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Crimson Gem Saga

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8.2 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 19 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 14 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Atlus USA

Developer: Matrix Software

Genre(s): Role-Playing Game

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: May 26, 2009

Summary

The game, a lovingly crafted exploration into the fundamentals of RPG fun, delivers lush hand-drawn visuals, an engaging fantasy tale, and an easy-to-use interface. [Atlus USA]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Gaming Age

I'm really happy with Crimson Gem Saga. It goes right up there with Jeanne d'Arc as far as PSP RPGs go.

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Worth Playing

While many Atlus games tend to only appeal to niche audience of hardcore RPG gamers, Crimson Gem Saga is one of those approachable, fun and rewarding games that will appeal to hardcore players and more casual RPG fans alike.

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GamingTrend

If you are a fan of the classic 16-bit era of RPGs then you should definitely buy Crimson Gem Saga.

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RPG Fan

PSP owners who want a solid, fun, long-lasting, no-nonsense, traditional turn-based RPG will be served quite well with Crimson Gem Saga.

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GameZone

While the characters are not always that sympathetic, it is the gameplay that truly shines here. This is an entertaining and challenging portable RPG.

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IGN

It doesn't really do anything new, but it's so comfortable in its skin that that doesn't matter. It revels in its simplicity. And so did I.

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ZTGameDomain

This is the RPG that PSP fans have been clamoring for since the system launched.

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Kombo

Crimson Gem is a classic RPG that shines as brightly as the name implies.

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Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

The combat, however, does add a hint of freshness. [Aug 2009, p.79]

GamePro

Crimson Gem Saga is as classic as modern RPGs come, but it also stands to remind why this genre has been so steadfast throughout the life of gaming.

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Cheat Code Central

The classic feel of the game does make grinding a little boring, and the story feels contrived at times, but this is a great title for those who crave a more classic approach to their RPG gaming.

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Gamervision

Crimson Gem Saga probably won’t win any awards for innovation, but it’s an enjoyable game from start to finish, and one I had trouble putting down.

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GameCritics

The word "original" may not apply, but the level of production and care taken in crafting Crimson Gem Saga is certainly noteworthy, especially in conjunction with the pure, reductive nature of its game design.

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SpazioGames

Quotation forthcoming.

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Games Radar (in-house)

In short, CGS is a lot like its own hero, Killian - stuck in second place between mediocrity and exceptional.

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GamerNode

It can be a bit of a grind and won't wow players with its originality, but Matrix Software's Crimson Gem Saga is a fine traditional RPG experience that's easy to play and features an excellent user interface and attractive presentation.

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RPGamer

Despite its mostly average base components, Crimson Gem Saga is a surprisingly good game.

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Thunderbolt

Crimson Gem Saga proves just how much better a game can be if it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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GameSpot

Crimson Gem Saga's cheery veneer quickly wears away to show a simple, uninspired role-playing game.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.2 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

jwh gave it a9:
I don't know what crack pipe the Gamespot reviewer and the other low-rating reviewers were smoking, but this game is wonderful. I have played just about every RPG and turn-based tactical game out there for not only the PSP but also the DS and this one is fun and excellent. There is a TON of whimsical detail in the game world and the graphics are excellent. They are cartoony - but not in an off putting way and they rival easily any other RPG out there for either handheld platform. The game is challenging at some points but focuses on staying FUN (and I have played Dark Spire, Etrian Odyssey etc. and have beaten them....) and not level-grinding to an extreme degree - which I find nice (variation is always good game to game). I HIGHLY recommend this game to anyone looking for a fun, satisfying RPG experience that has a wide open world to explore (NOT LINEAR - Hooray!!!) and decent voice acting, fun character development (including being able to modify weapons) and a decent enough story. Some of the reviewers are either 1) not RPG people or 2) people who consider only one "type" of RPG to be true RPGs..... Trust me - get this game if you enjoy RPGs/Turn based fighting - you will not be disappointed.

Constantine Z gave it a10:
Excellent, light RPG. Charming story and visuals. Truly enjoyable, if somewhat easy, experience.

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Crimson Gem Saga

Game Info

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