Eternal Sonata

WARNING:

May contain Spoilers and/or Bad Language! 
 
I first heard of this game as "Trusty Bell" and didn't think anything of it because it was a music RPG.  After playing the demo on Xbox LIVE, I was very impressed.  As a RPG fan, I had to pick this up.
 

• As any RPG, you will play multiple characters throughout the story.  You can customise the weapons and accessories of each character.  Strangely enough, you can't equip different clothing items.
• The main feature of this game is the "Party Level" system - which controls the time given per character, per turn; the combo system called "Echoes"; the time allowed to plan your attack and a combined attack called "Harmony".
  
• Focusing on a 3-people party, the gameplay involves you controlling one character and moving him/her in this 3D battle area and attacking (or healing).  Face-to-face attacks allows the enemy/player to block or counter attacks and Back Attacks prevent blocking and deal somewhat more damage.  Unlike other RPG's, where you carry all items with you into battle, you must select what items to bring with you.  There is a limited about of points that you can carry with you into battle and each item (depending on how effective) will have a set value.  This offers a great balance regarding powerful items and forces the player to think about what to bring.
  
• The battle area may consist of light and dark areas, which can alter each character's special attack(s).  This can be set when customising each character.  Each character's special attack(s) can be ranged, within earshot or up-close and can vary how many hits will be dealt.
  
• "Echoes" provide a damage boost to both standard and special attacks.  You can also chain Harmonies together to unleash a mega attack, which is very useful on bosses.  However, doing so will change the controls mapped for attack, defend, use item and your special.  I think this is a very funny twist on how typical RPG's are use to.
  
• The story is about Chopin and his life but I had trouble following it.  However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the game.
  
• The game is broken into chapters, each being titled as a Chopin composition.
• The music is the most memorable because each piece of music fits in so well where they are used.
• The voice acting matches the characters - with 2 of my favourite voice actor/actress: Aya Hirano and Hiro Shimono.
• As a RPG, there are a lot of hidden and rare items that can be obtained once per playthrough.  The Achievements are based on this rule and it's pretty hard to unlock all Achievements without a guide.  There are some items that are also only obtainable on a second playthrough (something like: New Game Plus).

 
It's been a while since I've played a great RPG.  After the PS2 ended with Final Fantasy XII (which I was very disappointed with) and Blue Dragon hitting just above the mediocre level, this game is a definate pick-up for any true RPG fan.