If you've ever kept track of Japanese games, you know that they're really big into dating simulations. Consider this game an RPG/dating simulator, and you'll have a really good grasp of how the game is played. The storyline is your typical RPG fare, a slowly unfolding story of finding your place in society while not hitting on the womenfolk. Being a Spirit Blacksmith, you as Meis learn that the only way to make stronger weapons is to have a woman with you that has a high 'Intimacy Level.' Of course, to get said Intimacy Level up, you've got to wine, dine, gift, and beg the girl so that she likes you. This all makes for a very interesting, if sometimes frustrating little game-within-a-game, where you try your best to keep your current date as happy as possible in hopes that she'll put out... strong enough vibes to make your weapon more powerful. Yeah, that's it. The battle system is unique, in a kitschy sort of way -- only the lead character can attack, with the other characters in the party playing a supporting role. It's effectively a one-on-one battle, with a little help from your friends. It's different than most anything out today, and to me feels something like if someone had made
Dragon Warrior I's battles iteractive... with much, much better graphics. I like it.
You may think that the amalgam of gameplay just wouldn't work right, but in the anime-style world of Thousand Arms, it works just perfectly. And the added goodies you get with the game -- stickers, a little hologram card, and a multimedia CD -- only add to the coolness. Atlus went all out on presentation of this superb little game, and they did a damn fine job. All of these enhance the gameplay much like all the add-ons for Lunar: Silver
Star Story Complete added considerably to the game. They all add up to make a more emmersive environment, one where you become genuinely interested in what's going to happen to Meis and his ladies. This is something that is becoming more and more rare in the RPGs of today, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see it happen here. In short, Thousand Arms' gameplay is damn sweet.