Wild Arms Alter Code: F (2003)

Developer: Media.Vision
Publisher: Agetec, Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Genres: Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG)
Rating: 4.0 of 5, 8 player ratings
Main story: about 25 hours

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How it feels

A melancholic journey across a dying world, blending puzzle-solving with turn-based combat in a thoughtful, unhurried pace that rewards patience and curiosity.

nostalgicdesolateatmosphericstory-drivenmeasured pacingclassic jrpg feelmelancholicexploration-focused

About

Although it is essentially a remake of the original PlayStation version of Wild Arms, Alter Code F brings enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and an expanded storyline to the PS2. Players take command of three unlikely companions in a surreal and desolate world called Filgaia. The young orphan Rudy has a unique ability to physically bond with "ARMs," or "Ancient Relic Machines," which seem to have been left behind by a forgotten civilization. The runaway princess Cecelia can command forces of magic, and the swordsman Jack is adept at a number of trades. These three "Dream Chasers" seek their fortunes in the unforgiving countryside, and might just end up saving the whole world along the way. The role-playing adventure includes overworld exploration and intense dungeon-crawling. Wild ARMs: Alter Code F is compatible with the PlayStation 2 HDD, so veteran PS2 gamers with older model consoles and the hard drive accessory can load the large, two-DVD game program to disk in order to decrease load times.

What players say

A polished full 3D remake of the original Wild Arms that preserves its pseudo-western JRPG charm and tweaks the story and world. Classic and comforting, with some mechanics showing their age but plenty of mileage for series fans.

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