Anna's reviews - PlayStationZola2026-03-22T00:00:00+00:00https://reviews.anna.lgbt/platform/playstation/atom.xmlVagrant Story2026-03-22T00:00:00+00:002026-03-22T00:00:00+00:00
Anna
https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/<blockquote>
I play PSX games with an emulator, and I like to use downsampling with a CRT
filter while I play. This does make games look significantly nicer, but I
know some people prefer the original look. The images in this review all
feature a slider to let you see both the downsampled look (sans CRT filter)
and the original look.
<noscript>
<strong>No JavaScript?</strong> No problem. Click an image to toggle
between original and downsampled looks.
</noscript>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2>
<p>Crawl through some dungeons while chaining attacks over and over to one-shot all
the enemies... after spending two minutes in menus before each fight. Vagrant
Story is a SquareSoft dungeon-crawling RPG with an interesting, compelling
story, perhaps the best graphics on the PlayStation, and great gameplay.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/01%20-%20start%20of%20game.8x.avif'
alt='Screenshot of the game. The main character, a man in what can generously be called "light armour" consisting of a white sleeveless shirt, brown shorts, brown boots, and black gauntlets, is standing facing southwest from a sort of isometric camera perspective. He has brown hair with two spikey... fronds sticking out from his head. He stands in a brown/tan wine cellar with wine barrels and boxes containing bottles of wine. There's a limb status indicator in the bottom left of the screen, a minimap in the bottom right, and HP/MP and risk meters in the top left.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/01%20-%20start%20of%20game.1x.avif'
alt='Screenshot of the game. The main character, a man in what can generously be called "light armour" consisting of a white sleeveless shirt, brown shorts, brown boots, and black gauntlets, is standing facing southwest from a sort of isometric camera perspective. He has brown hair with two spikey... fronds sticking out from his head. He stands in a brown/tan wine cellar with wine barrels and boxes containing bottles of wine. There's a limb status indicator in the bottom left of the screen, a minimap in the bottom right, and HP/MP and risk meters in the top left.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>Ashley at the start of his time in Leá Monde.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="story">Story</h2>
<p>You play as Ashley Riot, Valendia Knights of the Peace Riskbreaker,
investigating a cult known as Müllenkamp and its leader, Sydney Losstarot. If
that sounds like a lot of information to process all at once, prepare yourself;
this game thrusts you deep into a story without any preamble. You will learn all
you need to know through conversations between characters, revealing the
factions, players, and relationships at work in the story.</p>
<p>Ultimately, multiple factions end up at the ruined city of Leá Monde,
headquarters of Müllenkamp, in pursuit, seemingly, of Sydney. Once inside the
city, however, the characters' interpersonal relationships take the spotlight.
We witness a character story set in a city full of darkness that infuses itself
in the city's inhabitants. As characters' motivations come to light, you can't
help but wonder if they were corrupted by darkness or if the darkness only laid
bare their base desires.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/10%20-%20where%20is%20your%20soul.8x.avif'
alt='A close-up of Ashley in a doorway. There is a text bubble showing that the speaker is off-screen and saying "Where is your soul, Riskbreaker?"'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/10%20-%20where%20is%20your%20soul.1x.avif'
alt='A close-up of Ashley in a doorway. There is a text bubble showing that the speaker is off-screen and saying "Where is your soul, Riskbreaker?"'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>Sydney asks Ashley a difficult question after the game's first boss.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Either way, the story is full of surprises, and every cutscene is a delight to
behold. Similar to Final Fantasy XII, the English localisation was done in a
more archaic style, further pushing the story to feel almost like a play. The
characters all feel realistic; no one acts in an inconsistent manner when you
understand their motivations. Keeping up with who's who and what they want,
however, can be a challenge. I can't imagine anyone who played this as a kid
really came away understanding the story.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/05%20-%20parliament%27s%20watchdog.8x.avif'
alt='A blonde man in armour with black and red trim talks to another armoured man who is facing away from the camera and towards the blonde man. The blonde man has a text bubble that says "Here comes on of Parliament's watchdogs. You, go back and silence his yapping."'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/05%20-%20parliament%27s%20watchdog.1x.avif'
alt='A blonde man in armour with black and red trim talks to another armoured man who is facing away from the camera and towards the blonde man. The blonde man has a text bubble that says "Here comes on of Parliament's watchdogs. You, go back and silence his yapping."'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>George Lucas teaches us that the children yearn for politics.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="gameplay">Gameplay</h2>
<p>Vagrant Story's gameplay is certainly unique and engaging. The core of the
gameplay is running around Leá Monde and dispatching any enemies in your way.
The <em>way</em> that you dispatch enemies, though, is the most interesting part. The
game presents you with a fair amount of weapon types: swords, axes, polearms,
maces, two-handed maces, greatswords, greataxes, staves, and crossbows. Each
weapon is made of a "blade" and a grip, and both parts have their own stats and
<em>affinities</em>.</p>
<p>All equipment has the capacity to have affinity biases. If a sword has an
affinity biased toward fire, for example, it will be strong against enemies with
a water affinity. In addition to elemental affinities, there are class
affinities (such as human, beast, or dragon), and there are damage type
affinities: blunt, edged, and piercing. Every blade component specifies if it's
one- or two-handed and if it will create a blunt, edged, or piercing weapon, so
finding a grip with an affinity for that damage type is important. Keep in mind
that both components also have normal stats like strength.</p>
<p>Lastly, there are gems, which can be slotted into weapons and shields. Gems
provide various effects: they can, for example, change affinity, increase chance
to hit, or increase chance to evade. Gems can be swapped in and out of weapons
and shields at any time, even in combat, and doing so will make up a big portion
of preparing for boss fights later in the game.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/02%20-%20gems%20menu.8x.avif'
alt='Screenshot showing the "attach gems" menu. A weapon called "Sharpie" is having its gems changed. The three gems attached to the weapon are called "Braveheart", "Titan Malachite", and "Talos Feldspar". The cursor is on a button labeled "OK". The menu has a toggle to switch between showing the weapon's class, affinity, and type. Currently selected is affinity, showing 61 physical affinity and negative single digits for the rest.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/02%20-%20gems%20menu.1x.avif'
alt='Screenshot showing the "attach gems" menu. A weapon called "Sharpie" is having its gems changed. The three gems attached to the weapon are called "Braveheart", "Titan Malachite", and "Talos Feldspar". The cursor is on a button labeled "OK". The menu has a toggle to switch between showing the weapon's class, affinity, and type. Currently selected is affinity, showing 61 physical affinity and negative single digits for the rest.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>A screen you will be coming back to many, many times in your playthrough.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This only begins to scratch the surface of the nuance and depth of the systems
in the game, and if it sounds complicated, that's because it is. Be warned that
the game will not hold your hand for any of this. None of this will be explained
to you naturally, and, in fact, the first moment you can control Ashley, you
will be in a fight with no tutorials whatsoever. Either read the physical manual
or press triangle to open the menu to read the in-game manual, but read
<em>something</em>!</p>
<p>Now, after all that, the combat boils down to using spells and attacks. You can
set up chain attacks and chain defences, which can be used after successfully
initiating an attack or after getting hit, respectively. Pressing circle while
in battle mode opens a targeting sphere around Ashley, and you can select which
body part on any enemy within that sphere that you would like to attack. If you
successfully hit that body part, an exclamation mark will flash on the screen at
some point in the attack animation; this is your indication of when to chain
another attack.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/04%20-%20targeting%20soldiers.8x.avif'
alt='A screenshot of the targeting interface in the game's battle mode. There is a green sphere formed by five vertical and five horizontal circles, and our character is in the centre of the sphere. Two enemies are also in the sphere, and a list of their body parts shows on the left and right sides of the screen in different colours on each side. Both have the body parts "R.ARM", "L.ARM", "HEAD", "BODY", and "LEGS". R.ARM on the right side is selected, causing one of the enemies' arm to glow. The UI shows that the attack will do 119 HP with a 100% hit chance.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/04%20-%20targeting%20soldiers.1x.avif'
alt='A screenshot of the targeting interface in the game's battle mode. There is a green sphere formed by five vertical and five horizontal circles, and our character is in the centre of the sphere. Two enemies are also in the sphere, and a list of their body parts shows on the left and right sides of the screen in different colours on each side. Both have the body parts "R.ARM", "L.ARM", "HEAD", "BODY", and "LEGS". R.ARM on the right side is selected, causing one of the enemies' arm to glow. The UI shows that the attack will do 119 HP with a 100% hit chance.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>His arm will be sore in the morning.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>By pressing triangle, circle, or square at the appropriate time, you can execute
whichever chain attack you've bound to that button. You can change these at any
time by holding L2 for the quick menu and swapping the binds, which can even be
done in combat. In theory, you can chain attacks infinitely so long as you get
the timing right. Doing so, however, increases your <em>risk meter</em>. As risk goes
up, your chance to hit decreases and your damage taken increases. Balancing
risk, managing weapon and shield affinities, chaining attacks, and upgrading all
your equipment are the core systems you will engage with in Vagrant Story.</p>
<figure>
<video
controls
muted
preload='metadata'
aria-describedby='desc-videos-chain'
>
<source src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/videos/chain.mp4' type='video/mp4' />
<p id='desc-videos-chain'>Video showing attacks being chained on an enemy soldier. Ashley performs an initial attack, then an exclamation mark flashes on the screen and the text "PERFECT!" appears. Another animation plays with another exclamation mark and text that reads "GOOD!". The process continues with "EXCELLENT!", "COOL!", "PERFECT!", and finally "SLOW!". The last attack was a miss. The chain combo ends.</p>
</video>
<figcaption>
<p>It doesn't really seem fair that Ashley can do this.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With all that said, and acknowledging that I personally enjoyed the hell out of
this combat system, I do have some gripes. Firstly, this game has a <em>lot</em> of
menuing to manage affinities. The menu animations are fairly slow, and you need
to move through several submenus before (or at the start of) nearly all boss
fights and even several normal encounters in order to set up your gear. If you
neglect doing this, your chance to hit will be very low, sometimes 0%, and your
damage will also be very low. Later bosses have HP in the high hundreds, so it
can make fights very tedious without preparation.</p>
<p>The menuing itself, though, is also tedious. In the back half of the game, every
time I found myself setting up my gear, I was thinking about what it would look
like if this game found itself getting the Ivalice Chronicles treatment that
Final Fantasy Tactics got. Perhaps you would press a button in combat to open a
submenu displaying both your weapon and shield as well as the gems they have.
You could swap them right there, and you could even slot in gems that are
currently equipped on other items <em>without</em> having to unslot them first. The
inventory could be made unlimited so you don't have to putz around with the item
box and having to save, which is very slow in this game, after every item box
interaction.</p>
<figure>
<video
controls
muted
preload='metadata'
aria-describedby='desc-videos-gems'
>
<source src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/videos/gems.mp4' type='video/mp4' />
<p id='desc-videos-gems'>Video detailing the achingly slow process of equipping gems on a weapon and shield. The menu is opened, "Items" is selected, "Setup" is selected, "Attach Gems" is selected, "Shields" is selected, "Oval Shield" is selected, the first gem slot is selected, and then "Undine Jasper" from the list of gems is selected. The second slot is also switched to "Marid Aquamarine" after scrolling down the list. Finally the cursor is moved to "OK" and then "YES" confirming the gem attachment. This kicks the menu all the way back to the "Setup" menu. From here, the process repeats, but "Weapons" and "Sharpie" (the weapon name) are selected instead. Sharpie has three gems, but only two are swapped out. The selected gems are "Salamander Ruby" and "Ifrit Carnelian".</p>
</video>
<figcaption>
<p>You may need to do this twice during combat, and pray you don't need to swap gems between weapons, which requires unslotting them before equipping them.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Between the menuing and the very slow spell and ability animations (and you will
be casting many spells nearly every combat to buff/debuff), I had to knock this
game's gameplay score down. I nearly stopped playing the game when I unlocked
teleporting between save points but realised that it cost MP based on distance,
meaning I would need to chart a course between point A and B, wait for my MP to
regenerate after each leg of the journey, and also potentially clear out the
enemies at each stop, as well. Fortunately, I did a little reverse engineering
and made a <a rel="external" href="https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/9520/">patch for the game to set teleport costs to zero</a>,
which renewed my interest and led me to complete the game.</p>
<figure>
<video
controls
muted
preload='metadata'
aria-describedby='desc-videos-buffing'
>
<source src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/videos/buffing.mp4' type='video/mp4' />
<p id='desc-videos-buffing'>Video showing the long process of applying two common buffs to Ashley. First, the quick menu opens, the sorceror spells menu is selected, the "Herakles" spell is selected, then Ashley is selected as the target. The cast animation takes about seven seconds. This process is repeated, but "Prostasia" spell is selected the second time.</p>
</video>
<figcaption>
<p>You will end up casting these two buffs before many, many fights.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Speaking of patches, I would also recommend anyone looking to play this game use
the wonderful
<a rel="external" href="https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/6964/">patch that inverts the first-person camera Y-axis controls</a> as
well as the shoulder camera buttons. Inverting them makes the game's controls
as expected for a modern player. Both the camera patch and the teleport cost
patch are compatible with each other and can be applied in any order.</p>
<p>My last gripe is with the layout and direction in the back half of the game.
Now, it is possible that I am just dumb, but soon after you unlock the ability
to teleport, it starts to become very unclear where you are <em>supposed</em> to be
going to advance the story. I ended up having to pull out 'ol reliable,
GameFAQs, to get me where I needed to go throughout the third act of the game.
If you figure out where you're supposed to go, the pacing is actually pretty
good, but the lack of direction ended up drawing out the later portions as I
struggled to find the next story trigger.</p>
<p>Despite my issues with the game, though, I still think the gameplay is very fun,
and it remains satisfying to get done with all the menuing before a boss so you
can walk up to it and one-chain it to death.</p>
<h2 id="graphics">Graphics</h2>
<p>Now, the graphics in Vagrant Story are much easier to talk about: they are
excellent. They are, perhaps, the best graphics that were actually published on
the PlayStation. There were several moments in the game where I felt awe both
for the beautiful scenes and the technical accomplishment of the scenes. The
character models are fantastic and detailed, and I'm not sure that any
PlayStation game can match the facial expressions displayed in Vagrant Story.
The environments are rich and detailed, as well, and they can be beautiful or
haunting.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/11%20-%20grand%20cathedral.8x.avif'
alt='First-person view of a cathedral behind a gate. It has three visible towers and plenty of windows. In the foreground are some leaves from trees behind the camera, and the gate in front of the camera has a closed double door.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/11%20-%20grand%20cathedral.1x.avif'
alt='First-person view of a cathedral behind a gate. It has three visible towers and plenty of windows. In the foreground are some leaves from trees behind the camera, and the gate in front of the camera has a closed double door.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>Leá Monde's grand cathedral is quite a sight.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/14%20-%20statue.8x.avif'
alt='A statue in front of a wall overgrown with ivy. The statue is a man with a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left. He's holding the sword by its pommel and facing it down as if he's leaning on it. He's holding the shield in a similar manner by its side.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/14%20-%20statue.1x.avif'
alt='A statue in front of a wall overgrown with ivy. The statue is a man with a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left. He's holding the sword by its pommel and facing it down as if he's leaning on it. He's holding the shield in a similar manner by its side.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>A pretty statue featured in a cutscene.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/12%20-%20undercity%20river.8x.avif'
alt='A screenshot of Leá Monde's undercity. This area is shockingly blue, and this first-person view shows the camera on a platform looking out over a river. On the other side of the river is another platform, making it seem like the platforms were once connected. On the far platform are some wooden boxes and a lamppost giving off blue light. There is a staircase leading down on the far side, but the landing is not visible.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/12%20-%20undercity%20river.1x.avif'
alt='A screenshot of Leá Monde's undercity. This area is shockingly blue, and this first-person view shows the camera on a platform looking out over a river. On the other side of the river is another platform, making it seem like the platforms were once connected. On the far platform are some wooden boxes and a lamppost giving off blue light. There is a staircase leading down on the far side, but the landing is not visible.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>A room in the undercity cut in half by a river.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The character models have very expressive faces that can change expression and
even bleed, and I was frequently blown away by how good everyone in this game
looks. Things that I had assumed were mistakes or platform limitations turned
out to be intentional, though I can't say more than that without it being a
spoiler. The only minor nitpicks I have are that there are some depth issues
where shadows may clip into characters and a few small holes in certain models,
but I'm not really sure how noticeable those would have been at the time this
game released.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/03%20-%20ever%20the%20choirboy.8x.avif'
alt='A man with blonde hair wearing a suit of armour has a text bubble saying "Ever the choirboy!" The camera is below him and looking up.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/03%20-%20ever%20the%20choirboy.1x.avif'
alt='A man with blonde hair wearing a suit of armour has a text bubble saying "Ever the choirboy!" The camera is below him and looking up.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>Look at that face! Such detail! The close-ups are even better, too.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/09%20-%20so%20this%20is%20a%20riskbreaker.8x.avif'
alt='Ashley, a man with long, blonde hair, metal arms, and no shirt, is looking up. There is a text bubble showing him saying "So this is a Riskbreaker."'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/09%20-%20so%20this%20is%20a%20riskbreaker.1x.avif'
alt='Ashley, a man with long, blonde hair, metal arms, and no shirt, is looking up. There is a text bubble showing him saying "So this is a Riskbreaker."'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>I may be a lesbian, but Sydney is pretty hot.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/07%20-%20minotaur%20spell%20list.8x.avif'
alt='A battle mode screenshot showing a list of magic spells and a cost indicator. Currently selected is "Degenerate", but also visible are "Herakles", "Enlighten", "Psychodrain", "Invigorate", "Leadbones", "Prostasia", and "Tarnish". In the background, Ashley can be seen standing in front of a minotaur with a long, two-handed mace. The UI explains that "Degenerate" "Temporarily decreases target's strength."'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/07%20-%20minotaur%20spell%20list.1x.avif'
alt='A battle mode screenshot showing a list of magic spells and a cost indicator. Currently selected is "Degenerate", but also visible are "Herakles", "Enlighten", "Psychodrain", "Invigorate", "Leadbones", "Prostasia", and "Tarnish". In the background, Ashley can be seen standing in front of a minotaur with a long, two-handed mace. The UI explains that "Degenerate" "Temporarily decreases target's strength."'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>Even the enemies look nice and detailed.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The art style has a strong direction and works very well with the story and
setting. The ruined city feels appropriately ruined, but there are some really
pretty locations left to find. The haunting undercity feels oppressive, as well,
though that feeling may also come from the amazing audio design.</p>
<h2 id="audio">Audio</h2>
<p>Last, but certainly not least, it's time to discuss Vagrant Story's audio. One
of my favourite video game composers, Hitoshi Sakimoto, composed the soundtrack
for this game, and it's a banger, as one might expect from one of his works. You
can really feel his style in this game; certain tracks evoke memories of Final
Fantasy Tactics or Final Fantasy XII, which does make the retconning of the
setting feel more natural.</p>
<blockquote>
While Vagrant Story was directed and produced by Yasumi Matsuno, creator of
Ivalice, he intended that any references to Ivalice in Vagrant Story be fan
service. After his departure from the company, it was later retconned that
Vagrant Story actually takes place <em>in</em> Ivalice.
</blockquote>
<p>The soundtrack is much more understated than games like Tactics or XII, however.
Many of the tracks you'll hear in-game blend into the background and act almost
entirely as ambiance. Many areas feature no music at all besides birds chirping
or water rushing. The stand-out tracks heard during some cutscenes or important
battles are excellent and feel right at home with Sakimoto's other works, but
the more subdued tracks fit well and are just as important in setting the tone
and providing the appropriate atmosphere in the game. The use of sparing and
often subdued tracks makes moments where the music is highlighted even more
memorable.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/13%20-%20keane%27s.8x.avif'
alt='Ashley standing in a metalworking shop. There is a drawer on a workbench, a chest, several tools lying around, some barrels, and various boxes of wine. A glowing circle on the ground represents a save point.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/13%20-%20keane%27s.1x.avif'
alt='Ashley standing in a metalworking shop. There is a drawer on a workbench, a chest, several tools lying around, some barrels, and various boxes of wine. A glowing circle on the ground represents a save point.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>Get used to the song in here; you'll be spending a lot of time in workshops like this. At least it's a good song.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As for the sound effects and UI sounds, they are all satisfying and adequately
perform their functions. Everything sounds nice and as expected, and the only
gripe I had with sound during the game is a particular dark-affinity attack that
makes a piercing screech sound. That sound sucks, but I suppose having one
annoying sound in a sea of okay or great sounds is acceptable.</p>
<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>
<p>Vagrant Story is a game that deserves more love than it got. Play it. Don't be
afraid to look up a walkthrough or FAQ about some of the more complicated
systems. Enjoy the great soundtrack, exciting and interesting character drama of
a story, and of course, the feeling of beating a boss in ten seconds with no
recourse. That last one never stops feeling good.</p>
<hr />
<h2 id="extra-screenshots-gallery">Extra screenshots gallery</h2>
<p>I think this game looks great, and I took a lot of screenshots, so here are a
couple extras I didn't find a place for in the main content of the guide.</p>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/06%20-%20targeting%20crossbow%20soldier.8x.avif'
alt='Another screenshot of the targeting interface in battle mode. Only one enemy falls within the targeting sphere: an armoured soldier with a crossbow. He's about to take 123 damage from Ashley's attack.'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/06%20-%20targeting%20crossbow%20soldier.1x.avif'
alt='Another screenshot of the targeting interface in battle mode. Only one enemy falls within the targeting sphere: an armoured soldier with a crossbow. He's about to take 123 damage from Ashley's attack.'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>You brought a crossbow to an axe fight.</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure
class='nearest'>
<div class='compare'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/08%20-%20congratulations%20minotaur.8x.avif'
alt='Ashley is in the background behind a screen that reads "CONGRATULATIONS".Below that it says "Score: 003,363,600pts." and "Map Completed: 003%". Below those is displayed "Riskbreaker Rank: Destroyer", and below that is "BONUS: HP+4".'
>
<div class='above'>
<img
src='https://reviews.anna.lgbt/vagrant-story/images/08%20-%20congratulations%20minotaur.1x.avif'
alt='Ashley is in the background behind a screen that reads "CONGRATULATIONS".Below that it says "Score: 003,363,600pts." and "Map Completed: 003%". Below those is displayed "Riskbreaker Rank: Destroyer", and below that is "BONUS: HP+4".'
>
</div>
<div class='separator'></div>
<input
type='range'
value='50'
min='0'
max='100'
step='any'
/>
<noscript>
<input type='checkbox' />
</noscript>
</div>
<figcaption>
<p>I did it!</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>