Hidden Gem - Enchanted Arms

When you think about RPGs, specifically the sub-variety that comes from the Land of the Rising Sun, the 360 isn't the first console you think of. But believe it or not, Microsoft's platform is capable of delivering a great JRPG now and then.

From Software's Enchanted Arms (Which was also ported to the PS3) Was probably the first JRPG to grace Microsoft's Big White Box. The game does contain some genre staples, like Linear Gameplay and story among a few others, but it differentiates itself by having a protagonist that's likable and human, an interesting plot and battle system that puts a new spin on Turn-based combat.

The world of Enchanted Arms is populated by Mechanical creatures called Golems, which serve a variety of tasks and have existed since a Human-Golem war ages before.The game starts off in the Enchant University, a school that practices the magical art of "Enchanting." You play as Atsuma, a hot-headed douchebag who isn't capable of enchanting, but is able to absorb the powers of others through his "Enchanted Arm." You and several of your classmates free a super-powerful Devil Golem known as the Queen of Ice, from beneath the University. The frigid bitch (See what I did there?) plans to free the other Devil Golems and take over the planet and it's up to you and your rag-tag team of heroes to stop them.

Golems have many forms: From Pizza-faced chefs to this ugly bastard.

The game plays similarly to other RPGs. You adventure through linear areas and encounter random battles. These random battles appear in the form of Golems, which you must defeat in turn-based combat. A battle takes place on a small grid-field, with you, your teammates and any Golems you've constructed (You can make them at Save locations.) on one side, while your foes set-up on the other. When it's your turn, you can move, attack or wait. Your various attacks, magic and abilities cost "Ether Points" to use. Each character has a limited number that can be replenished each turn. Aside from constructing Golems and saving your game, the save locations also contain a multiplayer mode, something unusual for a JRPG. You can bring a customized party of Golems online and use them to fight other players. It's a feature that could have been implemented further, but it's unique and fun nonetheless.

Like most Role-Playing Adventures, it's strengths lie in the overall presentation. Fortunately, that's one of Enchanted Arms shining points. The characters and environments are extremely detailed and life-like, especially during the cutscenes. Speaking of cutscenes, they are notable in that they have an almost "Final Fantasy-esque" production value. The audio is on par with the visuals, with an epic score  that fits the situation perfectly. The voice acting is occasionally hindered by irritating characters, but they are usually minor supporting characters which are encountered only a handful of times. The rest of the voices, including the protagonist surprisingly are done quite well.

Overall, the game is an excellent JRPG Experience that can be found for $10 on both the Xbox 360 and PS3. If you're looking for an affordable and lasting adventure, you'll find one here.

- Kyle K.