Kartia - The Word of Fate [U] ISO
[SLUS-00631]

When you select a new game in Kartia, you get a choice of two characters to play as. One is Toxa, and the other is Lacyrma. In each scenario, you play a different storyline with a different set of objectives. The game revolves around powerful cards called Kartia. With each card, it can give a person an ability to gain deadly power. Both of these characters must battle against enemies in a race against time to keep the Kartias out of the wrong hands.
The gameplay runs on a standard turned-based strategy engine. You take control of about 7-12 guys, and you must take out various enemies and solve various objectives. Each turn, you choose where you want to move your characters along the battlefield, who to attack, and so on. The battles often last from about 15 - 25 minutes. After the battles, it's a story scene, then you get a chance to either go onto the next chapter, visit the arena (a battle that allows you to earn certain items), or tweak your characters.
The most interesting element in Kartia is the ability to create phantoms. During the course of battle, certain characters can get abilities to create monsters called phantoms. Each phantom is strong against one kind, and weak against another. For example, if you select a phantom called ''Doll Mines'', it is strong against another phantom called ''Shadow Mines'' and weak against another phantom called ''Common Mines''. This adds a unique strategic element that often makes the battles a bit more challenging.

Now, the 2 player mode. Atlus added a 2 player versus mode into Kartia, something they should have done in each of their strategy games. This is great fun, you can import your characters from the story mode, have your friend import his/hers, and duel it out on the battlefield. The matches are great fun. The only problem with this is, whoever goes first, usually wins.
Even with it's small flaws, Kartia is certainly an above average game. The storytelling is great, the gameplay is addictive and fun, and the 2 player mode is a blast. Any strategy RPG fan in need of something to keep them busy while they wait for Hoshigami should definitely check this game out.