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| Video Game Review Club | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 6 2008, 06:54 PM (1,012 Views) | |
| -HJ- | Aug 7 2008, 07:04 AM Post #16 |
I've failed to come up with something witty, so I hope you will enjoy this filler text instead.
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I'll join. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 One player Genre: Adventure (Visual Novel) Platform: Nintendo DS Kyle Hyde, former hotshot cop in NY, now a lousy salesman for a company called Red Crown. Who'd become a salesman if they were already making it big as a cop in NY, you ask? Well, you see, Kyle and his (at the time) partner, Bradley, were investigating a certain crime organization. However, as they were getting close to finding the answers they need, Bradley goes rogue and betrays Kyle and the rest of the NYPD. When Kyle hears about this, he's shocked, enraged, he doesn't want to believe it. He scours NY looking for Bradley, and he eventually finds him at the harbor. Kyle yells at him, but gets no response. Kyle pulls the trigger, and Bradley plummets to his death in the good ol' Hudson. ... Or so Kyle thought. To this day, Bradley's body still hasn't been found. Kyle is determined to find his ex-partner, so he quits being a cop and takes on the job of a salesman, which allows him to get around easier. However, Ed, the owner of Red Crown has himself a little business on the side, which Kyle helps him with from time to time. More specifically, he finds ''things that don't always wanna be found,'' as the game puts it. Kyle helps out with this, as he figures it might eventually lead him to Bradley. It's one such job that leads Kyle to Hotel Dusk. He has to find... something (no spoilers), simple enough, really. However, the other guests there all have their share of secrets, and as Kyle learns more and more, he starts to realize there might be something here... Something that'll lead him to Bradley. Overall, the story is amazing. A plot that makes you think and want to see what happens next, characters that make you care. It's all very nice. The gameplay takes a backseat to the story, hence the genre visual novel. I mean, real novels' gameplay consists of flipping the pages, at least you'll get to do more here. For those familiar with the Ace Attorney series, the gameplay is like an improved version of the investigation-phases. For those who aren't familiar with Ace Attorney, you don't actually see Kyle Hyde when you're controlling him. You slide the stylus across the screen to make him walk, and then when you're near something you'd like to investigate (a drawer, for example), you press a certain button on the screen, which makes you go into ''search mode'' as I call it. In search mode, you can click various objects near you to take a closer look at them. Sometimes, a puzzle will ensue if you're examining, say, a locked door and you have the means necessary to pick it. More often than not, though, Kyle will just say something about it. He'll add it to his inventory if he thinks it's important. Other than moving around and looking at stuff, you also use the DS' unique features in other ways. At one time you have to give a girl mouth-to-mouth rescusitation, which is done by either closing the screen or blowing in the mic. At another time, you have to sprinkle chalk powder on a pen, and blow it off with the mic, or brush off the surplus chalk powder with your finger. In fact, only one of those methods yields the desired result, but that's hardly relevant. When you talk to people, sometimes a ! will appear above the dialogue box, which you can press. Pressing it will result in you having to pick one of two things for Kyle to say. I'll give you an example: Not very long into the game, a certain person calls Kyle Rosa, and you have to respond with either, ''Did you call me Rosa?'' or ''What a charming welcome.'' Depending on what you answer, the persons you talk to might get angry. If you're pressing someone for answers and you piss them off too much, they'll kick you out of their room. So be clever and bold, but don't be too bold for your own good. Well, that's the gameplay. It takes a backseat to the story, but it does that it's supposed to. You won't be downright bored during the gameplay sections, and thankfully it doesn't interfere much with the story. Meaning, no two-hour gameplay-sections with no story progress whatsoever. Also, finally, let me say that the game is very simple to play. Not boring, but simple. The puzzles might require brainpower above the capabilities of... a certain someone from FEFF, but generally it's easy to play, while it still retains it's charm and uniqueness. Now then, the graphics. The game uses a unique art style, which helps enhance the atmosphere of the game. Really, I wish I could comment on whether the spells or the summons look great or something, but I can't. There's none of that here. It's a visual novel, and a very pretty one. That's all I can say about the graphics. The music is another bright aspect. Not all of it is something you'd want on your iPod or mp3, but it all fits the situation well. Very well, even. And some of it is something you'd want on your mp3 or iPod. Story: A+ Gameplay mechanics: B+ Playability: A Graphics: A Music: A+ Overall: A+ Recommended: Yes, definitely. Unless you're a hardcore visual novel hater, this game is a must. |
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| Sarah | Aug 7 2008, 09:16 AM Post #17 |
~ La dee dum dee dum.
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Final Fantasy Crystal Cronicles: Ring Of Fates Player 1-4 Genere: RPG Gameplay 9/10 Excellent! The battle system is done Seiken Densetsu (Secret Of Mana) style! Graphics 7/10 Meh, what does graphics matter in a videogame anyway? Challenge 4/10 The only thing that makes this game difficult is the timing of switching in between character to cast more advanced spells such as ra an aga. ra for Fira and aga for Firaga for instence. Doing the more advanced spells will require timing of combining the spell range targets. But other than that,it is pretty much cakewalk with all of the Cure Magictites that the enemies drop and the amount of treasures that has them. Story 5/10 Well the story is about two twins Yuri and Chelinka, as they were raised by a good father. Yuri finds the courage due to an incident. The crystal Temple in the royal city of Rebena Ta Ra houses the Great Crystal, a holy source of power and counterbalance to the red moon and it's "moontouched" acolutes. But now the balance seems to be tipping away from the wise rule of the past. The kingdom's most adapt crystal users have disappeared, the king is suffering a mysterious decline, and dark, disturbing rumors are emerging from the temple. Not far away, in a tiny mountain village, the young twins Yuri and Chelinka live in a seemingly idylife with their father Latov and two close family friends and neigbors. Alhanalem and Meeth. But the children were born with great power at their fingertips...and they are soon drawn into the vortex of intrigue that seems to seep like a stain across the land. Replay Value 3/10 The only thing that I can say about this..is that the amount of extra quests that the game offers after finishing the game once. For starters, you can gain access to the area "River Belle" that you cannot access upon your first playthrough and that the enemies gets stronger and offers better items after getting defeated than in the first playthrough, this applies to bosses as well. But, this is the only thing that I can say about the replay value. Music 5/10 The sound fits well for a handheld game. The only good tracks in it, are towards the end of the game. ----- Overall 5/10 My opinion to this is that for this game, you probably just want to rent it, as it isn't really all that fun without multiplayer. I review games all the time. I'm in. |
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| PhantomZero | Aug 7 2008, 10:14 AM Post #18 |
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Swarley
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I updated and added rules 7 and 8 to the top post. |
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A NEW WORLD ORDER ~Known as PhantomZero, Mr. Noogen, Yosuke Hanamura | |
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| -HJ- | Aug 8 2008, 06:37 PM Post #19 |
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I've failed to come up with something witty, so I hope you will enjoy this filler text instead.
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Paper Mario One player Genre: RPG Platform: Nintendo 64 Ah yes, Paper Mario. Quite a disappointment, back in the day when it was announced. People were expecting a sequel to Super Mario 64, however, what they got was.... an RPG? And they had transformed the Mushroom Kingdom into some paper-like world instead of the lush 3D-world we got in SM64. Outrageous, no? Well, maybe not. The game was a success once it was actually released, and I'm going to tell you why. Let's start with one of the most important aspects of an RPG; the story. Mario and Luigi get invited to the castle where Princess Peach is apparently having a party. So, off the brothers go. When they arrive at the castle, everything is fine and dandy. Luigi goes off to mingle a bit, and Mario goes to find Princess Peach. And.... surprise! He finds her in a room in the upper area of the castle. They talk for a bit, but then the earth starts to tremble. Before Mario or Peach has a chance to figure out what's going on, Bowser's castle emerges from the ground right beneath Peach's castle. Then, with the help of some mysterious koopa technology, Bowser's castle, with Peach's on top, takes off into the skies. While Mario and Peach are still too shocked to do anything, Bowser crashes through one of the room's many windows in his trusty Clown-Copter and explains his cunning plan, which I won't bother explaining here. Mario won't have any of that, though, and a fight between him and Bowser ensues. They fight for a while, but then Bowser suddenly pulls out the Star Rod, which he'd recently stolen from the Star Haven. Apparently, the Star Rod has the power to grant the wish of anyone who holds it. Now, as you may or may not have guessed, Bowser wishes for power, and immediately he starts flashing in pretty rainbow colors, to signify that he's beefed up on star-force. And he certainly is. With a single attack he KOs Mario, and the fight ends. Happy with his victory, Bowser decides to take no chances, and throws Mario out of the window... By hitting him with a lightning bolt. No, don't ask me how that works. Anyway, Mario eventually lands in the outskirts of Goomba Village, where one of the Star Spirits from Star Haven talks to him via telepathy. Apparently, the seven Star Spirits hold the power to negate the immense power Bowser gets from the Star Rod, but Bowser has sealed their powers and has some of his toughest minions guarding them. Thus, it's up to Mario to free the Star Spirits, rescue Peach, and bring justice to Bowser. Again. It's not very complicated, and being a Mario game, it doesn't get much more complicated, either. However, the cast of characters are all very likeable, and while the plot is simple at heart, it's told well enough to make you want to play through the entire game to see the conclusion. Finally, let me add that Bowser does a splendid job as a villain in this game. Rarely have I seen him so evil and ruthless. I guarantee you, you'll be anticipating your chance to settle the score with him throughout the entire game. -------------------- Well, let's move on to the gameplay, then. The gameplay is extremely simple. Anyone could play it... Well, almost. You have three different main commands: Jump, Hammer and Items (later you get Star power, which I'll explain soon enough). Oh, and there's also Run, which... lets you run from the battle. But Mario doesn't run, right? You also have a slew of partners, from a Goomba to a Lakitu. They all have their individual strengths and flaws, which I'll let you discover on your own. At the end of the prologue, however, you're given a special item, which enables action commands. Now, action commands are things you do when you're attacking or defending from an enemy attack. Doing this succesfully will result in doing 1 point of additional damage (or if you're defending, reduce the damage taken by 1). Now, that doesn't sound like much, I know, but neither you nor the enemy have crazy amounts of HP in this game, unlike in most RPGs where you'll be facing bosses with thousands of HP. There are various action commands, but I'll explain the ones you'll be using the most. Jump: Right when Mario's about to land on the enemy, press A. Hammer: Keep pressing the analogue stick left, then release it when the star lights up. Defend: Press A right when the attack is about to damage Mario. Let's say you're fighting Bowser, and he uses his flame breath on you. Now, Mario takes damage two seconds after he's hit by the flame, not right at the moment the flames connect with Mario. You gotta press A right before the actual damage occurs, not when the attack connects. It's the same with every other attack in the game. In some cases, though, like when a Goomba jumps on you, the damage is dealt as soon as the attack connects. Observe each enemy's attacks carefully to avoid as much damage as possible. Right, then, Star Powers. For each Star Spirit you rescue, you gain a new Star Power, and an additional point of Star Energy. Now, Star Powers vary in effect and cost. There's a Star Power that restores 5 HP, which only costs 1 point of Star Energy. Then there's a Star Power that restores 30 HP, but costs 3 Star Energy. Star Energy slowly regenerates on it's own as you do battle, but you can use the special command, Focus, to regain your Star Energy faster, if necessary. Then, there's badges. Badges are, in essence, the armor/weapons/accessories of Paper Mario. A badge requires a certain amount of Badge Points to wear. Similarly to Star Powers, badges vary in cost and effect. However, when you unequip a badge, the points it used are regained, and you can use them to equip another badge instead. Obviously, if you have enough Badge Points, you can equip several at once. Some badges grant special attacks, such as the Hammer Throw or the Multibounce. Such special attacks require Flower Points, which is basically Paper Mario's version of MP. HP, FP and BP are all gained by levelling up. For each level gained, you choose between raising your HP or FP by 5 points, or your BP by 3 points. Choose wisely, or it'll come back to haunt you later. Well, that's the gameplay. Action commands add a fresh touch to the already succesful RPG formula. Although, if you hate RPGs where you can't just win by setting the game to Auto-mode and watch the beatings unfold, but rather need to pay attention, this game isn't for you. -------------------- Okay then, the music. The music is generally bright and cheerful, although it's suitably dramatic when it required. It generally enhances the general mood and atmosphere of the game. The music is especially fitting during boss fights, where it never fails to get you pumped up for some fighting. Most notable is the final boss, where the music really adds to the already incredible atmosphere. -------------------- The graphics are quirky and unique. The paper thing works quite well. Of course, this is a matter of taste, much like LoZ: WW's cel shaded graphics. The only thing that's certain is that it's original and it doesn't hamper any other aspect of the game in any way. Whether you actually like it or not is entirely up to you, though. -------------------- In terms of replayability, it doesn't offer that much. There are many, many badge setups to choose from, and many different partners to fight alongside. Oh, and of course you could try upgrading your stats differently next time time, However, the gameplay will only last you so long. It's not a totally lost case, though. You will come back to it to try out the things I mentioned. Just not right away... -------------------- Story: B Gameplay mechanics: A Playability: A+ Graphics: A- Music: B- Replayability: C+ Overall: A Recommended: But of course. This should be on everybody's Wii, unless they still have it for the N64. Not to mention, it is pretty much the only good RPG for the N64. Don't miss out on this gem. EDIT: I changed some of the grades a little. I accidentally put something other than what I meant to on some of them. 
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| PhantomZero | Aug 8 2008, 06:44 PM Post #20 |
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Swarley
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The World Ends With You Platform: Nintendo DS Genre: Action RP Company: Square-Enix Players: 1 Wi-Fi: Yes TWEWY is an original, new-ish fun game for the Nintendo DS. Unlike older RPG games, this game requires the use of the Stylus to attack and go around the game. But before I go into mechanics, let’s talk about the story. The story of TWEWY takes place in Shibuya Japan, with Neku as the main character. Now, I know a lot of people bitch about Neku looking like Sora (LOL SAME ARTIST). But I want to make things clear. Sora is a faggot. Neku is not. Neku is the would-be Sora if his balls had ever dropped. I digress though. You start off the game with Neku sharing his philosophy of life, and he wakes up in the middle of the street. Suddenly, he gets chased by some fucking weird monster which will later be revealed as “Noise.” Now, I always wondered if that was some play on Neku’s headphones. But oh well, it’s Square. Weird names are to be expected. So the plot basically follows the famed “Reaper’s Game (which is a real legend/mythology).” This also means that the characters you’ll be seeing are all dead, and you’re all fighting for a second life. Anyway, battles. Players have two forms of fighting in this game; they either possess a medium, or they use Pins. Pins are… something like spells and weapons. They all have a psych, which are the actual effect of the pin. They can heal, stun enemies, or summon flames. These psychs are activated during mid-battle with your stylus, and how you use it. It’ll tell you how to activate each pin: touch an enemy, draw a circle, slash an enemy, press on the screen, or even blow into the DS’s mic. You also drag Neku around the screen by touching him, and dragging him around. Now, it’s kind of complicated and new. But you’ll get used to it. The challenge of the game is definitely good; not too easy not too hard. There are several aspects that make the game unique, and this game is definitely a good find. Another aspect is fashion, which is strange. Clothing gives stat boosts, and all have a brand. I’m actually very lazy and won’t go into detail, but if you play the game you’ll understand it in a heartbeat. Another thing is food. You can give your characters food that will increase bravery (which is a need to equip better clothes), or increase HP and other stats. Once eat food, you have to willingly fight battles to digest the food, and then you’ll get the stat boost. Now, I think I’ve covered most of the bases, but now I’ve gotta go onto Music. The Music of TWEWY is very diverse and good. You’ve got techno, some trance, some hiphop, some everything. It fits the mood of the story and setting very nicely, and pulled me into getting the soundtrack immediately. Music: A Story: B Mechanics: B Playability: A Overall: A Recommended: Of course I rushed this while being distracted by 6 convos on MSN, so i might edit this and put in finer details EDIT: I probably WILL. It's so short. 
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A NEW WORLD ORDER ~Known as PhantomZero, Mr. Noogen, Yosuke Hanamura | |
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| cool story bro | Aug 8 2008, 07:03 PM Post #21 |
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hmm i suppose ill join I would review Metal Gear Solid (just beat it last night) but I think I'm the only person who hadn't played it until now.
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| Sentenal | Aug 8 2008, 07:15 PM Post #22 |
When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
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I'd like to give an alternate review to Chrono Trigger. Chrono Trigger SNES RPG Chrono Trigger is, in my humble opinion, one of the very best games ever made. Chrono Trigger is an RPG, and was made by Square, back when they PWNED HARD. Not on that, but this game was made by a "Dream Team" within Square, and it really shows. RPGs tend to focus on plot, and characters. Chrono Trigger does this excellently. The game has a total of 7 playable characters. To many RPGs of its time, this might seem a bit low. After all, Final Fantasy 6 had 14 playable character (17+ if you count Leo, Vicks, Wedge, and Moogles). But, with fewer playable characters, the more character development you can have. Each character in CT is unique, and likable. You have Ayla the Cavewoman. Lucca, the nerdy girl who makes guns. Robo, the Robot. Frog, the Knightly Frog. Combat wise, they are all different as well, having different strengths and weaknesses, and above all, allow for different Duel and Triple Techs. More on that later. The plot is very well done as well. The plot isn't anything complex or confusing. In fact, some might consider it fairly simple. But thats one of its strong points. You always know whats going on, you are never lost, and its always GOOD. The game starts with Crono, and boy in the present. He goes off to the Fair, and meets a girl, Marle. Crono's friend, Lucca, has a booth showing off her new Telepod gizmo, and they try it out. Things go terribly wrong, when for some reason, Marle is sucked through a portal caused by her pendant and the machine. And Crono decides to follow her, to save her. Thus begins Crono's adventure. He ends up 400 years in the past, in the middle ages. In their adventures, Crono and company eventually learn of the planet's fate, and fight against forces across history to save the world. The game lets you have 3 people in your party at once. The game features the ATB battle system that a vast majority of Final Fantasy games have made use of. You could buy weapons, armor, items, and things like that. So what makes Chrono Trigger different from any other Final Fantasy game, save for its plot? The first thing you will notice, is how battles are presented. In FF games, when you get into a battle, you switch to the battle screen, with enemies to one side, and your guys to the other. Not so with CT. Enemies appear in person, on the screen you were just walking around on. There really are no "random battles", as you see just about every enemy you fight. pic1 pic2 Enemy formations and such are important in battle, as you will learn. You have different attacks, such as Slash, which will hit all enemies in a line. Or Cyclone, which will hit all enemies within a certain area. That gives it a certain element of strategy. However, one of the big things that you will find is the Duel-Tech, or even Triple-Tech system. When two characters are ready to attack, you might choose to combine their attacks, to form an even more powerful one. And with the variety of characters in the game, there are many different Duel and Triple Techs. Crono and Marle can do Ice Sword for example, while Marle and Lucca can do Antipode. Graphically, the game was very well done for its time. Very good sprite work. Different time periods all of their own flavor, and all well done. Music is another one of this game's strong points. The music is all just so good. The music is epic when it needs to be, sad when it needs to be, and ALWAYS sets the mood just right. There are few games with better soundtracks than this one. Replayability wise, there are like 12 different endings. To my knowledge, this was one of the first times something like this was done. There are just so many ways to complete the game, you just keep coming back for more, trying to see different endings. Some are funny, others are serious, and all but a few are worth it. New Game +, also helps, as you get to start a new game with the stats and items from your last game. So, I give this game an A+. This is a must play for anyone who likes RPGs, and really, anyone who likes playing games. There are few games which do a better job than this one. |
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| -HJ- | Aug 8 2008, 07:16 PM Post #23 |
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I've failed to come up with something witty, so I hope you will enjoy this filler text instead.
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Tales of Symphonia Multiplayer (4 players max) Genre: Action RPG Platform: Nintendo Gamecube & PS2 Go play FFX for more details. It's the same thing. Oh, and some other cliche stuff happens after the halfway-point. Revealing this, however, would ruin the only-half decent plot twist ToS offers you. -------------------- The gameplay is better, although it's inferior to Tales of the Abyss. Basically, you can move around on the battlefield and press A to attack, or tilt the control stick in various directions and press B to perform a special technique. You can assign various techniques to B-up, B-down, etc. For the clueless folk, when I say B-up, I mean ''pressing B while tilting the analogue stick up.'' Obviously, it's the same deal with B-down, B-right, etc. You can also guard and jump. Your other party members generally just chill, but sometimes they decide to help you out. You can configure their behaviour to compliment your own fighting style, but don't expect too much. The AI is far from perfect. Other than that, you can equip skills on your characters, new weapons, new armor, etc. Big surprise. -------------------- The graphics are cel-shaded, and generally look decent. The animations flow smoothly, but some of the spells lack polish. TotA, which runs on the graphically inferior PS2 had far better graphics battle. Shame on you, ToS. Still, the graphics aren't bad. -------------------- The music isn't too bad either. Although, not all the music suits the situation. For example, the final boss-music sounds like the love child of techno and rock. Hardly fitting for the final boss, given the generally lame ''heroic good people vs. mean and horrible evil people'' theme. And the voice acting is HORRIBLE. HORRIBLE. HORRIBLE. HORRIBLE. HORR- okay, I think you get it now. -------------------- Story: D Gameplay: B Graphics: B- Music: C+ Voice acting: Z- Overall: C- Recommended: If you're desperate for an RPG on the gamecube, go for it. Otherwise, stay away. If you can, play TotA instead of this. It is, in every way, a vast improvement on this game. |
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| AdamNW | Aug 10 2008, 10:45 PM Post #24 |
Needs moar Sety
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Game: Portal Developer: Valve Publisher: Valve Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC Genre: First Person Shooter/Puzzle Rating: T for Teen **NOTE: The game was played on the Xbox 360, as part of "The Orange Box" Collection. Any differences between other versions are not considered** What do you get when you take Half Life, remove all of the weapons, add a Portal shooting gun, a creepy Research Lab, a cake, and an AI that pulls all of the strings? You get one of the best games to be released on the 360. That's the basic premise of Portal, a puzzle-style FPS by Valve. You take control of Chell, a woman who agrees to take part in a science experiment being performed by Aperture Science, a rival of the infamous Black Mesa, with the promise of cake after completing it testing. You wake up in a sort of a holding cell, and the computer program "GLaDOS" informs you of your tasks. You are escorted to the first test chamber via a Portal, the main game mechanic in the game. The main point of the game is to complete each test chamber by getting from the entrance to the exit, using a special gun that shoots Portals. There are 2 different colors of Portals: Blue and Orange. There is no difference between the two, as the Blue Portal will transfer you to the Orange Portal, and vice versa. The first few puzzles are quite simple, generally only requiring you to move a Weighted Cube onto a button to open a door to gain access to the next test chamber. The puzzles quickly gain complexity and lethality, as GLaDOS adds obstacles such as acid pools, energy balls, and even animated turret guns. You also learn special techniques using the Portal Gun, such as Flinging, which uses momentum from falling into a portal to rocket yourself over gaps. The graphics in this game, admittedly, aren't as good as they can be. A few of the areas in the game (most noticeably after falling into an acid pool) are insanely pixelated and just looks disgusting. That said, everything else looks wonderful. Portal transitions are seamless, as shown by the several months of effort it took to get that effect (as shown in the commentary). A soundtrack is almost non existent, with the exception of some background music and the Portal Theme (Still Alive). However, the sound effects and voice acting in the game are just wonderful. I actually almost felt bad after killing the turrets because of their sympathy towards being killed by you. I also want to point out that only one person does voice acting. There are only two characters in the game that actually talk, and both are "female". After beat the game, a good 2 and a half hour romp through the Aperture Science Enrichment Center, you are treated to several post-game options, including an in-game commentary done by the creators. You can find out several different things about testing experiences and game glitches. You can also do challenge runs through Chapters 5-10 (Chapters 1-4 and 11 don't have these features) which require you to complete the Test Chambers in as few steps/portals as possible. The Grade: Gameplay: A+ Story: A- Sound: A+ Graphics:: B+ Replayability: A+ Overall: A Recommended? Hell yes. Pros and Cons: +The Portal Gun Mechanic is incredibly innovative and a fun tool to use +The game makes fun attempts to mess with your psyche. For example, in Test Chamber 9 you are told that the Test Chamber is impossible. -Some puzzles can leave you in the dark. -The game is too short. ? Was the cake REALLY a lie?
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| Feez | Aug 11 2008, 10:17 AM Post #25 |
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Ebullient Future
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I'll join. I'll probably review Valkyrie Profile 2 or P3FES soon. |
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| PhantomZero | Aug 11 2008, 10:49 AM Post #26 |
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Swarley
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I'll review Tales of Legendia, and how much of a horrible game it was 8D later though |
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A NEW WORLD ORDER ~Known as PhantomZero, Mr. Noogen, Yosuke Hanamura | |
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| Kovu | Aug 11 2008, 12:12 PM Post #27 |
Judge/Veteran/One of oldest members/Never been a global mod cause staff is racist against furries
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Warning: May cause user to totally ignore post due to tl;dr. I tried to keep it general. Be warned, I'm tired and am far too lazy to check spelling/grammar. If it's that big of a deal I'll do so later. Also, I have trouble pointing out flaws in a game I love this much (even though I know they exist), but regardless of the wall 'o text I tried to be fair with the numbered raitings at the bottom. -- Tales of the Abyss Multiplayer (4 player) Genre: Action Role-play Platform: Playstation 2  Tales of the Abyss is the eigth installment in the thriving Tales series, produced & published by Namco Tales Studio. The game follows a story from the view of the protagonist Luke Fon Fabre, but is inclusive to the thoughts of the other characters. Though fun as a single-player game (how RPGs thrive) the number of players can reach as high as four, though due to the PS2's restrictions you'll require a multitap. After an opening scene that doesn't really make much sense (to the player) the game starts you off in a mansion where aforementioned protagonist, Luke, is being held within for as long as he can remember. Of course, like any named RPG, that's soon to change. Through a series of events during his training (also the game's mechanical tutorial) he, along with the female protagonist, Tear Grants are transported via hyperresonance they they cause together accidentally. A hyperresonance is a special ability within the game that only certain people with certain unique attributes can cause, usually only in pairs or groups. The objective of the game (or at least part of it) is to find your way back home, which isn't terribly easy as Luke is ignorant to the workings of the world outside his own home. The game features a variety of unique and interesting characters with in-battle abilities that compliment their character-style. The gameplay mechanics are like that of many of the other Tales games, notibly improved upon. You move around with your character on the 3D battlefield and perform actions (attacking, healing, defending etc.) using various buttons on the controller. The game carries many RPG elements, Health, Mana (Technical Points), a whole whack of attributes (Physical Attack, Physical Defense, Fonic [see below] Attack, Fonic Defense, Agility, Enhancement) as well as Capacity Cores used to develop the characters' attributes and "chambers" which allow you to power up your moves in various ways. While everything up there affects your character in an obvious way Enhancement doesn't affect your character's stats directly in battle but a high enchancement will gain your characters support abilities (HP regeneration, extra experience, auto-ressurection to name a few) that will assist in their struggle. Unlike the others, however, this attribute can only be gained through the use of Capacity Cores on levelup. Like many RPGs you can utilize a 'special attack' manouver in "overdrive" mode (a return from previous Tales games) to deal lots of big numbers to your enemies after during flashy in-battle cinematics. One of the more known overdrive abilities is INDIGNATION, a kick-ass spell (featured in many Tales games) where Jade Curtiss (the party's primary offensive caster) does some kick-ass chanting before yelling ANGRY at his opponent(s) and shriking them with a ginormous lightning bolt from the gates of hell instantly putting an end to whatever used to exist in the spot that bolt struck! *catches breath* .. and some of the other 'special attacks' are pretty cool and useful, too. "Fonic" refers to this game's version of magic. That simple. There's plenty of story relevance to Fomic Artes (how it's used, who can use it, the various elements, even man-made creations using this form of magic), but I'll let you find that out on your own. 4 out of 6 of the playable characters use (and in 2 cases specialize) in using Fonic Artes. They're referred to as Fonists. However, unlike with the magic system in many RPGs Fonons play a much greater role in the game's world than simply the ability to cast spells. It all contributes to an absolutely astonishing storyline. The cel-shaded graphics are what you would expect in a Tales game. It's all about style. Some people will like it, some people not as much. They went into great detail to give an intense realistic feel to the battles (the way one party member hovers while she casts, the way another unleashes graphic-intense spells that seem to somehow totally miss your tanking ally who's right in the midst of its range), and even moving around on the field or in towns. However, this effect may be lessoned on a wider T.V. as the graphics may become slightly pixilated. The music is what you would expect for an RPG. Very good. There's a wide variety of themes utilized in appropriate situations (the themes of some characters, the themes of some events), and there are actually three different random encounter battlethemes as you progress through the game so if video game music gets too repeative for you the feeling is lessoned in this game. Slgihtly. I wont delve into the plot, however I will note that the character development caused by various events taking place in the game is superb. Certainly better than your average game. The personalities of all of the party members are reflected in-battle by their abilities and even in-battle voice acting. This aspect isn't new to Abyss however, and is actually as old as the series. It all helps to add to the mood and always keeps battles exciting. Boss battles even have the four current party members interacting with their opponent(s) while they fight. The voice acting is pretty good, probably the best in the series. The game will keep you coming back for more as the battles are always fresh and exciting, there are plenty of things to do aside from the exciting and long story, and like with all tales games you can utilize the grade shop at the end of the game to attain special bonuses on your nect playthrough, (more experience, more gald [currency], holding on to items from the last playthrough etc). Some sidequests and special abilities require you to have completed the game once, which is a turnoff for some. Overall a great game, a great installment to the series and a great addition to the shrinking number of good RPGs in today's gaming lineup. Gameplay Mechanics: 8.5/10 Plot: 10/10 Sound & Music: 8/10 Graphics:: 7.5/10 Replay Value: 8.5/10 Overall:  And my personal favourite. ~ Mieu FIRE! |
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| Askio | Aug 11 2008, 12:39 PM Post #28 |
Crit McGee on Speed
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I want in here. Not sure what I will review, though there is a new game I want coming out here in september, so maybe that one. for now I will grab an older game. which is tbd scratch that, if no one has taken it, I will take SC4 |
 Fire Emblem Online Askio: 9-1-1 | |
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| Masaki | Aug 12 2008, 01:26 PM Post #29 |
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Super Robot Wars Original Generation Series One player Genre: Sci-Fi Stratergy RPG Platform: GBA/PS2     Super Robot Wars is a long running franchise featuring many popular mecha series all in one game including Gundam, Getter Robo, Mazinkaiser, Macross etc. However, Super Robot Wars OG is the first SRW game to feature only Branpresto Original Pilots and Mechas. It is also the first branch of the franchise to be released outside of japan. There are 4 games in the series; Original Generation, Original Generation 2, Orignal Generations, and Original Generation Gaiden. Currently, only 2 of the OG games have been released outside of japan know as Super Robot Taisen. (OG1/OG2 both for the GBA). SRWOG is a SRPG, much like the Fire Emblem series. You are given a roster of pilots to assign to a fleet of mechas. Every mecha is given one of the two classifications Real Robot and Super Robots. Real Robots are your "Normal" sized mechas, examples of Real Robots are the Gundams and the Knights of Code Geass. Super Robots are the oversized (And I believe the original) Mechas, examples of Super Robots include the Getter Robos and Gunbuster. Real Robots have better evasion and movement while Super Robots have More HP, EN, Atk and Def. You will always have more Reals than Supers at any given chapter to have things balanced out. SRWOG is also the first series to let you exchange weapons among Real Robots which can be upgraded with money. Also, Mechas may be equiped with parts that are obtained throughout the game Note: All these Mecha series I mentioned are not featured in this game. As awsome as Mechas are, they're useless without pilots (except CPU contolled Mechas but they suck anyway). OG features an excellent group of pilots, bringing in the favorites from other games in the franchise. Every Pilot has thier strengths and weakness, different skills, seishins, some better than others, and some more suited for certain mechas then others. Branpresto makes it easy on you by assigning most of the pilots to thier best mechas however, you have almost full freedom to change to the pilots to whatever robot you want. Battle in SRW has to be the best thing it has to offer which is really good. The core battle system is very similar to FE, however it has alot of unique features. Every Mecha has an HP and EN count that can be upgraded using funds. Each weapon has either an energy cost or ammo. More poweful attacks may require "Will" to be used which is a battle stat for pilots that increases with every battle the pilot fights in that chapter. SRW has a support system however its fuction is very different from FE's support. Certain Pilots have support skills for either offense of defense that lets them attack with or defend mechas. Pilots also have "Seishins" or Commands that have different effects such as increased movement or healing an ally. Combination attacks, a staple of any SRW game, lets certain Mechas (and the right pilots) combine their abilities for a powerful attack. Battle ships are your supplies and convos but are very powerful in battle, however, if it is shot down, thats gameover. Later games in the series also feature the Twin Battle and Twin Command. Battles have very different objectives that can range from protecting a NPC or defeating a specific enemy. Battle scenes are very well done, you won't get bored looking at these. SRW also has many secret Weapons, Mechas and Pilots to be unlocked. The only thing that is arguably better than SRWOG's battle system is the story. Banpresto does an excellent job combining the stories of each character from the different games. Conversations are very colorful. Atlus does a great job of translating some of the jokes from the Japanese game. Since each character was an important part of thier respective games, each character will have alot of thier stories and personalities fleshed out. Attacking certain enemies with the right pilot will start a mini convo that will further expand on that characters story. Overall, very well done. The music of SRWOG is also very good, each tune fits the mood and you won't hear too much of a certain song to get tired of it. Most pilots also have thier own themes in battle that are all very good. You'll be rushing to buy the games' soundtrack, especially that PS2 games. Score: Gameplay: 10 (All games) Graphics: 9 (OG1/2) 10 (OGS/OGG) Replayability: 9 (OG1) 10 (OG2/OGS/OGG) Music: 9 (OG1/OG2) 10 (OGS/OGG) Story: 10 (All games) Overall: 10/10 Those of you who haven't played this game, play it now Once you're familiar enough with the game, I would recommend importing OGS/OGG Note: Not all of the game's battle specfics were discussed, play the game to see the greatness at its fullest. |
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| Feez | Aug 12 2008, 01:33 PM Post #30 |
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Ebullient Future
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That review could be fleshed out some, Masaki, but overall it was alright. I agree with your final ratings.
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12:22 PM Nov 24
