PS3 Xbox 360

Eternal Sonata

Role-playing (RPG)

Time to beat: about 30 hours

Overview

Eternal Sonata is a role-playing video game developed by tri-Crescendo and published by Bandai Namco Games. The game was originally released on Xbox 360 in 2007, followed by an expanded version releasing on PlayStation 3 the following year.

The story follows the Polish romantic pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 39, and his adventure in a fictional world that he dreams of as he is dying, which is influenced by his life and music and in which he and others are playable characters. The game's battle system focuses on musical elements and character-unique special attacks. Light and darkness affect the appearance and abilities of enemies on the battlefield, as well as the types of magic that can be cast.

The game features a selection of Chopin's compositions performed by pianist Stanislav Bunin, with original compositions composed and arranged by Motoi Sakuraba. It is notable for its use of classical piano pieces, educational cutscenes featuring real paintings and photographs, in contrast to its cel-shaded graphics, and lush landscape design.