Eternal Quest

In a world of A-list Japanese RPGs, it can be difficult for some lesser-known games to get noticed. Square's lost classic Vagrant Story and Konami's Vandal Hearts series are prime examples of this struggle, and Midas' Eternal Quest may also suffer at the hands of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.

Eternal Quest is in fact a lavish and engaging PS2 RPG that combines all the vital elements of the third-person adventure with some heavy role-playing elements to create an immersive action RPG. There is stunning action, accomplished combat, a plethora of magic spells to use and abuse, and hordes of enemies to meet and massacre. There is, of course, a brave and battle-weary hero to guide to the ultimate prize of peace - and that's where you come in.

The bulk of this single-player adventure can be typically found in Eternal Quest's Story mode. Here, players can compete in some 50 playing environments, each of which will be littered with a variety of enemies. Using the best of your close combat and magic abilities, you'll be charged with uncovering and exploiting your enemies' weaknesses in order to progress and become a stronger character.

Then there's Free mode, a playing style that incorporates a random level generator to greatly increase the replay value of Eternal Quest. Every time you finish one level, a brand new one is presented to you - it literally is an eternal quest.

Provided you're not too fussy about your role-playing shenanigans, you'll get plenty out of Eternal Quest. Roll on Eternal Quest II.