Eternal Sonata

A man, who is not quite 40, lays dying in his bed in an apartment in Paris as his doctor and loved ones watch over him and wonder what he’s dreaming about as his life begins to slip away. This young man has always been sickly but from his brilliant mind sprang melodies that would inevitably live on long after he’s gone. In another universe, perhaps created by this dying young man, lives a young girl who is terminally ill but lives to help others. She is a mystical healer who one day gazes at the stars when she encounters a young man much like the one dying in a bed in France. This is the story that sets up the events that make up the unique and deliciously original Eternal Sonata for the Xbox 360.

 
“See, this is what happens when you feed the Oompa Loompas after midnight.”

What exactly makes this game unique and original, you might ask? You see, one of the game’s main characters - the young dying man who lies dying in France and reappears in another world - is none other than composer and pianist Frederic Francois Chopin. The game opens in Paris in the year 1849 as Chopin is close to death. In another world, a young girl named Polka sells healing powder made from the crushed pedals of a rare flower only to find herself being alienated by the people of a nearby city. Polka has an incurable illness and as a result this illness grants her healing powers. One day, Polka is startled by the sudden appearance of a young man in a top hat; he introduces himself as simply Frederic and tells her that this world is but a figment of his imagination … a world created by his own dreams. Is this world just a creation of a creative musical genius or was Chopin’s soul somehow transported here at the moment of his death?

This mystery is half of what makes Eternal Sonata such a brilliant premise. Yes, it’s odd to be taking control of a historical figure and inserting him in a game where the landscape is filled with fantastical creatures and characters that band together to bring light to the world but somehow this strange premise works splendidly. The story is also what sets this game apart from other role-playing games. It’s also rare to find a game that adds fantasy elements while also giving a history lesson seeing as we also get a peek at the life of historical figure (the game touches on many events that occurred in Chopin’s life). Really, if it wasn’t for the wonderful story and characters this would have been an old-school RPG filled with all the traditional elements of classic role-playing games of yesteryear.

Early in the game we are also introduced to the other half of the cast of characters that join Polka and Chopin on their quest to restore light to the people of Ritardando (the major city of the world in this other realm). We meet two young thieves, Allegretto and Beat, both youngsters who steal bread for the poor and suddenly find themselves taking a role in helping Polka and Chopin battle against an evil Count who unfairly sets hefty taxes and has unleashed a most unhealthy and addictive mineral designed to pacify the people of this world. Along the way the band of heroes meets other characters and discovers musical pieces that can be played for certain NPCs you’ll encounter. Sessions, as the game calls it, is actually a mini-game that - when successfully handled - will earn you rare items and other goodies.

 
“Ah, jeez, this is the LAST time I accept a blind date.”

Each character has his or her own set of special attacks that changes depending on whether you’re standing in a bright area or one covered in the shade. Beat, for example, has a firearm that becomes available to him in the shade but in the sunlight that weapon becomes a camera he can use to snap photographs of his enemies. These photographs can actually be used to earn money when sold in shops. You will be exploring dungeons, towns and forests. Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, the game’s design is actually quite linear and thus leaving no real room to go off the map and explore further. It’s very old-school in this respect and it might not sit well for those who are now use to exploring vast landscapes a la Oblivion. Still, the deep and engaging story as well as the various situations you’ll partake in more than supersede those of the recent Blue Dragon.

Combat is also pretty engaging seeing as it uses both real-time movement and a turn-based strategy. When you collide with a monster or enemy, you’ll be whisked into a battle arena where you can move anywhere within the arena until the Action Gauge lowers then it’s the enemy’s turn to go. Unlike most games in the genre, your characters can use their special attacks as much as they want … which is a good thing seeing as many of the battles are actually pretty tough. Early in the game you’ll encounter bosses, many of them able to deal some heavy damage even to the likes of the powerful Allegretto and even Chopin who has a powerful attack.

Graphically, Eternal Sonata is one of the prettiest role-playing games with vibrant colors and beautifully detailed backgrounds that will not fail to light up your screen. Really, if there ever was a game that screams HDTV, this is it. Even the character models are well detailed despite their anime appearance. You’ll really find it hard to tell where the cut scenes start and where they end because the visuals are just that good.

 
“How dare you call HER a girly, chicken-legged wuss! Oh, you meant me.”

The sound is also amazing and this, of course, is due to Chopin’s music. His compositions are featured throughout the game and interpreted by a master pianist and oftentimes his music is used to punctuate an emotional truly emotional moment in the game. There are also original tunes in the game that fits Chopin’s music nicely so music lovers will certainly appreciate Eternal Sonata’s soundtrack. The voice acting is also pretty good if you’re use to listening to the English dub of most Japanese animation. For those that prefer the better Japanese voice acting you can always switch languages on the fly. 

Classically beautiful like the works of the poet of the piano, Eternal Sonata for the Xbox 360 is one of those rare gaming experiences that are genuinely extraordinary and truly unforgettable. It’s an old-school role-playing game that doesn’t deviate from the classic role-playing game elements but it’s story, characters and theme will not fail to hook you into this lovely tale. Add some stunning next-generation visuals, a superb score and a great overall presentation and you get a game fans of the genre will certainly appreciate.

Gameplay: 8.5
The game handles combat decently with its blend of real-time and turn-based battles that allow you to make use of each characters’ special skills. There are some interesting side quests and a photography aspect used to make money. Some might feel like the game’s world doesn’t offer a whole lot but it more than makes up for it with its lengthy main quest, great story and good characters.

Graphics: 9.5
This is one seriously gorgeous Xbox 360 game and I’m not just talking about the cut scenes that look like a wonderfully produced Japanese animated film but all of it. The character models might look like cartoons but they’re detailed to perfection and the backgrounds are just too beautiful. Too bad many of the enemies are clones of each another.

Sound: 9.5
Eternal Sonata also makes good use of Chopin’s music - that is interpreted by Stanislav Bunin - and the original score is just as good. The game’s voice acting is actually pretty good and brings to mind a good anime.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
The game tosses you into some pretty brutal battles early in the game and then adds boss battles that will have you loading the game up again. There are a few puzzles but they’re not too difficult to solve.

Concept: 8.7
This is a game that has Frederic Chopin as a main character with shades of his life and past scattered throughout the game. The story is not quite epic but it touches on many themes that make it such an endearing tale. The game’s combat is pretty good and there’s musical portions scattered throughout but the game could have used more side quests.

Overall: 8.7
Eternal Sonata is a beautifully composed role-playing game that is delightfully unique experience for those who appreciate a game that’s wildly imaginative. It’s rare to find an RPG, especially one on the Xbox 360 that presents a title that’s inspiring and unforgettable despite a few snags here and there. It’s also gorgeous, informative and feature’s music from the great composer himself. This is a real Must Have for any role-playing game fan.