After a remarkable journey in October 2007 on Xbox 360, Eternal Sonata arrives on PS3. Role-playing Tri-Crescendo seems to have retained its charm and beauty is even implemented a few bonuses. Owners of the Sony console they finally take a RPG reliable? Worth its price? The additions they justify the purchase for those who already own the Xbox 360? The answers immediately.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle Trusty Bell!
After starting work on his game prestigious Tri-Ace as the Valkyrie Profile and Star Ocean, having developed in conjunction with Monolith Soft (Xenosaga author) both very pleasant Baten Kaitos on Gamecube; studio Tri - Crescendo now flies on his own with Eternal Sonata ... aka Trusty Bell in Japan.


With Eternal Sonata, we are entitled to an RPG battle system that combines the quite original turn-based and real-time. But it does not stop there because it uses light and shadow for varying situations. Attacks our heroes or our enemies are modified in light of the fact that an area is shaded or illuminated ... monsters and even enemies can change forms. This provides a real strategic dimension to the title and we have to observe the terrain and the enemy presence in order to be as effective in combat.

A nice visual of sonata
From a visual point of view, we are dealing with a mixture of Cel-Shading and 3D classical best effect, with one side manga "Shôjo" barely scored. But make no mistake, as colorful graphics and cute does not intrigue any child.

The themes of revolution, rebellion, betrayal, disease and death (not to mention other more conventional friendship, love and the preservation of nature) are present in a story involving twists and moments strong emotion.


If we add the presence of Motoi Sakuraba at the controls of the game music, one understands immediately, Eternal Sonata PS3, like the 360, is not without strengths.

Small things over the PS3 version
You will understand, basically, the game is similar to the Xbox 360 and has the same forces. And despite his age. The rendering is delightfully colorful and pleasant. The gameplay is perfect (dynamic, rich and complex) and will satisfy most fans of Japanese RPG. But in addition to all this (and certainly to justify the late release to another medium), Namco Bandai gratifies Eternal Sonata PS3 with this small additions sympathiques. There's new quests and battles, for alternatives, new costumes and an additional music. These additions are a way like another to increase the lifespan of the title.


But that's not all because two playable characters have also been added: the valiant Crescendo and Serenade soft. The PS3 version is the most comprehensive to date. However, if all these contributions are certainly welcome (and are a welcome gesture), they do not constitute sufficient evidence to warrant a purchase for those who already own the series of Xbox 360 ... unless you are really fan and rather wealthy. Despite the age, it will still costs about 60 euros.

Forget all the same on a touch of optimism: RPG fans on PS3, which have not yet tried it, could easily take the plunge. Eternal Sonata is a role-play to the Japanese firm, rich and pleasant. It is virtually the only true representative of this category on the support of Sony.

Conclusion:
On PS3 and on Xbox 360, and the image of his aesthetic bias, Eternal Sonata is a choice that envisage differently depending on our sensitivity. Despite its age, it offers a bit of a high quality is no shortage of assets to flatter our senses, visual and auditory. An epic colorful, active, well-structured around charismatic characters and a dynamic combat system. Some minor problems (camera, a little heavy, under-utilization of the theme music in the gameplay) have only taint the table. Finally, only the high linearity and unusual world that we will fully or not this adventure signed Tri-Crescendo. Nevertheless, Eternal Sonata is still a must for lovers of RPG on PS3 ... which unfortunately have few games of this type to put to the tooth.