Sometimes you just can’t put things in a theme. As such the theme of this week’s Bargain Bin is the complete lack of a theme. We have a couple of solid, random games here that you can purchase without breaking the bank and if random stuff doesn’t appeal to you, well, too bad! It’s my column and I’ll do with it what I want! So sit back, open a bag of Doritos (Cooler Ranch preferably) and enjoy this week’s Bargain Bin.

Eternal Sonata

By most accounts, Eternal Sonata isn’t a great RPG, but it also isn’t a bad one. It falls into that category that one can merely term as solid. I like solid games. They serve as good filler between those titles that define the gaming generations, and more than a few times, I’ve actually enjoyed the imperfect games more than the ones that supposedly earn the coveted "triple A" status.

Eternal Sonata follows the adventures of the terminally ill Polka, who, for all intents and purposes, is a figment of the dying composer Frédéric Chopin’s imagination. It’s initially a pretty unique story, though it kind of ends up feeling like a generic JRPG by the end. Personally I find the whole music-themed name thing a bit annoying but it’s enjoyable enough and isn’t anything to complain about.

The combat system is turn-based, as one would expect from most RPGs. You engage your enemies on a free range map where you can move your characters around freely. To attack an enemy you simply approach them and then start whacking away, doing your best to get in as many attacks and special attacks as possible before the accompanying timer expires. It’s not great, but it does the job and will be moderately enjoyable to fans of JRPGs.

There isn’t much I can say about the game. It doesn’t break any new ground, but rather survives off of the good qualities of the games that came before it. This might make it anathema for those who have become tired of the conventions of JRPGs, but fans of the genre will likely derive some enjoyment from it, and it’s not too expensive for the experience.

Amazon (Note: Used Amazon.com prices are subject to change)

New - $32.99 (PS3)
New - $18.05 (360)

Used - $32.98 (PS3)

Used - $15.35 (360)

GameStop

Used- 29.99 (360)