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Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment

Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre: RPG/Action
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: Q4 2009

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'Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment' (ALL) Character Advancement And Skills - Screens

by Rainier on Nov. 3, 2009 @ 12:00 p.m. PST

Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment is a tactical role-playing game for XBL/PSN where two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war. In a small town on their border is a simple church orphanage, home to young Tobias Martin. Caught in the tide of battle, Tobias and his comrades enlist to fight for peace — and revenge.

Vandal Hearts takes place on the continent of Sostegaria, where a war is waging between two opposing kingdoms. Driven to defend his homeland, young orphan Tobias Martin recruits his gang of friends to join him in the fight for peace. While avenging loved ones however, the crew faces a threat that is deadlier and closer than they could ever imagine, they face an unstoppable warrior, who wields the almighty Flames of Judgment, and will let no one stand in his way.

Using character customization options, players will experience the cast evolving and adapting to various styles of gameplay as the battles carry on. Vandal Hearts has always been known for its strong and memorable characters and Flames of Judgment is no exception.

In this tactical role-playing game, the continent of Sostegaria is caught in a war between two rival kingdoms. On a quest for peace in his homeland, young orphan Tobias Martin joins forces with his friends to take on the enemy. While battling to avenge loved ones, the crew faces a threat that is deadlier and closer than they could have ever imagined. 

Character advancement in the original Vandal Hearts was simple and clear; fight, level up, and choose an upgrade every 10 levels. This kept the game both fast-paced and versatile, with the player able to customize characters without having to wade through too many menus. Flames of Judgment gives the player a wealth of options for each character, without requiring the player to stop and juggle menus at every upgrade. Gamers can simply play each character the way they want to and they can naturally improve.

Behind the scenes, the game is constantly tracking each character's actions, and adding to whichever stats they use the most from their Core Skills to Special Skills. As each character progresses, players can look in on their progress on each stat by opening the Party Menu. Casual players can pick up the game and watch as their characters grow, while genre veterans can guide their characters along the paths they choose. For both groups, Flames of Judgment combines the feel of a classic game with the evolved gameplay mechanics of an upgraded title.


Please see the new skills below:

  1. Core Skills: The character's most basic stats are the seven Core Skills, which govern three types of offensive and defensive prowess, plus the character's reaction speed. Whenever they take, inflict, or avoid a hit, the corresponding Core Skill will gain experience. Additionally, finishing off an opponent grants bonus experience to all seven skills - so that characters don't run the risk of over-specialization.
  2. Magic Skills: Each individual spell has its own separate skill level, which works in tandem with the character's Magic Core Skill to calculate proficiency. Gamers can unlock the power of over two-dozen spells, then either build up their favorites, or broaden their training to conjure up whatever the situation demands.
  3. Combat Skills: A skilled warrior knows how to hit from all sides, utilize the terrain, work with allies and draw first blood. By practicing all these maneuvers and more, players will be prepared for any fight.
  4. Weapon Skills: Each character can carry up to two weapons into battle and can switch between them on the fly. They might carry a sword, axe, or dagger for man-to-man combat, a bow for faraway targets, a hammer for whirlwind strikes - just be careful of your friends who are nearby - and/or your own bare fists. Characters can master one weapon, or spread their training across two or more, as the player sees fit.
  5. Special Skills: Each character has one unique ability, something to set them apart. Connor Ganson has a chance to "Frenzy," and receive a free move when he finishes off an opponent. Gren Silas' fearsome presence lowers the Core Skills of all opponents within his grasp. Luce Valenci rallies the party's morale with each critical hit, while Altyria Jono can inspire the party with each defeated foe. Calvin's magic can hasten his next turn and Tobias has Heaven's favor, which protects him from one fatal hit in each battle.
  6. Journal: The Party Menu also includes a record of all the people, places and events of the party's journey. Read it to explore the history of Sostegaria and its people and check back often for updates.

Key Features:

  • Classic gameplay, expanded and streamlined - Combines the speedy RPG pace of the original Vandal Hearts with improved user mechanics and top-notch presentation.
  • Strong story - Serving as the prequel to the original Vandal Hearts, Flames of Judgment delivers a rich, focused, and character-driven storyline.
  • Multiple endings - The player’s actions throughout the game will determine the party's future and more!
  • Party members adapt to the player's style of gameplay - Player characters naturally and automatically improve at whatever they do, providing a wide, range of customization options
  • 20 playable maps

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