Spectral Souls - Resurrection of the Ethereal Empires

Reviewed by Norman Canseco
October 25, 2006

Developer: Idea Factory Publisher: NIS America Consoles Available: PSP Number of Players: 1 ESRB Rating: T for Teen Website: Click Here

In another world known as Neverland, a conflict known as the Seven Year War is taking place. One continent stands between three factions fighting for supremacy. The Royal Demon Army is determined to end the war and try to restore peace to Neverland. Those of the Imperial Army have no intention of surrendering to demons. The rest of the villagers and other country men have banded together to form the Liberation Army.

Players take control of all three Factions. As the game progresses, players are capable of switching sides to shape the outcome of the war to their liking. Every action taken will change the storyline allowing for different outcomes in the end. Battles are handled on a grid based system. Anyone familiar with other NIS titles will have no problems as each battle is strategy-based.

Each character has unique special skills and can acquire more by purchasing them from shops around the land. By teaming up with other characters, players can utilize team attacks as well as chain combo moves. Along with the different move combinations is the ability to hold all attacks until a certain time then unleash them all at once. Items can be synthesized to make more powerful equipment and weapons.

This game was a great idea and for fans of NIS strategy RPGs. Unfortunately the only fault happens to be its biggest downfall… loading time. For a handheld system that runs on a battery, loading time is the one thing gamers don't want. The game loads screens between every action. The character swings his/her sword…Loading…the enemy strikes back…Loading. Beyond this drawback, is a great game filled with an awesome storyline and many different battles. The ability to switch sides allows the player to shape the story how they want.