Jeanne d'Arc, initially released in 2007 for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) by developer Level-5, has made a grand re-entrance on modern consoles. This title, deeply rooted in a fantastical version of history, combines elements of myth with the epic tale of Joan of Arc, set during the tumultuous Hundred Years' War between France and England.
This game stands out as a tactical role-playing game (RPG) in which strategic combat decisions play a crucial role. While it has historically been limited in distribution—never officially released in Europe, for instance—its recent launch on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 has introduced it to a broader audience. With enhancements such as up-rendered graphics, quality-of-life improvements like rewind and quick save, and additional video filters, Jeanne d'Arc is poised to captivate a new generation of gamers.
The narrative reinterprets the historical struggle between the kingdoms of England and France in the 15th century. Contrary to historical accounts, the game introduces a dark twist with the English aligning with demonic forces. As English troops, corrupted by their unholy alliances, devastate her village, Jeanne, alongside her friends Lianne and Roger, is propelled into a daunting conflict to reclaim the soul of France. Amidst the chaos, Jeanne discovers a mystical armlet bestowing her the ability to hear divine guidance and gain supernatural abilities temporarily.
Gameplay in Jeanne d'Arc is executed on a grid-based battlefield where players strategically maneuver Jeanne and a select group of allies. Each stage presents unique challenges, such as defeating a key enemy within a certain number of turns or ensuring an ally's survival through aggressive confrontations. Unlike many other tactical RPGs, where expendable, generic units are common, each character in Jeanne d'Arc is fully realized with distinct personalities and roles, enhancing the game's depth and emotional engagement.
Combat mechanics, refined through years of genre evolution, remain robust and distinctive. Features like the Burning Aura and Unified Guard not only add layers to combat strategy but also emphasize the importance of tactical positioning and teamwork. Furthermore, the game incorporates a rock-paper-scissors elemental system with alignments named Sol, Luna, and Stella, contributing to its strategic complexity.
Transformation plays a pivotal role, with Jeanne and certain characters able to dawn divinely-powered armor by harnessing the armlet's gems. This ability dramatically shifts the tide of battle but is limited to single-use per encounter, requiring judicious tactical planning. Magic also deviates from traditional RPG norms, with mana points accumulating over time rather than depleting, prompting players to strategize their spell use across turns.
Between combat, players navigate an overworld map punctuated with towns and landmarks where they can upgrade equipment and tweak character abilities, tailoring their party's skills to suit their strategic preferences. However, transitioning to modern platforms has not been flawless. The graphical update enhances character and environment visuals but clashes with the aged, low-resolution user interface, which can detract from the experience on larger screens. Moreover, control schema, adhering too closely to the original, feels outdated and could benefit from modernization, despite the game’s modest re-release price point.
Still, Jeanne d'Arc's leap to current-generation consoles is more than just a visual upgrade. It signifies a revival of a cult classic, blending historical drama with inventive gameplay and a gripping, albeit alternate, narrative. With its lengthy campaign enriched with beautifully animated cutscenes and unexpected plot twists, Jeanne d’Arc remains a compelling play for both veterans of the original PSP version and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re drawn to its strategic depth or the allure of rewriting history, Jeanne d'Arc offers a robust and engaging experience that stands the test of time, now more accessible than ever. This reimagined classic invites players to explore a war-torn, mythical France in a battle for its very soul, promising hours of challenging play and narrative intrigue.
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