Icarus

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Alright, let's talk about Icarus: Sanctuary of the Gods. I picked this one up because the description promised something 'very different' for a strategy RPG, and after grinding through games like Worms 2, I was hoping for a fresh change. Honestly, some RPGs I've played before were fantastic and held up for ages, but compared to classics like Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, this one falls a bit short. The title itself sounds like it was made under a lot of stress, trying too hard to be cool and sophisticated, but it ended up being a pretty rough RPG experience.

Graphics - 7/10

Despite all the hype about fantastic 3D modeling and realistic graphics, it just doesn't have that genuine feel. If you are going for cartoony, realistic, or plain, it's missing something. The graphics aren't exactly 'nice' either, though I guess they sort of fit the game's vibe. Lightning, smoke, fire, water – all these elements look pretty silly. And those 'detailed characters'? Not true at all; they look pretty rough. The enemies are like mud-ghosts haunting dungeons, not at all the realistic portrayal the game bragged about.

The backgrounds don't help the graphics; they actually make them worse. I'm not sure if the developers were just lazy or didn't care, but this game could have been an amazing RPG if they'd put more effort into upgrading it.

The FMV sequences are definitely a step up from the in-game graphics, but sadly, there are only two or three. You get one at the beginning and one at the end. I actually enjoyed these the most, but even they could have been improved.

Music - 8/10

The background music is original and pleasant. Most of the tunes hit at the right moments and fit the situations perfectly. The sound effects aren't mind-blowing, but they're decent enough for this game. For example, the lightning sound isn't super realistic, but it adds something to the atmosphere.

Gameplay - 7/10

One of the original features here is the 'Class Up' system, alongside the standard 'Level Up.' Your character's level influences which classes you can obtain, which is a neat idea. However, this game can also be one of the hardest you'll ever play.

You really need to think about how you spend your money. Beating enemies and bosses isn't just about having a high level; it's about having the right equipment, shields, and accessories. If you blow all your cash on items and skimp on weapons, you're pretty much guaranteed to lose. Better weapons mean a much better chance of winning battles, and winning them faster.

Every battle you get into is noted (and you have to enter them all; no secret battles here), and there are over 50 of them. The battle system itself is quite original and not something most RPG fans have likely encountered. It uses square boxes across the entire area, whether you're in a dungeon, forest, or city. Treasure chests containing important items and weapons are actually *inside* the battle screen, not outside.

Magic uses MP (Magic Power) and typically involves lightning, fire, and water attacks. Some magic even has 'summon-type' abilities, similar to Final Fantasy VII, where you call demons or powerful beings from hell to join your fight – these summoned allies are controlled by the computer. You'll also find healing powers later on, thanks to a character named Lydia. Special attacks, on the other hand, drain your HP (Health Points), so you have to be careful not to get yourself killed too easily. These special attacks are much more powerful than magic, so save them for those really tough spots.

Beyond all that, it's mostly just battles, battles, and more battles. You'll fight pirates, humans, soldiers, archers, gnomes, and monsters. When the game focuses solely on combat, it can get pretty boring.

Story - 8/10

The story centers on Dreus, the main character, seeking revenge for the death of his close friend, Guile, who was killed by a wizard named Colias. Colias also destroyed the Coshark Mercenary. Dreus's fiancée, Helena, along with other friends, joins the Mercenary and vows to rebuild it. It's a story heavily steeped in tragedy, and the overall storyline is quite engaging.

Replay Value - 5/10

Replay value? Honestly, this game is so terrible that I'd give it a 1 out of 10 for replayability. It's just not there. The difficulty, combined with the astonishingly poor graphics, means you won't be rushing back to play it again, especially since there aren't any special features to keep you hooked.

Overall - 6/10

As we move further into the new millennium, you can probably consider this game not worth buying. Super-advanced graphics from other games easily outshine this one. You'd be better off spending your money elsewhere, as Icarus: Sanctuary of the Gods is a real disappointment.