Shadow Hearts: Covenant vs Shadow Hearts: From the New World
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Shadow Hearts: Covenant continues the dark, turn‑based saga set amid World War I, following German lieutenant Karin Koenig as she allies with Yuri Hyuga to battle demonic conspiracies. The story weaves historical events with supernatural intrigue, offering two distinct endings that reshape the series’ timeline. The game blends fantasy, science‑fiction, and historical settings, featuring a strategic Judgment Ring combat system and a cast of memorable characters, all presented in a single‑player experience on PlayStation 2.
Shadow Hearts: From the New World is the third entry in the Shadow Hearts series, set in the New World of 1929 America. Players follow detective Johnny Garland and spirit-fusing Shania as they investigate mysterious windows that unleash monsters. The game builds on the series' Judgment Ring combat, adds a Stock system for double attacks, Stellar Chart magic, and a photo mechanic for enemy data and rewards, delivering a deep turn‑based RPG experience.
- Engaging, multi‑path story
- Innovative Judgment Ring combat
- Atmospheric WWI‑era setting
- Memorable characters and dialogue
- Engaging Judgment Ring combat
- Unique Stock and fusion mechanics
- Rich 1920s setting and story
- Varied endings based on player choices
- Limited to PlayStation 2 hardware
- Single‑player only, no co‑op
- Occasional pacing slowdown in long cutscenes
- Linear progression limits exploration
- Difficulty spikes in later chapters
- Graphics dated by modern standards
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Shadow Hearts: Covenant
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Explore 1920s America with Judgment Ring battles and demon fusions.
Alternatives to Shadow Hearts: From the New World
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Explore a sun‑scorched, savage world in turn‑based RPG adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games cost the same and share the Judgment Ring system, but Covenant scores higher critically and offers a richer WWI setting, while From the New World provides a unique 1920s America backdrop with extra fusion mechanics.
Key differences
- •Setting: 1920s America (A) vs WWI Europe (B)
- •Critic score: 75/100 (A) vs 81/100 (B)
- •Age rating: PEGI 12 (A) vs PEGI 16 (B)
- •Publisher differences: Ghostlight/XSEED (A) vs Midway (B)
- •Additional mechanics: Stock & fusion system (A) vs broader party diversity and hand‑drawn art emphasis (B)
Gameplay & fun factor
A adds Stock gauges and guardian‑spirit fusions, expanding combat options beyond B's core Judgment Ring.
Platform availability
Both are single‑player titles released for PlayStation 2; no multi‑platform data provided.
Price & value
Both list MSRP $59.99, offering identical cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
A features multiple endings tied to Shania's fetishes and story choices, adding more replay paths.
Difficulty & accessibility
B has a higher age rating (PEGI 16) suggesting tougher content, but A notes difficulty spikes later; overall B is perceived smoother.
Graphics & performance
B is praised for rich hand‑drawn 2D art and cinematic cutscenes, whereas A’s graphics are described as dated.
Choose Shadow Hearts: Covenant if…
Players who prioritize higher critical acclaim, stronger visual presentation, and a WWI‑era narrative.
Choose Shadow Hearts: From the New World if…
Players who want extra combat depth and a 1920s American story with multiple endings.
Common questions
Do either of the games support co‑op or multiplayer?
No; both are single‑player only.
Is there a price difference between the two titles?
Both are priced at $59.99 MSRP.
Which game received better reviews?
Shadow Hearts: Covenant has a higher critic score (81/100) than From the New World (75/100).