Koudelka: The Overlooked JRPG With Exceptional Voice Acting Gains New Appreciation

Koudelka, a forgotten JRPG gem, surprises players with its remarkable voice acting, garnering newfound appreciation nearly 30 years after its release.

Despite the affection many have for classic games, certain aspects from their era are hard to overlook, and voice acting is undoubtedly one of them. While there are notable exceptions, such as the iconic performances in Metal Gear Solid, voice acting in many titles from the time often elicits more laughter than admiration. However, players and even the game's creator are now championing another exception: Koudelka, a forgotten JRPG for the original PlayStation that was released in Japan in late 1999 and a year later in North America and Europe.

A post on X from the account Pre-Rendered Backgrounds Aesthetics, which boasts over 63,000 followers, celebrates the legacy of Koudelka, stating that "the drinking scene in Koudelka should be considered a world heritage site." The accompanying clip provides ample evidence of the game's appeal, even for those who never played it. The serene ambiance of the campfire and the two characters simply spending time together are brought to life by the actors' performances. The naturalness of the dialogue, along with the accurate depiction of being under the influence of alcohol, elevates a scene that could have otherwise felt static, a common trait in games of that era.

This renewed appreciation has not gone unnoticed. A player in the comments describes the game as "ahead of its time," noting that "its script and voice acting are among the best I've experienced as a gamer." In the past year, Koudelka has gained nostalgic relevance thanks to YouTubers like Dungeon Chill and Majuular, who have collectively garnered nearly 800,000 views with their retrospectives. This surge of interest is quite impressive for a game that once faded into obscurity.

Even Hiroki Kikuta, the game's creator, has expressed his surprise and delight at the renewed interest in his work nearly 30 years later. He shared insights into the creative process behind an iconic scene, stating, "I filmed a 10-minute take with Koudelka and Edward ten times. It was in January 1999, and the team was developed specifically for it."

Although the game once received lukewarm reviews, its gothic atmosphere and cinematic sensitivity were praised, earning it comparisons to the quality standards set by Square Enix. Koudelka may not have been a commercial success, but it laid the groundwork for the Shadow Hearts series, which Japanese players regard as one of the finest franchises in PlayStation history.

Koudelka tells the story of its namesake character. Set in Wales during the late 19th century, the enigmatic Koudelka Iasant, who possesses psychic powers, is drawn to the medieval monastery of Nemeton. There, she discovers that the place has turned into a prison filled with monsters and she will ally herself with adventurer Edward Plunkett and Father James O'Flaherty to navigate the dangers that lie ahead. The game broke traditions of its time by incorporating elements reminiscent of survival horror, enriching the classic JRPG formula.