Shadow Hearts Review! (PS2) The Game Collection!

Happy Halloween! In this review, SuperDerek takes a look at a spooky turn-based RPG, Shadow Hearts!
Welcome back to The Game Collection! And Happy Halloween. I am SuperDerek, and this is Shadow Hearts!
Following the release of Koudelka, the development team Sacnoth was going through some hard times. Koudelka didn't sell particularly well and received some pretty mixed reviews from critics. In the aftermath, founder Kiroki Kikuta stepped down from the head of Sacnoth as parent-company SNK was in the process of going under. Aruze Entertainment stepped in and picked up the pieces of the shattered company, stitched it back together and breathed in new life. In this fashion Sacnoth rose from the dead in order to set out to do what it could not during life: To create the pure Turn-based horror RPG that they had always wanted! The team went to work on a direct follow-up to Koudelka that would be released as Shadow Hearts in 2001 for the PlayStation 2.
The story of Shadow Hearts follows Yuri, a rather rude and vulgar anti-hero type who happens to have a very special ability. He's a Harmonixer, a shape-shifter that can fuse into different monsters. As the story picks up, Yuri is being driven by a painful voice he hears in his head. It compels him to rescue an English girl, Alice Elliott, who is being pursued by an evil magician. An unlikely duo, Yuri and Alice set off to uncover the secrets behind this evil magician, dodging demented demons along the way.
Shadow Hearts plays out sort of like a mystery story, which sets our heroes off globe-trotting around the world, chasing down bad guys, clues, and information. The touch-and-go style of story-progression felt pretty quick-paced, but kind of scrambled. I felt kind of like a chicken with my head cut off, running around, going here, doing that, something happened over there, now it's time to go somewhere else. It all felt reactive, which is exactly how the gang in the game behaved. This in my opinion didn’t feel like a well-told overall story. It was kind of messy. In the moment, everything made sense. In hindsight though it feels like a scramble of confusion, making it hard to recap to myself, exactly where I've been, where I'm going, and how I got here.
Regardless of the frantic pacing, the game had an edge to it that you don't often see in RPGs of the era, a coolness factor that's hard to quantify. At the beginning of the game, Yuri is a jerk that honestly couldn't exist in his current for in today's political climate, but over the course of the game his demeanor changes subtly in a way that shows character growth, without changing his personally altogether. I like that the change was slow and subtle. Too many games try to show overt character transformations, rather than evolutions. Leave it to a Lovecraftian horror of all things to treat character growth with the most nuance. The game also features symbolism that astute players could delve into if they wanted to, but doesn't beat you over the head with it. The game takes a chance on narrative subtlety, and as a result I think it makes the lore feel deeper.
Shadow Hearts takes place in an alternate reality during the early 1900s, and spans across Shanghai, China and Europe. Because of the alternate reality setting, some liberties were taken with depictions of various real world regions. For instance, some districts of Shanghai were far more developed and urban in the game than in our version of history. However these anachronisms are only mildly distracting from time to time. For the most part, the locales were depicted believably enough. That said, most cities and towns felt a little small, spanning only a handful of screens to navigate. Because the game spans continents, it would probably be unreasonable to expect an overworld map, so instead the game uses world map with fast-travel points for inter-city travel.
Dungeon designs were more interesting and typically spanned several more screens than entire cities, and appear to be the real focus the designers worked on. These dungeons were pretty creepy, and diverse. Long winding tunnels, eastern temple interiors, European mansions, and blood-covered rural villages were among the locales explored. None of these were particularly amazing, but none of them were bad either.
Combat within Shadow Hearts plays out like most standard turn-based RPGs, but features a twist: The Ring of Judgment. This ring of judgment requires the player to enter precisely timed button-presses as indicated on a wheel. During a typical attack action, the character has a chance to hit up to three times.
#shadowhearts

[@SuperDerek]

Huge thank you to Gavin AKA Do How for sending this game in for review! I couldn't have done this without you buddy! :)

[@kigeruse]

one of the best rpgs on the ps2 totally underrated.

[@urbanasupernova562]

Great game! Just wait until it's sequel, Covenant. One of the best JRPGs of all time imo :)

[@SuperDerek]

I keep hearing that! Really looking forward to it! :D

[@feiwong3634]

When you search Masterpiece in the dictionary there is a photo of Shadow Hearts 2.

[@AndrewHaddow]

I also keep hearing how good Covenant is. I always debate skipping this first one...what do you think?

[@feiwong3634]

@@AndrewHaddow I wouldnt skip SH1, for me one of the best games on the system, also the sequel follows the story so if you hadnt played the first one you would be somewhat lost on how things ended up the way they are... SH1 in general is a awesome experience, a nice cast, fitting and epic music, the story and setting is very original and the rpg system is your classic turn based but with the refreshing ring system. Cheers from Spain.

[@urbanasupernova562]

@@AndrewHaddow I would definitely play the first one, it leads directly to events in Covenant 🙂

[@paulallen1175]

Awesome, Shadow Hearts! One of my all time favorite games. Thanks Derek!

[@Nooblitz_74]

Honesty best RPG ever played unique to the point in my opinion

[@CRedd9830]

Just finished this game, easily was a masterpiece to me, a 9.5 IMO.

[@sebastienfontaine2418]

9.5 for the first ? So what the note for the second ? 11/10 ?

[@CRedd9830]

@Sebastien Fontaine Well 4 years later I would actually say a 9 for Shadow Hearts and a 10 for Shadow Hearts: Covenant.

[@sebastienfontaine2418]

@@CRedd9830 agree 👍

[@TheFloodFourm]

@@CRedd9830 based af update

[@Yongui-pi3fc]

@@CRedd9830 wow you have that account still? And you actually reply? Haha you sir are amazing

[@Chelaxim]

All hearts lead to the same heart...SHADOW HEARTS!

[@Caspicum]

Today, this boy becomes a man.

[@DhinCardoso]

Man! Great times we lived, great games, great consoles, great friends and discoveries... I really miss that feeling

[@makcloud]

Finally a shadow hearts review.. Nxt pls do also a shadow hearts 2. This game is really a hidden gem for me. Story is good with a unique twist of the turn base formula and a very likeable characters.. To bad SH3 characters are so annoying that i really can't finish it..

[@squallthegriever]

Dark RPG's like these are hard to find, but dam it looks good. Good review brother. good shit.

[@feiwong3634]

Shadow Hearts is one of my all time fav rpgs along with the awesome sequel. Great review as always Derek!

[@BioPhoenixReviews]

one of my all time favorite RPG's no joke same with the 2nd game. its always nice to hear more talk about it

[@xeraliZe]

Brilliant review as always, Derek. Now I'm genuinely interested in this game. Keep it up.

[@RyodanKai]

Every time I look for information about a hidden rpg somewhere it always comes back to you. Keep up that holly work.

[@enigmatic.]

After you're finished with the Shadow Hearts games I would love to see you review the Xenosaga series

[@FreeRPGer]

One of my favorite PS2-gen JRPGs, with a very non-cliche main protagonist, at that. (& to try for that true good ending). Survival horror meets JRPG done right. This & SH2: Covenant truly needs a remaster pack. I'd snatch it up. There was talk of a true Shadow Hearts 3 being conceptualized, with Yuri's father as the main protagonist. Wish that happened instead of the From the New World spin off (too much corny humor in that one, with hardly any darkness).

[@AppericateGamer]

This also one of my favorites ps2 rpg game cant get enough of it

[@BioPhoenixReviews]

you and me both dude

[@iniiloi6636]

Yeah the 3rd one was like *from the new world* or something when compared to the first 2

[@GanRPG]

Feels good to see more videos about my absolute favorite game ever. I can understand you qualms, and that last line I think was spot on.

[@justabitgaming4413]

I got really excited to see your review up on Halloween! This is a series I've always wanted to play but never make time for.

[@js.sunset]

I loved Koudelka! I'm looking forward to playing the Shadow Hearts series.

[@FritzFoxPirate]

The first and second were the best. The third felt like it was more on the comedic side more then anything it isn't make sense. Didn't like the third

[@821lancevance]

Shadow hearts and xenosaga are my favorites on ps2

[@AppericateGamer]

My favorites as well

[@StillDollSyndrome]

Mine tooo

[@StrikerJaken]

I love the inspiration this game takes from the different myths around the world. From asian horror mythology, towards the Lovecraftian horrors that lurk in the worlds beyond.

[@AppericateGamer]

That why love it so much

[@Harune_dot_exe0]

Yeah! I miss this type of content from you dude. You keep providing great videos

[@StarlinkNova]

Great review as always. I've always heard great things about Shadow Hearts games, with Covenant in particular standing out the most. I need to play them sometime.

[@FirstNameLastName_1]

great review, i remember checking out your koudelka review as well and was impressed. keep up the good work man

[@eyesofnova]

I can't help but think that face at the end was pointed at my comment from your last video lol. I love it, I can't help it. It makes me smile because its just so wholesum.

[@kevex3929]

Keep up the good work, Derek! I love your reviews!

[@MrInuhanyou123]

now here's a game i really liked. didnt like the sequel/s that much but the first game was great

[@intervalgaming6196]

Now thats an unpopular opinion, ive never played the sequel (i grew up on this game but never knew this had one.) Everyone says the sequel is superior to the original.

[@Lgliam20]

@@intervalgaming6196 No they don't. The battle systems get better with each game but the story gets worse. The second game was made more anime to appeal to casual players.

[@TwodeeTwodimensional]

Glad to see review this after Koudelka. I never beat Shadow Hearts my self, but got quite far. I definitely preferred the small scale and characers of Koudelka more, but Shadow Hearts has it's own charm too.

[@AppericateGamer]

Koduekla unique and charming

[@AppericateGamer]

My kind of jrpg game. Cant stop thinking about shadow heart 1. The game mind blown when first game Monster design are so unique Love the cast of characters Koduekla show up yay!!!!!! Shadow hearts 1 world so cool no snow, desert or typical areas Legend of dragoon vibes indeed Soundtrack very unique my favorite composer did chrono cross and xenogears Atmosphere make different compare other rpg game Voice acting good going admit is funny like old lady story Going admit look like ps1 game but love the look game Main character remind of grandia 2 main character For me shadow hearts 1 is up there my favorite jrpg with xenogears, xenosaga, tales of abyss and final fantasy tactics even through that srpg lol Great video superderek RPG unite

[@AcidBurnBE]

Nice review :) enjoyed the SH-streams too when I had the time to drop in!

[@billyblack6381]

Thanks for the great review. I always look forward to your Halloween videos.

[@SurrealSam5808]

Legend of Dragoon is my favorite JRPG of all time and finding out that that team worked on this game (also having a timed combat mechanic) has piqued my interest. Thanks for including that tidbit

[@retrogaminghippie3720]

Retro gaming hippie approves! Well done video. I am going through this a second time rt now, to do a review. I just did kouldeka for the first time. I have played the last two before as well

[@Mascovipi]

Thank you for your videos man

[@ModelJames13]

I had a lot of fun with this game back in the day.

[@lostblade0736]

Man, this review came out QUICK. I was just watching you stream this the other day.

[@skeletankmcgraw7343]

This is still one of my top 3 rpg's of all time along with Xenogears and Suikoden II. I still wish there could somehow be an HD remaster of it and the second game for modern consoles.

[@TheOwwen]

You got really good taste for RPGs, you know that?

[@skeletankmcgraw7343]

@@TheOwwen I'm well aware :)

[@sebastienfontaine2418]

My top 3 rpg : FF7, xenogears, shadow hearts covenant.

[@SiameezyRPGer]

Finally you reviewed it. I might be too tired to watch this whole video right now though lol.

[@Dusty_B]

I liked Shadow Hearts and Koudelka, but Shadow Hearts 2 is my no. 1 pick on PS2

[@Zeroantagonist88]

love your vids, man!

[@bigkeith41]

Love the Intro bro 🍾👍🏿❤️🇺🇸

[@corentinbertiaux2346]

A game I don't hear enough about, you got a new sub for this :D

[@doctorsmoothlove]

Thanks for the review. I might have to track this one down.

[@darkrulerbob]

These games are great. The second one is amazing and one of my faves till this day.

[@PhantomPlayin]

I think Lost Odyssey is probably one of the most underrated jrpg games there is and probably one of the best you could tell the guy responsible for making FF7 was behind that game.

[@katiescott1981]

Great review Derek, and a fair one I feel. I felt Shadow Hearts was a great step up from Koudelka gameplay wise and you could see they had some fantastic ideas, but it definitely feels like it was limited by its PS1 origins. The game is generally forgettable apart from the Lovecraftian vibe, some of the character design, and the core gameplay mechanics, but the sequel greatly expanded on every single aspect and is a genuine classic. As it is, Shadow Hearts feels more like a stepping stone on the way to greatness rather than greatness itself. Also, as I am sure a gazillion people are going to recommend below, you should definitely line up Covenant as your next review!

[@TheFlood2009]

Great review and it came out in 24 hours after you beat the game! I will have to play this again myself.

[@SuperDerek]

It was a mad dash to get it done in time, that's for sure. >.

[@TheFlood2009]

Thanks for the dedication and I hope for even more late night gaming in the future!

[@VulpixRose]

Yay it’s finally out. Great review thanks again for reviewing it. Yeah the first game is rough around the edges but it has a charm to it that you can’t help but enjoy. The characters and their relationships with each other especially are very endearing and heartfelt. P.S. Yeah Yuri’s character would definitely not fly today in today’s gaming climate.

[@oligillies]

I've often seen Shadow Hearts mentioned in various posts and have been meaning to look into it. Just found out they are related to Koudelka, which I loved, so I have bought all 3 SH games for a great price off Ebay (although I gather the 3rd one is not great...) Pretty excited to play them now!

[@marko6219]

I really love this game it is right up my alley with its humor and creepiness. I would love to see a fourth game someday

[@segagirladventurespico]

I saw this at the retro store not sure if I should grab it so I’m watching your review 😊

[@crowzur6055]

Never gonna get that battle music from the first half of the game out of my memory

[@Cynicz13]

So you got the first game out of the way you planning to do Shadow Hearts 2 (the sequel) anytime in the future?

[@SuperDerek]

Yep! My hope is that I'll review it next Halloween, or maybe sooner... :)

[@StrikerJaken]

I wouldn't mind sooner, though you might enjoy the break ;) @@SuperDerek

[@intervalgaming6196]

Man i grew up on this game (im 23) and never knew this had a sequel. Too bad it never had a rerelease and its the price of a new game used...

[@TheOwwen]

@@intervalgaming6196 PS2 emulation is your friend ;)

[@artminusme]

If you like great real character progression akin to Yuri... Luke for Fabre Tales of the Abyss

[@AppericateGamer]

Indeed

[@BioPhoenixReviews]

i find yuri is very similar to Ryudo from Grandia 2

[@blaze45ful]

Boy, i love this game!

[@ff10fire666]

Another awesome video. One of the most underrated RPG series. It's a series perfect for October. Love all 4 games 3 Amazing games and 1 decent game, the first SH game has it's issues and rough but I can't hate them issues and SH:C is still the best one in the series (and bloody expensive to get). Ilove how each sequel is connected to the bad ending to the last game. With the licence going to so many different developers no one knows who owns it and the company that does have it doesn't care about it.

[@dbzblitz88]

Just bought this on eBay. Remember playing it when i was a kid but didn't really understand it. It looks incredible compared to todays jrpgs. Can't wait to play it.

[@SuperDerek]

be sure to keep an eye out for PennyBlood, a kickstarted game by the devs of Shadow Hearts! :)

[@SamantaGothic]

My childhood game, i loved this game so much.

[@princelorian]

This is my favorite JRPG along with SMT:Nocturne and Parasite Eve. Oh great review as always SuperD!

[@GeneDriver]

Good job on those working legacy consoles sir!

[@NationalistAF]

i don't like Halloween but i like this spooky turn-based RPG, Shadow Hearts. good review.

[@Stug138]

Love your reviews Derek.

[@intervalgaming6196]

This is a fucking hidden gem man

[@andrewmon4792]

Shadow Hearts 💕 Shadow Hearts: Covenant is even better! Hopefully you play that one. Heard the third one was a letdown, though 😔

[@alteisen99]

probably my most favorite jrpg of all time. any modern rpgs similar to this one?

[@gmrr21]

Wow! Can’t believe people still talk about this game and Playstation hasn’t done anything about it. Shadow Hearts franchise are just fantastical. I wish they would revamp it for new platforms. Even Shadow Hearts from the New World I fell in love with.

[@virhilios3789]

The problem is that tha license is at the moment in a limbo.

[@flimermithrandir]

There is currently a Kickstarter running for a spiritual successor of Shadow Hearts, named Penny Blood. Its actually together with an Spiritual Successor of Wild Arms, named Armed Fantasia. Since the Guy who made Shadow Hearts back then is the one making the Kickstarter for Penny Blood, Machida Matsuzo together with Akifumi Kaneko who is making Armed Fantasia i have very high Hopes for both of those Games. I hope the Info Spreads fast. More ppl need to know even if the Games already met the Minimum. More is always better :)

[@LaughingSeeJack]

Heck yes! Great game. Hope you like your playthru of it.

[@ollirog5479]

great review, One of my al time favorite games is the sequel, covenant. Give it a go! :-)

[@tommo21tm]

This was always one of those games that I only ever knew the name, never played or saw anything of it, haha.

[@gothjoeevil]

Switch port of all 3,lets go

[@kjhansonkjhanson6643]

Koudelka and this are my favorite. I wish the sequels kept the horror tone

[@shinra358]

we not gonna talk about that monster who was turned backwards with its wee wee sticking out....

[@InfamousEmperor]

Love this game! I agree with what you said about the story it was all over the place at first. I'm surprised you didn't mention the grave yard visits, what did you think about that part of the game? You should review Shadow Hearts covenant next its even better then the first Shadow hearts IMO.

[@tolomau]

i woud love if they bring this back to us what a great game

[@SunjaySmith]

I found this game to be incredibly difficult that I raged quit because I couldn’t keep up with the judgment ring.

[@darryljames3798]

One of my favorites

[@MoreMacaroni]

Freaking love that battle theam.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Those enemy designs are... something.

[@ChristineMason87]

Loved the battle music at the start of the game before they change it later on

[@zanychelly]

This is a interesting game. For this Halloween, I got Castlevania Requiem on the PS4. It is a pretty good port.

[@gwarriorfromhell]

Found a copy of this today for 70 bucks. There are a handful of games that I feel are worth the inflated prices, but this is definitely one of them. Now to get Covenant and New World.

[@SuperDerek]

Enjoy! :D

[@8thLife]

This was a game I was quite intrigued by back in when it was first released but never ended up checking out. Upon watching your review I am still not sure if I will check it out haha, thank you for the in depth review!

[@desenhoerpg]

Hoje I miss the Shadow Heart trilogy

[@jdforeman79]

I always thought the battle music sounded like a young choir boy being violently shaken.

[@StrangerX9]

Game looks awesome!

[@metalheadsforyang5371]

Decent review. I respect your opinion of it but I wished you did a summary of the story and how its not just that its a follow up of Kouldelka but the part she plays in the game. I do wish whoever has the money, to buy the company or the rights to this story and do something with it! Such a shame that the story cant go forward. There is so much storyline alterations to build on :(

[@Quick-Silver206]

I've got to buy this game and the first one! :D

[@Disoulsound88]

this game is so good,but its also so expensive😢😢

[@Heroinedown]

You got bad taste amigo, the ending song was incredible and it left a memorable mark in my mind so much that I consider it to be my favorite credit song (more than FFX) and I had it on my I-pod. The ending itself was tear breaking, much more than Aerith's death in FF7 and the morale of the story made a lot of sense. I don't get why you said you couldn't follow the story properly since for me, the pace was just fine. In fact, it was so good, I finished it from start to the finish 3 times without getting tired of it and not in a row (while waiting for the second episode which was even better in almost every aspect). I used to agree blindly with everything you said before but for the first time, I'll have to disagree strongly with some of the things you said (although I admit, the atypic battle theme got on my nerves pretty fast but it's not as bad as in Eternal Poison, another great JRpg but the batlle song is just too much, even for me). The boss themes were really enjoyable and the village ones too or the sad themes. So in the end, only one music is in the bizarre type (maybe two or three if you count the dongeons) but the rest was perfect and fits the mood of the game perfectly.

[@jadelc3667]

Great review, one of my favorite rpgs of all time. Wish I could play it on my PS4 :( Purchased Legrand Legacy, you should check it out!

[@adthomp]

best trilogy ever its the reason I keep my PS2 around. and it will never ever go on the PS store seeing as the company doesnt exist anymore

[@AngelNotFadeAway]

Shadowhearts 2!Shadowhearts 2 Now!lol I cant argue with your cons for the game,still,this game will increase in sentimental value AFTER you play Shadowhearts 2.But when this game first came out,very little games dared to make such a dark story.By the way,what ending did u get??Great to see the room taking shape again!Good luck with everything!

[@SuperDerek]

I made sure to get the good ending, just because I knew it would take a bit more effort. I know the sequel follows the bad ending, so I think I'll watch the bad ending on KZbin or something in preparation for SH2 whenever I get around to that. :)

[@toolman4745]

I loved this game back in the day. Covenant is better but this was a great "entry" to the series, even though technically Koudelka is the first.

[@somedood1121]

Since Shin Megami Tensei if... has been translated, will you review it?

[@SuperDerek]

I saw that! I talked about it in my news video on Monday in fact. I think I might review it at some point, but I'd like to dig into the original SMT titles before digging into it. :)

[@HybridAngelZero]

Man, that opening music and the multitapped logo... It's been too long ;v; This game had been on my list of games I really want to play for a long time, I've been hopeful that it would be digitally rereleased at some point, physical copies... oof they aren't cheap.

[@LN-Lifer]

Loved this game

[@genjibenkei]

This game! ❤️

[@GamingWithSpoons]

I did enjoy shadow hearts alot but it's successor was alot better. Covenant improved on the game so much.

[@delchavez]

I would love a remaster of this trilogy. Karin is my waifu.