For the most part, I dislike RPGs. I'm not talking about games like Neverwinter Nights or the Mana series when I say this, rather I refer directly to the Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior series. In stead of innovative gameplay, these games simply try to entrall people with storylines or graphics only. When battles occur, one just randomly selects an option of action and fights until the battle is over. They serve no purpose other than prolong the players attention until the next story point or animated sequence. Such desires could easily be attained by reading a book or watching television.
To my joy and surprise, Digimon World 4 did not become this type of an RPG. Instead it had more in common with action games like Gauntlet with some of the elements of Phantasy Star Online I&II. Though one can level up their characters and weapon skills, game play and strategy takes more importance.
Gameplay: despite the lack of a jump attack, the gameplay seems very refined. The only problem is dealing with using ranged attacks. For some odd reason you can't aim worth crap in the game. Period.
Graphics: Bright bold colors and non-blocky 3d. It captured the feel of the digimon cartoons, despite the Megaman Battle Network knock-off HQ the main character works for.
Sound: Nothing stellar and nothing annoying. Nothing worth buying the games soundtrack, but no person music is needed to drown out bad music.
Story: Kinda bland. There's trouble in the digital world, as a new recruit you must venture alone and untrained against enemies of vastly larger strength. And of course Former allies seem to be turning against you. I haven't gotten that far yet, but it looks like the early PSO plotlines. As with other games which one creates their own main character, it feels like you are hearing the plot and story points second hand rather than interacting with the main world directly.
Difficulty: Currently I'm playing the Normal difficulty. And their idea of normal is when you start the game at level one your character dies almost instantly in their first battle. And bosses can kill almost anyone with one or two solid hits. The game is hard and more difficult than what most people would expect from a "children's" game. Luckily enemies drop weapons, health, and other items like halloween candy. Its a game the gets easier the more you play.
Overall: not a bad game, but definately for people who enjoy dungeon crawling. It takes a lot a quick wits and practice to play the game, allowing it to transcend the standard beat-them-up game genre. Despite the lack of a good or innovative story, I still say it is worth the thrity bucks I paid for the game.
