While I enjoyed the series’ PS1 predecessor, Koudelka, I never checked out the Shadow Hearts games. But in my quest to actually play some of the PS2 games I own, I decided to pop in my copy of the original Shadow Hearts.
My first impressions were… mixed. The game has an awkward dub typical of the era, and while only the cutscenes are voiced, it’s still a bit jarring. Also, I don’t know anything about the original Japanese script, but the main character, Yuri, is an off-putting creep in the English version.
But after getting past all that, I was able to appreciate what was good about the game, like the combat. Shadow Hearts is a turn-based JRPG, but distinguishes itself with the “Judgement Ring.” This is essentially a timing meter not unlike that of a golf game. While I typically don’t like timing mechanics in turn-based RPGs (I suck at them), the visual representation here makes it easier for me to engage with.
The other element I really appreciate about Shadow Hearts is the way it leans into horror. While Koudelka had gothic vibes, I don’t remember it ever making me uneasy in the way Shadow Hearts has. While ominous music and gore are ever-present in SH, there was also a surprisingly unsettling section pretty early on.
You arrive at a small village which looks normal, but once you start talking to the villagers, it’s obvious that something is off.
Sure enough, the sinister side of the village is revealed, and it turns out the villagers are cannibal demons.
I wouldn’t go as far as to call this straight horror- the techniques and game mechanics don’t really create a sense of fear, but there is definitely something unsettling about it all. Shoutout to the localization team: the villager dialogue text really added to the uneasiness.
While I’m pretty indifferent about the plot and characters so far, the engaging combat mechanics and horror-themed elements go a long way for me. It’s a shame that the game is relatively inaccessible these days, because Shadow Hearts is a pretty unique experience that I’d definitely recommend to fans of horror and PS2 era JRPGs.
Photo by me. Screenshots and video captured by me on original hardware.
Leave a comment