Will the real Heracles please stand up?
Although some might not know this, but Glory of Heracles (GoH) for the NDS isn't a standalone product; it is in fact the sixth game in a franchise of the same name. Probably the only reason we don't know this is because for quite a while the series resided in Japan. This incarnation of GoH is the very first in its brethren to have a release outside of Japan, and while it doesn't alienate its new western audience, it does very little to exceed the baseline expectations of the modern RPG.
GoH is the tale of an amnesiac immortal who begins the game washed up in the shore. With virtually no memory of his past life, the hero joins up with a band of other immortals who also are in search of their origins, only to realize that this band of misfits play an important role in saving Ancient Greece. The story falls short largely because the cast is difficult to attach to. It's not that these characters lack personality; they actually do. Eres (first from left) is the serious, strict girl. Axios (green-robed dude) is all into his hair and good looks. But they don't have that charisma to necessitates latching onto or laughter. Case study? The main character. The dude is entirely silent throughout the game's dialogue, so it's hard to build sympathy towards him. Leucos (second from left, the one with her rear end slightly exposed) has a back story concerning her need to act like a man even though she knows deep inside that she is a girl. In the hands of a better writer Leucos could've gained a more sympathetic backstory, but in the game her origins were gauchely handled and exposed.
When your motley band of immortals end some long expository sections, GoH follows a very oft-used RPG formula. The protagonist maneuvers around an overworld, exploring towns to buy stuff and dungeons/caves to fight monsters. Fighting monsters is a simple turn-based affair where characters attack with an array of ancient weaponry and spells of differing elements. The system is functional but unimaginative, and the game is too easy; all too often I allowed the computer AI to take over commands of the characters because even with some questionable decision making they can win the battle. What's even more strange for me is that the interactive sequences really don't match the action (see right). Why not have the stylus draw a shape resembling fire or ice? When a sword is involved, why can't there be swipes on the bottom screen to mimic the movements of a slash or thrust?
Like the fight sequences, exploring towns and buying items are no-brainers: As long as characters are equipped with progressively more effective weaponry and also have healing items on the side, players should have smooth sailings in the story mode. In the game's defense, at least the mechanics are functional, and there is some depth, as players need to manage the ether needed to cast spells or else suffer immense damage, while weapons can be imbued with special abilities to gain the extra edge in battle. However, these nice features seem superfluous to the overall scheme of excessive simplicity.
From a presentation standpoint, GoH has some really nice character models with fluid animations in battle sequences, even though the backgrounds, from forests to towns to caves, all seem too similar from one another. Another issue I found with this game has to do with some slowdown while the protagonist is running around town and I'm pressing any face buttons simultaneously. The soundtrack fares a bit better, as the scores match up well to the action on the story scenes, but a short list of soundtracks can lead to repetitiveness.
In the end, GoH is a nice, long adventure for the average game, with a 25 hour campaign with the option of a new game plus and a survival mode. The presentation is above average but the gameplay detracts players from exploiting that depth; it's way too simple and easy for the game's good. This product is probably best suited for younger gamers and those who aren't familiar with the RPG genre.
Final Verdict: I'll give this game 3 stars: The longevity is there but there are other RPGs that have molded a better narrative and/or have had more engaging gameplay. For big RPG/JRPG fans, this is a buy option.
