Shadow Hearts is one of the overlooked classics of the PS2 era. Set in 1910s China and Europe, it has a flavor that is markedly different from other J-RPGs. The characters are endearing, even Yuri (your character - he starts out oddly, but in the end he is revealed to be more complicated than his joking exterior would reveal.) The battle mechanics are turn based, but the judgement ring adds a new factor. Graphics are, to be honest, not great. We're talking barely better than PS1 era here. But never mind that - the game more than makes up for its shortcomings with great writing (and a good english translation) and a surprising dose of humor.
