Rating of
0.5/5
Failure, with a Hint of Desperation
Nelson Schneider - wrote on 03/16/12
"White Knight Chronicles" is not a game, but a cruel joke played upon desperate RPG fans who are finding their favorite genre to be completely lacking this-gen.
The most egregious flaw in "White Knight Chronicles" is the fact that it's not a complete game, but HALF of a complete game. The pathetic stereotype-and-trope-riddled excuse for a story comes to a sudden and abrupt end right at its climax, leaving players hanging off a monumental cliff.
The second most egregious flaw in "White Knight Chronicles" is the fact that it's a "normal" RPG Frankensteined-together with an MMORPG. Thus the gameplay revolves heavily around repeatedly running through a variety of side-quests with up to three other players via the PlayStation Network (no local multi-player here!) in order to grind for loot drops of rare materials that are required for the game's crafting system. As an MMO descendent, "White Knight Chronicles" also features a variety of unnecessary caps, like a hard level cap and level requirements to wear specific equipment, take specific side-quests, and unlock specific crafting recipes.
Since the original "White Knight Chronicles" is included in its entirety in "White Knight Chronicles 2," there is no reason for this original version to exist. In fact, there never WAS a reason for this game to exist, as episodic release cycles only work with $10 digital downloads - not with $60 retail releases!
For the complete down-low on why "White Knight Chronicles" and its sequel are unworthy of the time investment required to play them, see my review of "White Knight Chronicles 2."
