Baten Kaitos Origins

the game's talented designers have returned to Baten Kaitos with a prequel exploring themes of corruption and betrayal amid the mysteries behind...
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8.3

very good

CRITICS SCORE

7.6

(20 ratings)

GAMER SCORE

(565 ratings)

Game Overview

the game's talented designers have returned to Baten Kaitos with a prequel exploring themes of corruption and betrayal amid the mysteries behind Geldoblame's rise to power, the death of an emperor, the birth of machina, and the return of the oceans.

The Good

Satisfying storyline that explores the origins of the Baten Kaitos world, engaging card battles test your wits and skills, good breadth of content.

The Bad

Brutal boss fights with lots of level-grinding required, level design encourages backtracking and introduces confusion into some puzzles, lots of deck micromanagement required.

The Bottom Line

Baten Kaitos Origins takes place 20 years prior to the start of the original. You play as Sagi, a member of the empire's "Elite" force of fighters. Sagi heads off on a quest to determine the nature of a mysterious change that's appearing in the world. Actually, you don't play as Sagi like you play as the main characters of other RPGs. You actually play as a spirit that resides within Sagi, an entity that represents Sagi's "true self," and give "advice" to Sagi as the game progresses. The notion of a spirit residing in a character is actually a part of the Baten Kaitos storyline. The world of Baten Kaitos was formed when the living spirits of two separate worlds connected, and people who have spirits within them are considered wise.

Expert Reviews

75/100

score

Baten Kaitos Origins' complex card-battle system and punishing foes weigh the game down, but it's a worthy adventure for role-playing fans who relish a challenge.

82/100

score

Probably the only thing that would stop newcomers and casual RPG gamers from buying this game is Origin's difficulty setting but fans of the first game will have a lot to like about this prequel.

83/100

score

The adventure is just as difficult, has a better overall story, and delivers more gameplay than the original with 60+ hours of play (factoring in every sub-mission). Battles require serious strategy with a hint of luck, and the deck customization - whil

Game Features

Explore a massive world filled with memorable characters and bizarre creatures. From the high-tech high-rises of the empire to a rustic farming hamlets, the level and character design in Baten Kaitos Origins is wildly innovative.

With a twisting, turning storyline, dozens of side quests and thousands of lines of voice-acted dialogue, you will easily spend 80+ hours in the Baten Kaitos universe.

Leap into the fray with the real-time combat system. With hundreds of weapons, armor pieces and items at their disposal, even fights against the smallest monsters will be a fun and frantic experience.

Game Specs

Audio/Video
Progressive Scan

Memory
6 blocks

Modes
Full Mission Single-Player, Story

ESRB Game Ratings

This game is Rated: Teen
Content is most suitable for children ages 13 and up. This game may contain violence, gambling, suggestive themes, crude humor, or some strong language.

Content Descriptors:

Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol