As a player who finished WK(J version) story mode and spent decent time at online mode, I would like to share my insight on the first JRPG appear on PS3. After played several average/good JRPG titles for the next-gen, as a long term video game players I must say WK didn't break the any shell on next-gen JRPG field...
Graphic:
WK's graphic style is more clean and crisp, which works pretty well during game-play. Almost 90% cut-scene created by game-engine, the player can pick on detail but overall is acceptable. Characters are well designed to show their own quality and personality, and occasionally CG showed high quality work.
The map is pretty big but the art design and used of light/color make the trip acceptable. The character's look changed in part with equipment change (both in game-play and cut-scene), which made the normal equipment upgrade a little more fun.
The highlight of WK graphic is its giant monster and Knights. The design is really good and the sheer size of them amaze the player. The giant monster not only appears as boss but also normal enemy on map, so be prepared to take down several "monsters".
Music/Sound:
WK's music is decent, it delivers the right feeling for different map set and the character voice acting is good. The good part of WK's music/sound is the detailed sound effects. The clicking sound of metal armor, flow of wind and heavy movement of Knight and giant monster, are all played out in detail.
System:
WK did a great job on its system. It may look like FF12, but several part of the system is different. Action Ring(AR) replaced tradition ATB, so in battle player need to wait for AR to reach full circle in order to take action. AR charge speed depends on character's equipment. So the bigger your weapon, the thicker your armor, the longer between each action.
Player uses skill point to learn magic or weapon skill, and place them on "Action Bar" in order to execute them during battle. The highlight of WK's system is the player made Combo. Players can freely create their own Combo by combining learned weapon skill and magic, which range from normal slash to mid-air combo. It may sound simple but in actual game-play it is fun to use the self-create (and named) combo to knock your enemy silly.
A system called Action Point (AC) is used to prevent the battle become way too easy. AC is used when execute powerful weapon skill, Combo and Knight transformation, and slowly replenish during battle. So it is important for player to control their use of AC during adventure.
Teammate AI is decent, they used skill player arrange on their Action Bar and quick to heal low HP teammate. Player can push down L3 to issue four general battle commend (fight freely, focus attk, separate attk and keep distance) and R3 for instance individual commend. AI received instance commend will either heal teammate (if low HP or negative status) to its best, or execute most powerful Combo/weapon skill as long as it got enough AC to do so.
Player can enhance equipment and create item/equipment as long as the proper materials and cash is in hand. The materials can be gather through monster killing or search flashing/butterfly-surround tree/rock/box on map. Due to the random natural of material, sometime it is quite time consuming task. Good thing player can pretty much finish story mode without intentional enhance/create item, so this system is more lively at online mode.
WK's character creation can be very detailed, in a different way compare to Oblivion. Personally I spend 2hrs play around the creation system and created a character that look 85% similar to me in real life. The created character will appear in story mode (no line during cut-scene) which is quite good to get player more involve into story, and also used for online player as avatar.
Story:
WK's biggest downfall is on the story...by downfall I mean the length of story. The story itself goes by traditional style, so save the princess and prevent evil to take over the world. Still the good character design and several plot keep the player interest going.
So the story got a good pace and atmosphere for 3/4 part of the game. For the final 1/4 part, the story suddenly take a dive!! The secret behind characters connection and smaller plot are throwing onto players' face and when the ending score roll up, I am actually in shock!!!
It is very clear that WK story is intentionally cut short, and in a hasty fashion. Though the developer already give player a head up that WK will be chronicles, but still the way WK end is really unsatisfying.
Online:
WK's online play give you a feeling of FF11 and MH combination. It got hate system, giant monster and many material to collect through out play. In order to play, players fist choice "lobby" then choice from one of several "room" to join. Each room contain up to 20 players, they can freely group up to finish "quest" (purchase from NPC) to level up their GR level. With higher GR level, more quests is available and some unique equipment can be created/equipped. The connection is pretty smooth despite the server is at Japan, and it is always fun to see kick-ass Combo move or funny Combo name used during online adventure. The communication so far limited without online chat function, good thing the latest PS3 wireless keyboard helped out a lot.
Overall Comment:
WK is a good game, the battle system is a lot of fun, presentation is pretty good and online mode expend the game lifespan, but WK is still far away to be "Epic". WK got potential, especially on the story part: there are enough plots left for least another 10hrs game-play if properly expended without intentionally cut for chronicles. WK is in fact a prologue, which means the WK2 have more promise and easier development process since the foundation is establish. All is said, WK just like other next-gen JRPG. It had its high and low point, still got a lot room to grow and make you hunger for a sequel.
