![Jeanne d'Arc Review - Screenshot 1 of 5](https://images.pushsquare.com/screenshots/128774/900x.jpg)
Jeanne d'Arc is a pseudo-historical retelling of the story of Joan of Arc from developer Level-5, released on PSP in 2007. It always had a reputation as a rock-solid turn-based strategy RPG, but as publisher Sony never released the title in Europe and other territories, it was one many that players outside the U.S. and Japan (including yours truly) never had a chance to try for themselves.
With the release of the game for PS5 and PS4, which features up-rendered graphics, quality-of-life features like rewind and quick save, and custom video filters, there is now no excuse not to play what has rightfully become something of a cult classic. Level-5's take on the historical Hundred Years War that raged between the kingdoms of England and France in the 15th century is a creative one, and we're glad to report that the wait has been worth it.
![Jeanne d'Arc Review - Screenshot 2 of 5](https://images.pushsquare.com/screenshots/149276/900x.jpg)
Made very much in the vein of its genre-defining tactical predecessor, Final Fantasy: Tactics, Jeanne d'Arc puts a larger emphasis on story and character, with the units that you command representing real historical figures in some cases, with more time spent in cutscenes getting to know the cast. In this ahistorical retelling of events, England, under the regency of the Duke of Bedford, makes a pact with demons, allowing a particularly evil one to possess the body of the young Henry VI, heir to the throne.
When English soldiers and their monstrous allies raze her village to the ground, Jeanne, along with her childhood companions Lianne and Roger, is thrust headlong into a battle for the survival of France's soul. In the melee, Joanne acquires a mysterious, magical armlet that allows her to hear the voice of God and even temporarily transform, granting her superhuman powers based on its currently infused gem.
Gameplay takes place on a grid, with the player commanding Jeanne and a limited number of her allies against a force of enemies that will often accompany a gimmick from stage to stage. This might range from defeating a specific foe within a set number of turns to not letting an ally fall in combat, or reaching a part of the map within the turn limit. As there are no generic allied units in Jeanne d'Arc, each character that joins the party has a personality, given their moment to shine and stand out, serving a specific role or playing a needed part.
![Jeanne d'Arc Review - Screenshot 3 of 5](https://images.pushsquare.com/screenshots/149271/900x.jpg)
For a tactical RPG that came out almost two decades ago, combat is surprisingly solid, with quirks and systems that make it unique even all these years later. This is perhaps best exemplified by the Burning Aura and Unified Guard mechanics, and alignments correlating to Sol, Luna, and Stella (sun, moon, and stars) further add to the equation with a rock-paper-scissors system that adds another layer of elemental complexity.
Unified Guard lessens the damage an individual unit takes, according to the positioning of allies around them. The downside of creating these little shield walls is you become more of a target for area-of-effect attacks. However, as positioning affects damage dealt and received, aggressive movement is incentivised by the Burning Aura that appears behind a struck enemy, encouraging players to use characters in tandem to break out and tackle powerful foes quickly, as the buff disappears after a turn.
Jeanne and select other characters can temporarily transform into a divinely blessed armoured form using the power of the armlet and currently equipped gem, with each bestowing special effects. The first gives Jeanne bonus damage and the ability to move again after killing an enemy; the catch is that these transformations can only be used once per battle, and characters revert to normal after a few turns, so timing is critical.
![Jeanne d'Arc Review - Screenshot 4 of 5](https://images.pushsquare.com/screenshots/149273/900x.jpg)
Similarly, magic works a little differently than what we've come to expect. MP starts at zero and increases each turn rather than being subtracted from a total, so units will need to wait between turns to keep casting. It helps that all characters can cast spells (although some are more suited than others), and it's a refreshing change of pace.
Between battles, players guide Jeanne and company between cities, castles, villages, and other geographic landmarks on an overworld map of France. Some locations allow for grinding, which is sometimes necessary, and in others, the buying and selling of new arms and armaments. Along with equipment, the player must manage each character's equipped skills and spells (in a limited number of slots), and in this way, the affinity of a chosen alignment can be further boosted.
Graphically, the units and the environments look great, but the effect is somewhat undercut by the low-resolution UI, which doesn't look great on larger screens. It's not a deal-breaker, but you'll need time to adjust. More annoying is the unfortunately archaic style of control, which we wish had been modernised, but we suppose that's why the asking price is relatively low. The cursor is controlled via the directional buttons, with the sticks mapped to the camera by default. It can be remapped manually via the emulation settings, but it takes some getting used to, and even then remains a bit fiddly.
![Jeanne d'Arc Review - Screenshot 5 of 5](https://images.pushsquare.com/screenshots/128773/900x.jpg)
There are a surprising number of impressively animated cutscenes sprinkled throughout the game's lengthy campaign, which are quite compelling. There are no spoilers here, but if you're familiar with the fate of the real Joan of Arc, that shouldn't be too surprising. Level-5 plays with history, however, and throws some genuinely unexpected narrative curve balls along the way.
Conclusion
Even after nearly two decades, Jeanne d'Arc remains a classic strategy RPG, now available to a broader audience than ever before, thanks to its release on PS5 and PS4. Of course, it looks a little dated and controls a bit stiffly, but innovative tactical mechanics and a compelling narrative make history come to life.
Comments 34
Completed all those years ago on PSP (and still have physical copy). Great game but not worth it for me.
PS5/4 consoles are really getting a lot of value thanks to these games.
Playing R&C Size Matters now, it's so good to be back
It’s been a great game. I’m slowly chipping away at it. I just reached the point where you can build ladders. I’m looking forward to seeing how the game evolves even more over time, if it does at all.
Sounds like its about time to "#¤% up some demonic Brits
I have a great time with it. Really glad they released it.
The UI thing is annoying yeah. Jot as much as on Ridge Racer 2 though. And after the remapping and a bit of time, the controls are in my muscle memory now and I am fine with them.
Played and finished it on psp way back then, one of my favs trpg ever, I hope someday sony will remaster this game with 1080p/4K and 60 fps, like shadow of the colossus ps4 😃
Time to show the English what's what
TRPG is not my cup of tea but for this, so cute, Jeanne I'll do an exception.
This was an amazing hidden gem back in the PSP era.
Remember loving it, but I am not sure that it can pass the test of time as it is right now. A remaster would have been amazing but it was so niche that I can see this "ps premium" release causing the same or even more excitement.
I bought this game, Robocop and The Sexy Brutale during the recent sale. Im quite excited to play this after Robocop (really fun game BTW) and it'll be my first tactical RPG in over a decade.
Loving this game. One of my best non-VR games of the year. You get used to the controls in 2 minutes (maybe it would be harder for people who didn’t grow up pre analogue sticks I guess) and who cares about the low res UI? This is a 9/10 for me no question.
One of the best SRPG for PSP. I think i reached the final stage but i forgot why i never finish the game. And sadly i lost my copy along with my PSP slim. Definitely will buy it again when i finished some of my backlog.
I played this game so much on the PSP. Loving it on the PS5. I'm about a third of the way through, maybe a little further.
Really enjoying this so far. The quick save option, while common now, is awesome to step away from the longer fights. I actually saved last night at a post-battle story mid-conversation.
@bighal Same here but I'm going to blast LRG for a physical release too. 😂
@Dadou Really fun game love the story. 😁
Never been into TRPGs, but hope those who do, have a fun time with this re release.
I know there's absolutely zero chance but would buy it in a heartbeat on Switch or Steam Deck.
I emulated this game a while back and it was a treat to play it again.
I really need to get into SRPG more, Unicorn Overlord has been a banger and before that, SD Gundam Crossrays was the last SRPG I've played and then Disgaea 2 was the last game I've completed (and clocked in 200+ hours) but that was years ago on my PSP (Good times)
We really need more games like this and I'm really hoping Square finally announce Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster
That does not read like a 7. Arbitrary numbers and all that sure, but it seems to deserve a higher score based on what’s written.
Even the mundane parts of this game (i.e. if we ignore the monsters) are not remotely based on the life of Joan of Arc. For example. she said bluntly (during the fourth session of her trial) that she didn’t fight in combat but instead carried her banner in battle, confirmed by numerous eyewitness accounts; but the game shows her fighting.
@CGesange Of course. With the fantasy and tactical RPG elements, this isn’t meant to be a historically accurate retelling of events. Not even close. It’s more of a “what if?” scenario with a Joan of Arc theme.
I remember having a lot of fun with this on PSP, but it's been so long that I'm worried about ruining my fond memories if it hasn't aged well. Plus, the rest of the games in my backlog might protest. 😂
Was about to buy the game yesterday when I noticed I can play it for free through PS Plus Premium, weee. Only played the first battles but a great game so far.
I'd love to see it on my Switch, looks like a perfect portable tactics game.
What’s the platinum difficulty like on this one? I’m currently about to finish the platinum for Demons Souls so I’m looking for something a bit lighter to play next lol
@Khayl Fun fact! Cuisses the frog actually appeared in Rogue Galaxy as well.
@anubisvel @CGesange Bear in mind that Joan of Arc was from a time period where it was a no-no for a woman to be anything, but a housewife and baby maker. Her fighting in combat "if she did" would have been buried by threatened men in that time period who were EXTREMELY bigoted. I'm a dude myself so I'm saying this more as an observer, but I've seen the way bigoted guys in modern times treat women and imagine that during Joan of Arc's time it was a multitude of times worse since women had zero rights in that era...
@WiiWareWave In a fictional and fantasy-oriented RPG like Jeanne d’Arc, where do you think the line between adherence to historical accuracy and creative liberty would best be drawn?
Huh? Is this an actual release or is it just one of those stream only games? I haven't heard a peep aboth them rereleasing this.
Surprised to see this review headlining for many days now where the goal was to… delete british people 🙃
Just completed the campaign, I'm going for the platinum now. It isn't on the same tier as Tactics Ogre (which I think is an absolute masterpiece) but it's still a solid 8.5 (I'd round up to 9). I missed games like this. Feeling the nostalgia I bought unicorn overlord, so I'm excited for that next.
@Mikey856 most trophies are connected to the story. It's a pretty easy platinum, the level scaling is a bit off, where you only need to grind just before the last dungeon.
@WiiWareWave If she had fought in combat, her enemies would have used it against her; but even the transcript doesn't insist that she allegedly fought. More to the point: if both her own descriptions and the descriptions by numerous eyewitnesses describe the same thing, then that's adequate proof that she didn't fight. I would add that aristocratic women in that era sometimes filled in for their husbands, often by order of the husband, or pressed their own hereditary claims and led their own factions - e.g. Jeanne de Montfort, Margaret of Bavaria, Jeanne de Belleville, Jacqueline of Hainault, Jeanne de Penthievre , Marie de Bourbon, etc, etc - and women and girls were sometimes accepted by the medieval Church as valid mystics or visionaries - e.g. St. Catherine of Siena, St. Brigitta Birgirsdottir, St. Colette de Corbie, etc, - so it isn't remotely true that women could only serve as housewives. Joan of Arc's role was as a religious visionary after she was sent by Charles VII to be examined by the clergy at Poitiers in April 1429 (including the Inquisitor for Southern France, Pierre Turelure), who gave her approval as a valid visionary and allowed Charles VII to make use of her as such. But she wasn't "Xena, Warrior Princess".
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