloud offers a decent story, lengthy gameplay, and beautiful first generation graphics for the Playstation 2. If available at a cheap price, it is definitely worth the one time play through.

35/50 = 70%

Reviewed by: Juneja