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Rogue Galaxy ps2 Game Reviews
Rogue Galaxy
Critic Score
Metascore: 83 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.8 out of 10
based on 58 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 16 votes
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Rate this game

The newest invention of "Dark Cloud" series developer Level 5, this role-playing game wraps up a neat real-time battle system in a world of unique and great-looking characters and environments. Jaster is a young man who dreams of exploring the galaxy. In a sudden turn of fate, he is mistaken for a renowned bounty hunter and recruited into a band of space pirates in a race to find a legendary planet that holds the key to the greatest treasures and eternal life. Clues to ‘Eden’ are scattered round the Galaxy - Jaster will go onto to explore many different worlds and face countless battles in search for these clues – but some treasures are best left undiscovered. [SCEA]

PUBLISHER: Sony Computer Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Level 5
GENRE(S): Action, Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2007

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...

100
GamePro
Rogue Galaxy is what every RPG should strive to be: an immersive experience that places you in a new world populated by intriguing characters. It's backed by an engaging and accessible story, possesses an intuitive control scheme and maintains a sense of depth will have you gladly coming back for more.
Read Full Review
100
GameShark
The game offers a cool setting, interesting characters, a great combat and skill system, and lots of extracurricular activities, providing countless hours of RPG fun.
Read Full Review
97
Digital Entertainment News
A true classic, Rogue Galaxy brings Level 5 full circle in their growth as a developer; they have created not only the last great PS2 RPG, but one of the top five PS2 RPGs of all time!
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93
Worth Playing
It may not be the perfect game, but it's easily one of the best Japanese-made RPGs you can find.
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92
Game Over Online
Easily the best game I’ve played so far this year. Its highly-stylish graphics, mostly-smooth gameplay, incredible music, and fantastic voice acting combined to create an experience that I won’t forget, and one that I hope is enjoyed by anyone with a love for RPGs.
Read Full Review
91
PSM2 Magazine UK
What a run RPGs are on at the moment - "Dragon Quest VIII," "Kingdom Hearts 2," and now Rogue Galaxy, which just about tops them all. Wondrous and sublime. [JPN Import; Apr 2006, p.54]
90
Game Informer
The game offers a wealth of RPG riches and shows a developer exceeding its previous efforts and working at the height of its powers. [Jan 2007, p.100]
Read Full Review
90
Deeko
And as this game is so good and so much fun to talk about, this may be a tad long, so prepare yourself. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review
90
games(TM)
A yarn is only as good a s the characters knitting it. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson Level-5 has learned from "Dragon Quest VIII." Progressing the game just to see the characters talking has never felt more fun. [JPN Import; Mar 2006, p.124]
90
GameSpy
Rogue Galaxy's greatest triumph, the brightest gleam in its eye, is that at sixty hours of play I've got another sixty I could easily pour in.
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90
PGNx Media
Easily one of the best looking PlayStation 2 games. Although the game cannot compete on a technical level with recent new-generation games it more than makes up for this in style.
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90
Cheat Code Central
Rogue Galaxy ultimately feels like a mixture of "Final Fantasy XII" and "Dark Cloud 2," which is undoubtedly a great combination. With its gorgeous visuals, its galaxy spanning story, and dozens of hours of gameplay, Rogue Galaxy is probably and sadly the last great RPG that the fading PS2 will see.
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90
Game Chronicles
An RPG made for traditional fans of the genre. With a solid story, vivid and likeable characters, a vast, interesting world, and fun gameplay, Rogue Galaxy is simply a must-have for RPG fans.
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90
Console Gameworld
Rogue Galaxy is an excellent example of what an RPG should be. This is easily the best game of 2007 so far.
Read Full Review
90
Gamers' Temple
There’s plenty of great RPG action to be found in this galaxy.
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90
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
Deep, addictive and awash with colour and character, Rogue Galaxy is a near-perfect take on the old-school Eastern RPG formula. [June 2007, p.76]
90
GameCritics
Overall, I was quite impressed with Rogue Galaxy, and as one of the presumably last RPGs for the PlayStation 2, I think it's a fitting tribute to the machine that is home to the most games of this genre.
Read Full Review
90
Play UK
An incredible RPG adventure that rarely gets dull thanks to the characterisation and brilliant fighting system. [Issue#156, p.90]
88
PSX Extreme
The sum of Rogue Galaxy's parts add up to a great RPG game that delivers superb action with real-time battle mechanics ("Kingdom Hearts" fans will eat this up). While the audio is certainly average in many respects, everything else about the game is first-rate.
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88
GameZone
A game you just have to finish. You’ll love every part of it – the action-filled combat, the dream-driven plot, and every polygon of the gorgeous graphics. It’s not just one element that’ll consume you – it’s the entire package.
Read Full Review
87
IGN
Though its storyline isn't on the same level as other great PS2 games in the genre, its mixture of strong combat mechanics, addictive sidequests, and absolutely stunning visual style more than makes up for what it doesn't do.
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87
Just RPG
Rogue Galaxy features a great artistic style with bright colors and a lot of detail.
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87
Pelit (Finland)
Great fun. Sure, the storyline is not particularly original and many of the characters are somewhat one-dimensional, but the fast-paced battles, entertaining narrative and the fascinating gameworld keep the player captivated. [Oct 2007]
86
GamingTrend
While playing through Rogue Galaxy, I kept on thinking that this might be what "Final Fantasy XII" might have been like if you were able to control the characters during battle.
Read Full Review
85
Pure Magazine UK
Exceedingly playable RPG that gets on with its tale instead of slowing down with stats. [Apr 2007, p.74]
85
Games Master UK
A game made for everyone, not just the hardcore RPG fans. [July 2007, p.69]
85
TotalPlayStation
The trip is greater than the eventual destination. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy wrapping things up with a nice, meaty ending, but there's so much good stuff along the way that I didn't mind (despite what expletives may have erupted from my office) some of the more annoying parts of the game.
Read Full Review
85
GamerNode
Another outstanding title from Level 5 games. If you like RPGs, get this game now.
Read Full Review
85
PSM Magazine
Imbalances not withstanding, Rogue galaxy is definitely worth playing. [Mar 2007, p.78]
85
ZTGameDomain
Sports a very imaginative look and feel. The characters are detailed, and the voice work is awesome.
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85
GameBrink
A game that's solid in its foundation, provides a standard rpg tale, and last quite a good length. Yet at the same time it lacks anything to make it distinct, exciting, and something that players should care about. While it is no doubt a technical masterpiece, in the current rpg state of the PS2, where quality rpgs exist in mass, it's tough to recommend Rogue Galaxy. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review
85
Play Magazine
The unmistakable refinement of Rogue galaxy makes it a worthy addition to any RPG library. [Feb 2007, p.34]
84
Gaming Nexus
Rogue Galaxy is a decent action RPG from one of my favorite developers, Level 5. While not quite as good as their previous titles, Rogue Galaxy still offers plenty of fun RPG goodness, and does it in a very appealing style.
Read Full Review
83
WHAM! Gaming
If you play Rogue Galaxy in a straight-line you can beat it in the average-RPG time of about 50 hours. Should you take your time and see everything it has to offer, however, you’re looking at a good 100 hours of gameplay.
Read Full Review
80
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
Rogue galaxy is one of the competitors for the title of the last great PS2 game, and while it is by no means flawless, it should still keep you entertained for a few dozen hours. [Mar 2007, p.52]
80
DarkStation
Fancy sailing around the galaxy in a pirate ship? Action RPGs don't get any better than this, with fast-paced combat, deep gameplay and fantastically stylized visuals.
Read Full Review
80
RPG Fan
With an awful plot, some shoddy controls and poor dialogue working against it, you might expect that Rogue Galaxy would receive a poor overall score from me... and you'd be right if it weren't for everything else. The gameplay, in particular, was a saving grace but the music and graphics also pulled this game from the depths of despair into something fun.
Read Full Review
80
Armchair Empire
The story won’t win any awards, but there is enough to do in this game, and enough charm to keep players occupied for a very long time.
Read Full Review
80
GameSpot
Like an anime version of "Star Wars," this big, lavishly produced action RPG is another good reason not to shelve your PlayStation 2 just yet.
Read Full Review
80
GameDaily
In the grand scheme of role-playing games, the story turns out rather conventional, but the large variety of content and game play should cement Rogue Galaxy's place in the collections of those seeking a lengthy, fulfilling adventure.
Read Full Review
80
Games Radar
The amount of content is staggering, the art direction is stunning for a PS2 game, the oddball cast is likable and this might be the first RPG we've ever played in which the gameplay was way more interesting than the story. The flat, formulaic plot and mostly monotone voice acting drag it down a little, but overall Rogue Galaxy is a stellar effort.
Read Full Review
80
GameTrailers
Grinding out levels and looking for items is rarely this rewarding, and it’s obvious that Level 5 knows the depths of the role-player's mind all too well. Now if they could just hire a good writer.
Read Full Review
80
Gaming Target
Rogue Galaxy fails to live up to its promise as a "Final Fantasy" killer. Sure it's one of the best-looking games to date on the PS2, nearly loading free, and has an awesome voice acting crew, but the story and repetitive battles can occasionally becoming trying at times.
Read Full Review
80
Yahoo! Games
With solid localization, fun fighting, and a smooth flow, Rogue Galaxy is a likeable role-playing game that impresses on several fronts -- while at the same time giving a peek at what the future of the genre may hold.
Read Full Review
77
The New York Times
Rogue doesn’t try to do anything exceptional, and the result is entertaining but forgettable.
Read Full Review
77
PSM3 Magazine UK
DQ and FF do things better than Rogue Galaxy but if you've finished both this will fill a hole. [June 2007, p.74]
75
Game Revolution
So, the plot is a little dry and chewy, but the surrounding game is juicy and sweet. With a fairly lengthy, if substandard, main storyline crammed with lots of action and neat extra tidbits, Rogue Galaxy is a taste of the holidays, with none of the hassle.
Read Full Review
75
1UP
Rogue Galaxy does a lot of things very well, and it's an enjoyable, recommended RPG trip. But in the end, it feels like it's missing the intangibles that make up a true masterpiece.
Read Full Review
75
Gaming Age
A really solid RPG title for the PS2, and while it doesn’t manage to fill in the top slot for RPG’s on the system, it definitely ranks up there in the top 4 or 5.
Read Full Review
75
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Sure, the game isn't a masterpiece, but until the PS3 raises its role-playing anchor, it'll at least help keep the PS2 afloat. [Feb. 2007, p.94]
70
EuroGamer
This is undeniably still a good, enjoyable and very pretty game. Nevertheless, at this time, from this developer, Eurogamer won't be alone in mourning the fact it's not nearer a perfect, staggering and beautiful one instead.
Read Full Review
70
Playstation Official Magazine UK
The real-time battles open the game's appeal up beyond the hard-nosed RPG fan. [Sept 2007, p.112]
70
PALGN
Rogue Galaxy does many things right, and changes up the tired fantasy settings of the genre, but is still held back somewhat by convention. But if you're after a solid RPG, Rogue Galaxy will fit the bill nicely.
Read Full Review
69
eToychest
The crux of the gameplay lies in combat that is extremely tedious. There are other features within which to loose yourself, from item customization, to even a Pokemon style creature rearing and combat mini-game that is deep enough to almost be a game on its own. But these facets are made to accentuate the core game, not make up for its shortcomings, which as it turns out are considerable.
Read Full Review
67
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Those with low tolerance for the shrill, stilted dialog of afternoon animation may wish themselves deaf.
Read Full Review
60
G4 TV
The action is unique, the world and characters are well crafted, and the game is generally well made. That said, the action does get a bit repetitive, the story is generic, the dungeons are incredibly dull, and the upgrade system is kind of weird.
Read Full Review
60
AceGamez
Inconsistent both in its game world and its gameplay, Rogue Galaxy is a title with much potential that doesn't quite realise it fully.
Read Full Review
60
Edge Magazine
It’s a testimony to the rapid evolution of this once moribund genre that Rogue Galaxy has been left so far behind. But it’s also a testament to Level 5’s inherent instinct for charm and compulsion that this game manages – even in 2007 – to hold its head above the crowd. [Apr 2007, p.78]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 16 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Giovanni C. gave it a9:
First of all this game is much better than FInal Fantasy XII so I do not understand how it could get a lower score (maybe it lacks the famous name). The graphics are amazing for a PS2. The story is nothing extremely innovative and the speech is not very good but at least the characters are somehow different. The random battles are a lot of fun. I think Level 5 found the right replacement to turn based battles (Learn Square-Enix!) At least here I can attack by pressing a button without having to wait for a stupid blue line to connect the character with a monster. I loved the suggestions from the other party members (even if sometimes they are not optimal). They give you more control on what happens without breaking the action too much. The weapon system is also great. I like the fact that you do not need to get a guide to mix wapons as there are so many combination you will eventually get the best weapons just by trying your own combinations. Besides, the game is forgiving in terms of mistakes so you will not have to reload a saved game just because you messed up a combination. Sidequests are nice and the world is full of clues so you can really solve them alone without downloading a guide. Monster hunting is also fun in this game and does not need the player to meet requirements that are impossible to think of. In the end, Rogue Galaxy is a game I really recommend.

Kevin A. gave it an8:
Level 5 always brings out some good titles and this one is no exception. Rogue Galaxy doesn't need to be FF to be great. It just has to be itself. Gameplay is good and stable. Tutorials are always when you need them. It's not heavy RPG, it's light and fresh. One thing I really like about this game and wish more RPGs on the PS2 would do, less load times. As any RPG or JRPG fan will tell you, when you leave a shop or go into a cave/dungoen/forest, you'll see a loading screen. Not in RG, hardly any load times at all between cutscenes and buildings. Characters are entertaining but quite forgettable after you beat it. Voice acting is really good but the writing stinks. Funny thing about it is that the characters don't look like pirates at all but the most pirate-looking character (Zegram) isnt a pirate. Anyway, to make a long story short, this is an good game. Pick this one up ON SALE!!!

Zach J. gave it a3:
From the beginning, I really liked this RPG. The battle system was good enough off the start, and the story seemed interesting. However, as I went along, this game just gradually made me start to hate it. Like, absolutely despise it. This game has the worst dialogue out of any RPG I've played. Ever. It's absolutely painful. I mean, if you think that Final Fantasy's stumbles along every once in a while, then you have no idea of what depths of crappiness lie in store for you here. The characters seem fake, the writing is terrible, and it sells the entire game short. Jaster is an awful main character, and all of his lines are crappy segues to the next dungeon or action segment. You know his entire personality within two minutes of dialogue from him (which is all of "leik OMG we have to help out people in need, i totalz want adventure, good is good and bad is not good") and he never changes once throughout the entire freaking game. They could've made so much more interesting characters here, but instead they chose to take the easy route and provide mindless filler between the boring dungeon segments. If you don't like anime-styled RPGs, do not get this game. If you don't like having to sit through hours of the worst cutscenes in RPG history, do not get this game. In fact, just don't get this RPG. In the end, it really is not worth it. I really wish I could say more for this game, becuase it had SO much going for it. The battle system is good! Like, really good! Why the hell did they have to muck it up by making the rest of the game terrible? In fact, the graphics, for a console that's successor has been out for almost a year now, are pretty freaking good! Why, Level 5? Why would you ruin what could've been an amazing game?

J Longden gave it a9:
An outstanding action RPG. The cel-shading is probably the best that has been done on the PS2 platform, miles beyond LoZ: the WInd Waker, and the voice acting is probably the best that's been presented in an RPG. Gameplay-wise, it's a cross between Level 5's earlier Dark Cloud and S-E's Kingdom Hearts series. The story itself is fairly standard, but the way in which it's being told moves above the standard.

paul A. gave it an8:
First off I despise cell shaded grafics... usually. however, this game is great looking. the gameplay is much better than the auto pilot final fantasy XII battles. some of the other reviewers compare the cell shading to zelda which is a farce. the characters and the environments, although different, mesh well together and are much more detailed oriented than windwaker. overall the game loses a little in the repetitive battles but if your like rpg's then, lets face it, your used to it by now.

Steve T. gave it a9:
I am quite impressed with this game so far. The story is engaging, the graphics are stellar (for PS2), the gameplay is fun and challenging. All in all I am more impressed with this game that I was with FFXII. Level 5 studios continues to impress. I can't wait to get home to continue playing and see what further fun and challenges this game holds for me. It is a definite recommend for any RPG fan, especially during the time of year when there are not alot of quality games coming out.

E Bidd gave it a5:
An average RPG. The gameplay is reasonable. The cell-shading reminds me of The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker.

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