bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Baten Kaitos Origins (GC)

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Exclusive RPG for the GC, beautiful graphics, hard-core card-based RPG play

Weaknesses: The card-based battling may not be for everyone

Summary: Baten Kaitos Origins is a prequel to the Gamecube-exclusive RPG Baten Kaitos. In this second iteration, which was one of the last big game releases for the Gamecube (followed really only by Zelda Twilight Princess), the card battle system has been simplified a bit. However, the game can still be very difficult if you get the wrong mix of random cards from your deck during any given battle. Also, you will be required to level up to handle certain bosses. Someone who enjoys RPGs and likes to explore will have no problem with this. Someone who wants to rush through may find it frustrating though. There is much more freedom of exploration in this version than in the original. You can fly around and explore the big world and engage in plenty of sidequests to keep you busy for quite a while. Overall, for any RPG fan I would recommend this game, especially as RPGs on the Gamecube were few and far between.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Great story, nice character designs, entertaining battle system

Weaknesses: Voice acting

Summary: This is the prequel to the original Baten Kaitos game for the gamecube and is a wonderful addition to the gamecube library. This game provides many hours of fun and entertainment.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 16 Days

Strengths: +battle system improved+graphics improved+limited characters

Weaknesses: -new battle system can have a learning curve-new strategy is involved in gameplay

Summary: If you've played the 1st BK would be worth picking up after all this game can be found for about 20-30 USD depending on your location. Also an excellent consideration for others as this game as some outstanding RPG elements to be found. Although this game is a prequel to the original you may still find the story satisfying after all.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Interesting Card System, prequel to original Baten Kaitos

Weaknesses: like the first one, HORRIBLE voice acting

Summary: BK: Origins is a fun game, and a good (just shy of great) RPG by anyone's standards. Being on the RPG starved Gamecube, it ranks even higher. It has a nice long quest, but the randomness of the battles (you get cards from your "deck" to do actions, but you rely on a lot of luck to get the cards you want when you want them) and the overall difficulty of some of the battles may make this more for the hardcore RPG fan than the casual fan.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: Long Game, Sharp Graphics, Good Blend of Music

Weaknesses: Voice Acting Can Be Lacking, Randomness of Battle System

Summary: Baten Kaitos Origins is a prequel to the first Baten Kaitos game on the GameCube hence the Origins sub title. The gameplay itself while changed around with some minor things is still a card based battle system RPG so for the most part it is a love it hate it kind of game and if you enjoyed the first Baten Katios you'll also like Origins. Baten Katios Orignis is a long game just has the first one was and will keep you busy for 50+ hours if you do all or a good chunk of the side quests that the game offers and it's good to take part in the side quests to help power up your characters as if you don't you will find yourself not strong enough at some points in the game to beat some of the tougher bosses. The randomness of the cards you get from your deck during battle can be frustrating as you might not get the cards you need as you might get a healing card that you'll probably need later during the battle but will be taking up a valuable spot in your hand of cards if you don't discard it. I would highly recommend renting Baten Katios Origins to anyone that has not played the first game to give the unique card battle system a test run before buying but to anyone that likes the first game they are bound to also enjoy Origins and I would highly recommend it to them.