Orphen : Scion of Sorcery - PlayStation2

The game puts you in the role of Orphen, a young never-do-well of sorts who wields formidable magical powers. Along with two apprentices and the odd companion or two, you explore a detailed 3D world, complete with all manner of hazards. Orphen's combat is a sort of hybrid real-time/turn-based system that most jaded console RPG gamers should find most refreshing. The usual trappings of RPG combat are shed in favor of a more dynamic, liberating system. For use in combat, any spell in your arsenal can be mapped to one of three face buttons on the controller, with the fourth button reserved for a standard "shield' spell. All the spells have differing effects. Some are geared toward melee combat, while others are projectile attacks. You can 'charge up' most of them by holding down their respective button to maximize their effect. The enemies you encounter move in a sort of rhythm on the battlefield, which makes targeting an exercise in memory and coordination. The act of targeting is interestingly handled, each battlefield will have its own preset target spots, onto which your enemies will often move. The key to victory is figuring out when your enemies will land where and deciding what spell would most effectively take advantage of the situation.