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Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time (Video Game Review)

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is a remake of the 2003 Atlus classic, and the new version, that is out now strangely for PlayStation Portable, adds plenty of great new content to a cult favorite. The game is comparable to classic Strategy JRPGs of old, but it actually retains many unique game mechanics that make it completely its own. The classic storytelling and gameplay is both Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time's biggest strength and its biggest flaw. Fans of this type of game will flock to it in droves and dust off their old PlayStation Portable just to get a taste of what games used to be like back in the day, while the newer generation of gamers will be sure to avoid it altogether. Luckily, the game arrives on the perfect platform for the release, as many PlayStation Portable owners picked up the system just to play this rare breed of game when the releases were so plentiful just a few years back.

The storyline of Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time follows the protagonist named Crevanille. The young man was orphaned as a child and taken in by mercenaries where he learned the valuable fighting skills that will soon be put to the test against a band of renegade Angels sent to destroy mankind. Crevanille learns his fate from the mercenary group's leader Dixon, and the young man soon sets off on a journey to put a stop to the Angels and save the extinction of mankind. The epic narrative sprawls an impressive 50+ hours of gameplay and introduces you to many characters along the way. The way you interact with the game's various characters really matters in Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time; dialogue selections can change relationships as characters can become better friends, romantically involved or even turn their backs on you and your comrades to fight for the enemies.

Outside of storyline and character interactions, there's still a lot more to like about Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, especially, if you're a fan of role-playing games. Combat plays out similar to other strategy RPGs you'll find with the big exception that many fights will require you to perform a specific task in battle or use a certain strategy to take down the game's tougher enemies. Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is not an easy game, but with the right tactics, you'll be able to overcome any foe. Rather than equipping traditional armor and melee weapons, the game features an equipment system where you equip special rings with spellstones that grant offensive and defensive capabilities as well as their own statistical boosts. This is a great mechanic that can be easily described as something similar to Final Fantasy VII's materia system. Level grinding does get repetitive for some, but other gamers will find this hardcore aspect fun and welcome it with open arms.


Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time definitely won't wow you over with its in-game graphics; this is an old title for a system well beyond its prime. The game does feature beautiful animated cut scenes from renowned artist Satoshi Urushihara that more than make up for sub par graphics and animations in game. The game's battle system is refined and unique with controls that are easy to understand and master. While the complete voiceover for the game didn't make the cut like it did in Japan, a fine soundtrack and great sound effects remain and make the game that much more immersive for their inclusion. All of the new content including new characters, character events, animations and more simply make a fun game that much better all these years later.

Essentially, Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is for a select audience. If you're part of the target audience, you will absolutely love this title. It's not for everyone, but the addictive nature of the game can't be denied. With plenty of new content, 50+ hours of gameplay, numerous endings and plenty of character scenarios to play out, you'll find yourself coming back to the game multiple times to see what all the game has to offer. Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is a fun game that tells a great storyline, and that's really all you can ask for in a game. Check out Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time on PlayStation Portable today!

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is now available exclusively for PlayStation Portable. Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time is rated T by the ESRB for Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language & Suggestive Themes. For more information on Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, check out the official Atlus website.

Game Features
  • Single Player
  • 50+ Hours of Gameplay
  • New Characters
  • Additional Animated Cut Scenes from Satoshi Urushihara
  • Character Driven Narrative


    • Game Information
    Developer and Publisher: Atlus
    Available exclusively on PlayStation Portable
    Release Date: July 31, 2012
    Score: 9 out of 10
     

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