Venetica for PlayStation 3 Reviews by Gamers

If you like RPGs, you will probably like this one. The graphical style is not as slick as some people would probably prefer but I liked it better than a lot of recent RPGs I've seen.

Don't be put off by the bad reviews, give it a try and judge for yourself.

Venitca is a budget ($40 retail, US) action RPG in the vein of fable or gothica. You play as Scarlett, the daughter of death and attempt to restore order (or gain revenge) throughout an alternate reality version of Venice.

Game play 8/10 - the actions is hack and slash with swords, axes, spears and a moonblade (hybrid dagger). Their are timed combos, blocking and dodging. If played on normal or difficult settings it will be necessary to dodge or block opponents depending on you’re style of play and counter attack. Also Necromancy is available for those who want to dabble in the dark arts. Both you’re wepons and magic abilities can be improved by spending skill points acquired by leveling. The higher level abilities are quite useful and varied and add spice to the game play. The only negative is the story is a little on the cheesy side.

Graphics 6/10 - this is a budget title and the graphics department is where it shows. The character models are bellow average (but not bad) and have an interesting art style that may turn some off. The environments range from bellow average (mountains, Africa) to pretty solid (Venice is rendered in great detail).

Sound 6/10 - again, budget title. Voice acting is sub par with a few exceptions (Scarlett is voiced fairly well albeit with a British accent that seems out of place in Venice). The music and background effects are adequate.

Overall 7/10 - The adventure/exploration and character development aspects of Venetica are fairly well crafted and enjoyable. The budget character models, voice work and NPC stereotypes are playable but do not inspire. If action RPG’s are you’re favorite type of game as is my case or you just enjoy a good adventure then Venetica is at least worth a rent if not a buy at the budget price. Graphic junkies look elswhere.

30 hrs for one playthru, be sure to change the difficulty to at least normal, easy is default. Player exploration is required to fully enjoy Venetica.