February 2025 report

One of the best action adventure games! I think I played it soon after its release and I fell in love with it right away. There was just a little problem… tiny, really… I couldn't surpass the final fight where the controls get swapped and rage quitted so hard that it was untouched to this day. The flame of the rage still burning inside me every time I realized what would follow if I decided to play it ever again.
Even though the game felt easier and shorter than I remember (practice makes perfect) the funny thing is that I was close to rage quitting on the same spot yet again… the fight is SO frustrating!!! Hah, but I did it in the end and thus surpassed my long-time archnemesis! 😁

Aside from the ultimate boss fight I love everything about this game! The story is captivating, thrilling, and with some nice twists. The characters are nicely written, and you will easily become attached. The less important characters don't get much of a space to show off but it's still fun to interact with them. Equipped with a camera and dai-jo staff you are safe to explore the various caves, and enemy strongholds the islands have to offer. Even though the staff is a powerful weapon, Jade's camera is maybe even more powerful as with it you will take evidence of a horrendous conspiracy that threatens every peaceful citizen of the planet Hillys. Oh, and you can take with it cute photos of the various animals and creatures lurking around! If you want some more adrenaline you can join hovercraft races and fight for fame&cash! But beware of the bandits that will try to rob you if you roam around the wrong places - you need to be really quick to catch them to get back the loot! Both of the races are challenging and fun.

My only complaint goes to the horrible camera lock during fights and the inability to properly evade enemy attacks. Also, I had a slight problem with the game crashing on me especially when trying to take photos on the water - which resulted in me being unable to collect all photos as the water snake was only at one location where I couldn't leave the hovercraft to take the photo from inland. Luckily the old version doesn't have any achievements… but it still left me heartbroken.
Other than that the game ran smoothly. The visuals are older of course but I enjoyed them, although the photos were pretty blurred. xD The game has a great catchy soundtrack. The voice acting is of a good quality.

All in all, I can only recommend this masterpiece! :3