This almost feels like a 3D pokemon, just with a more serious story. The most attractive things about it is the freedome. You can catch any beast in the wild and train it to whatever level you like, teach it skills, breed it so that you get completely original creauters, etc.

The story is quite interesting, as are the characters. Once you get going it can be very addictive, and the breeding of creatures will captivate any player for hours. I mean, come on, you can make millions of different ones, each inheriting certain abilities and features from the parents, it's great!

The one thing that can let this game down is the repetitive scenery, as it doesn't seem to change much from level to level. The same can be said for the sequel - Jade Cocoon 2.

If you like Pokemon, then I'm sure this will appeal to you. If you don't like pokemon, or any games that require time and patience to complete, then I wouldn't recommend it. I've still not defeated the final boss and that's after playing for around 30 hours (I think, could be more), although I have got pretty damn close.

As for the battle system, it's basically turn-based creature on creature.

Gameplay - 8
Story - 7
Graphics - 6
Music - 5
Replay - 8
Overall - 7.5

monty