JP Site: http://www.wonderflick.jp/
Source: Youtube Channel Jeuxvideo24
From the makers of Professor Layton comes another game for mobile devices. It seems Level-5 has really taken a liking to making games on mobile devices lately and their newest RPG is no exception. More than that, their idea for this game is one that players can enjoy over many different platforms with the same progress intact. So with this "Wonder Flick" game, you can play it on iOS, Android, Wii U, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, and Xbox One (or at least that's the plan) and the progress will be kept in the cloud/servers so that you can continue where you left off on any console. As the name suggests, the player will be "Flicking" little coin icons to perform actions: Attack, using potions, defending, special attacks, etc.
What I'm more interested in is the soundtrack. Did you happen to see whose name flashed in the trailer? Nobuo Uematsu of Final Fantasy fame had his name appear in the trailer with a music note which usually tells the viewer who is responsible for the music for that trailer. Whether Uematsu will be responsible for all the music in the game is unclear at the moment, but it's something to look out for. As for the game itself, it seems rather gimmicky and heavily focused on the mobile gaming audience. But who knows, it might turn out to be really fun! Where's the 3DS version? I see this working better on 3DS than on PS Vita in terms of mechanics. The game will be available in Japan on iOS and Android in November 2013 while PS3, PS Vita, PS4, Wii U, and Xbox One versions will be available sometime in 2014. No Western release has been announced thus far.
Source:
-Kotaku - No, This Next-Gen RPG Isn't Called "Wonder F**k"
Showing posts with label PS Vita. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PS Vita. Show all posts
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
GameLight - Puyo Puyo Tetris
Source: Youtube Channel puyosega
Amitie is back with more Puyo Puyo going up against Tetris! A Puyo Puyo crossover with Tetris isn't too surprising, but it's finally being made. I've been a fan of both games for the longest time as most people have who play these puzzle games. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine and Kirby's Avalanche have been two games that didn't use the name "Puyo" in the title that I played with Puyo Pop Fever being one of my favorite iterations of the series. For Tetris, I'd say Tetris DS by was the best version of Tetris I have played for the best controls, mechanics, color scheme, and variety in modes. So how much will the game change with these two mega puzzle blockbusters put together? It doesn't seem much as both games have had versus mode in their respective games which seems to be the base concept for this crossover. It doesn't seem all that different or game changing. Why not go all out and have a super puzzle crossover! Have games like Columns, Puzzle Fighter, Puzzle League, and maybe even Puzzle Bobble (Bust-A-Move) be part of the action and have the player choose which game they want to play and challenge other puzzle players. Make it even more outrageous with 8 players instead of just 2! But in all seriousness, I hope there's more to the game than just straight up versus PuyoPuyo against Tetris. The game releases next year on PS3, PS Vita, Wii U, and 3DS in Japan. No mention of a Western release has been made.
Source:
-Joystiq - Puyo Puyo Tetris makes sense
Amitie is back with more Puyo Puyo going up against Tetris! A Puyo Puyo crossover with Tetris isn't too surprising, but it's finally being made. I've been a fan of both games for the longest time as most people have who play these puzzle games. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine and Kirby's Avalanche have been two games that didn't use the name "Puyo" in the title that I played with Puyo Pop Fever being one of my favorite iterations of the series. For Tetris, I'd say Tetris DS by was the best version of Tetris I have played for the best controls, mechanics, color scheme, and variety in modes. So how much will the game change with these two mega puzzle blockbusters put together? It doesn't seem much as both games have had versus mode in their respective games which seems to be the base concept for this crossover. It doesn't seem all that different or game changing. Why not go all out and have a super puzzle crossover! Have games like Columns, Puzzle Fighter, Puzzle League, and maybe even Puzzle Bobble (Bust-A-Move) be part of the action and have the player choose which game they want to play and challenge other puzzle players. Make it even more outrageous with 8 players instead of just 2! But in all seriousness, I hope there's more to the game than just straight up versus PuyoPuyo against Tetris. The game releases next year on PS3, PS Vita, Wii U, and 3DS in Japan. No mention of a Western release has been made.
Source:
-Joystiq - Puyo Puyo Tetris makes sense
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
NewNews - Phantasy Star Nova
 |
| Image from Joystiq (Source below) |
Phantasy Star Nova will be developed by Tri-Ace and published by Sega. The game can be played Offline or cooperatively online for up to 4-players. Given Tri-Ace's past projects, I'm wondering if the game will be a bit more traditional with turn-based elements rather than an Action-RPG experience. It's possible that it could be turn-based Action-RPG like the Tales series (which their project with Radiata Stories and Star Ocean was like). The last three games developed by Tri-Ace were released and seen in the Western market for the Playstation 3: Resonance of Fate, Star Ocean: The Last Hope International, and Final Fantasy XIII-2. Whatever it may be, I look forward to seeing Phantasy Star Nova in the future. Phantasy Star Nova is set to launch on the PS Vita in Japan in 2014.
Source:
-Joystiq - Phantasy Star Nova announced for Vita
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
GameLight - Dragon's Crown
Official Site: http://www.atlus.com/dragonscrown/#
Source: Youtube Channel IGN
About to be released next Tuesday on Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita, Beat-em-Up with ridiculously proportioned characters Dragon's Crown is set to bring one more title to the genre. This game has gotten all sorts of criticism, but it seems some of the critics are starting to be able to look past that as they hack, slash, burn, and loot their way through the dungeons of monsters, dragons and enemies. The game features 6 unique classes to play with 4-player cooperative mode as well as Online multiplayer. The gameplay looks great so far and the art style is highly praise as many of Vanillaware's games have been in the past (albeit the overly sexualized character designs that keeps being brought up). What I do not know enough of yet is how the music is going to be like. For me, this is pretty important. One of the greatest aspects of Code of Princess, which released earlier this year, was how fun and memorable all the music were. It enhanced the experience I had with the game and made it one I remembered. Dragon's Crown is available on August 6th, 2013 for $49.99 on Playstation 3 and $39.99 on Playstation Vita.
Source: Youtube Channel IGN
About to be released next Tuesday on Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita, Beat-em-Up with ridiculously proportioned characters Dragon's Crown is set to bring one more title to the genre. This game has gotten all sorts of criticism, but it seems some of the critics are starting to be able to look past that as they hack, slash, burn, and loot their way through the dungeons of monsters, dragons and enemies. The game features 6 unique classes to play with 4-player cooperative mode as well as Online multiplayer. The gameplay looks great so far and the art style is highly praise as many of Vanillaware's games have been in the past (albeit the overly sexualized character designs that keeps being brought up). What I do not know enough of yet is how the music is going to be like. For me, this is pretty important. One of the greatest aspects of Code of Princess, which released earlier this year, was how fun and memorable all the music were. It enhanced the experience I had with the game and made it one I remembered. Dragon's Crown is available on August 6th, 2013 for $49.99 on Playstation 3 and $39.99 on Playstation Vita.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
GameLight - J-Stars Victory Vs
JP Site: http://www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp/list/jump45/pc/index2.html
Source: Youtube Channel nbgi
Another Jump Super Star game is about to release and the Western market is probably not going to get it again! Yay.....Still, it's pretty cool to watch the teaser for it and see what they're doing for this game. Instead of being released on a Nintendo portable (first two were released on NDS), the newest Jump Super Star game is going to be released on the Sony PS3 and PS Vita. Rather than looking like Super Smash Bros. like they have in the past, the game is looking more like Street Fighter, or rather more of a traditional Fighter. But the video doesn't accurately portray the actual gameplay, so I'm not exactly sure how exactly the game mechanics will be. I was able to play the first two games because NDS didn't have region lock, but I don't think I'll get the chance to play the newest Jump Super Star anytime soon. The game is set to release sometime this year.
Source: Youtube Channel nbgi
Another Jump Super Star game is about to release and the Western market is probably not going to get it again! Yay.....Still, it's pretty cool to watch the teaser for it and see what they're doing for this game. Instead of being released on a Nintendo portable (first two were released on NDS), the newest Jump Super Star game is going to be released on the Sony PS3 and PS Vita. Rather than looking like Super Smash Bros. like they have in the past, the game is looking more like Street Fighter, or rather more of a traditional Fighter. But the video doesn't accurately portray the actual gameplay, so I'm not exactly sure how exactly the game mechanics will be. I was able to play the first two games because NDS didn't have region lock, but I don't think I'll get the chance to play the newest Jump Super Star anytime soon. The game is set to release sometime this year.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
GameLight - XBlaze Code: Embryo
Official JP Site: http://www.arcsystemworks.jp/xblaze/
Source: Youtube Channel arcsystemworks
XBlaze Code: Embryo is an Adventure/Visual Novel game relating to Arc System Works' Fighting game BlazBlue series that's within the same universe, but not necessarily the same world. What exactly does this mean? To quote Toshi Nakamura from Kotaku, "...the game is "linked" to the BlazBlue game series world, though does not necessarily take place in the same world". Arc System Works is known for their convoluted stories within their fighting games such as Guilty Gear and BlazBlue where nothing is simple to explain. As one who has played the BlazBlue series, I can only theorize that XBlaze perhaps takes place in an alternate plane of existence because of a temporal warp caused by the continuum shift. Another fun idea that's much simpler is that explains everything that led up to the creation of the Black Beast, the 6 Heroes, and usage of Ars Magus. Despite all these ideas of what connection it has to the BlazBlue series, the developers are creating this game to be played and enjoyed without prior knowledge of the BlazBlue series. I was hoping to get an Action/Action-RPG out of this, but I suppose a Visual Novel is the best genre to focus on if they're main goal is to deliver a story. Sadly, the Western market may not get to see this game at all BECAUSE it's a Visual Novel. XBlaze Code: Embryo is set to launch on July 25th, 2013 this Summer in Japan for the Playstation 3 and PS Vita.
Source:
-Kotaku - XBlaze Isn't Just For BlazBlue Fans
Source: Youtube Channel arcsystemworks
XBlaze Code: Embryo is an Adventure/Visual Novel game relating to Arc System Works' Fighting game BlazBlue series that's within the same universe, but not necessarily the same world. What exactly does this mean? To quote Toshi Nakamura from Kotaku, "...the game is "linked" to the BlazBlue game series world, though does not necessarily take place in the same world". Arc System Works is known for their convoluted stories within their fighting games such as Guilty Gear and BlazBlue where nothing is simple to explain. As one who has played the BlazBlue series, I can only theorize that XBlaze perhaps takes place in an alternate plane of existence because of a temporal warp caused by the continuum shift. Another fun idea that's much simpler is that explains everything that led up to the creation of the Black Beast, the 6 Heroes, and usage of Ars Magus. Despite all these ideas of what connection it has to the BlazBlue series, the developers are creating this game to be played and enjoyed without prior knowledge of the BlazBlue series. I was hoping to get an Action/Action-RPG out of this, but I suppose a Visual Novel is the best genre to focus on if they're main goal is to deliver a story. Sadly, the Western market may not get to see this game at all BECAUSE it's a Visual Novel. XBlaze Code: Embryo is set to launch on July 25th, 2013 this Summer in Japan for the Playstation 3 and PS Vita.
Source:
-Kotaku - XBlaze Isn't Just For BlazBlue Fans
Monday, April 15, 2013
VGCulture - Lots of releases next 3 days
I'm looking at what games are released this week and there's a lot worth mentioning! We even have a Nintendo Wii game coming out!
La-Mulana - PC - 4/15/13
Source: Youtube Channel 256nigoro
La-Mulana in many aspects was developed the same way Cave Story did, in one man's free time. It was released only in Japan back in 2005 and was first introduced in NA just last year in Fall on the WiiWare channel. Today, it was released on Steam after it was greenlit and had the okay to be put up. I hear it's a lot like Metroid in terms of traversing the levels and similar to Castlevania in terms of combat and gameplay. I love these types of games, so I'll probably get it eventually.
Injustice: Gods Among Us - PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U - 4/16/13
If you like fighting games and DC Comics, this is probably the game for you. Developed by the team who worked on Mortal Kombat, the world of DC comics is darker, gritty, and a lot more violent. Despite loving fighting games and DC comics, I'm not that entirely excited about the game, but I know many others who are ecstatic about the idea and can't wait to get their hands on it tonight.
Pandora's Tower - Wii - 4/16/13
Probably the last great Wii game to come out of the console, Pandora's Tower is one of the games that was petitioned to be brought over along with Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story which NA got last year. I gotta finish more Wii games so I can get around to these 3 great Wii games.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers - 3DS - 4/16/13
This one's a bit complicated to explain, but I guess you can say it's a remake of an old game. SMT:DS Soul Hackers was originally released back in 1997 on the Sega Saturn and never saw a Western release. It's a sequel to Devil Summoner, which also didn't see a Western release, and has been enhanced for the Nintendo 3DS. This game is great for fans of cRPG/Dungeon-Crawl RPG.
God Mode - PS3, Xbox 360, PC - 4/16/13
Waves of enemies, lots of killing and destruction, seems like my sort of game. In this action 3rd-person shooter, the player can customize their character appearance and I think some skills or loadout from leveling up and jump online to team up with 3 other players in a frantic co-op campaign. I'm conflicted on whether to get this game or not right now, mainly because I have so many other games that need my attention in finishing. But the rest of you that don't need to worry about it should check it out since it's only $9.99 ($8.99 for pre-purchase).
Sacred Citadel - PS3, Xbox 360, PC - 4/17/13
Old School beat-em-ups are rare nowadays, so it's always great to hear new ones that come out. The 3DS has Code of Princess, Xbox 360 got an HD version of Guardian Heroes while PS3/PSV will have Dragon's Crown, but what about PC? (Okay, there's Dungeon Fighters Online, but their servers terminate this June). Sacred Citadel brings back old-school beat-em-ups with a modern touch. Three players can cooperatively play together as one of four classes. This is also another game I'm going to keep an eye out for.
Besides Injustice: Gods Among Us, I think I'll be getting each of these games by the end of the year. I just need to clear out my games that I already have first.
La-Mulana - PC - 4/15/13
Source: Youtube Channel 256nigoro
La-Mulana in many aspects was developed the same way Cave Story did, in one man's free time. It was released only in Japan back in 2005 and was first introduced in NA just last year in Fall on the WiiWare channel. Today, it was released on Steam after it was greenlit and had the okay to be put up. I hear it's a lot like Metroid in terms of traversing the levels and similar to Castlevania in terms of combat and gameplay. I love these types of games, so I'll probably get it eventually.
Injustice: Gods Among Us - PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U - 4/16/13
If you like fighting games and DC Comics, this is probably the game for you. Developed by the team who worked on Mortal Kombat, the world of DC comics is darker, gritty, and a lot more violent. Despite loving fighting games and DC comics, I'm not that entirely excited about the game, but I know many others who are ecstatic about the idea and can't wait to get their hands on it tonight.
Pandora's Tower - Wii - 4/16/13
Probably the last great Wii game to come out of the console, Pandora's Tower is one of the games that was petitioned to be brought over along with Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story which NA got last year. I gotta finish more Wii games so I can get around to these 3 great Wii games.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers - 3DS - 4/16/13
This one's a bit complicated to explain, but I guess you can say it's a remake of an old game. SMT:DS Soul Hackers was originally released back in 1997 on the Sega Saturn and never saw a Western release. It's a sequel to Devil Summoner, which also didn't see a Western release, and has been enhanced for the Nintendo 3DS. This game is great for fans of cRPG/Dungeon-Crawl RPG.
God Mode - PS3, Xbox 360, PC - 4/16/13
Waves of enemies, lots of killing and destruction, seems like my sort of game. In this action 3rd-person shooter, the player can customize their character appearance and I think some skills or loadout from leveling up and jump online to team up with 3 other players in a frantic co-op campaign. I'm conflicted on whether to get this game or not right now, mainly because I have so many other games that need my attention in finishing. But the rest of you that don't need to worry about it should check it out since it's only $9.99 ($8.99 for pre-purchase).
Sacred Citadel - PS3, Xbox 360, PC - 4/17/13
Old School beat-em-ups are rare nowadays, so it's always great to hear new ones that come out. The 3DS has Code of Princess, Xbox 360 got an HD version of Guardian Heroes while PS3/PSV will have Dragon's Crown, but what about PC? (Okay, there's Dungeon Fighters Online, but their servers terminate this June). Sacred Citadel brings back old-school beat-em-ups with a modern touch. Three players can cooperatively play together as one of four classes. This is also another game I'm going to keep an eye out for.
Besides Injustice: Gods Among Us, I think I'll be getting each of these games by the end of the year. I just need to clear out my games that I already have first.
Monday, April 8, 2013
GameLight - Demon Gaze
Official Japanese Site: http://demongaze.jp/
Source: Youtube Channel SuperPlayUp
[This section is mostly talking about cRPGs. Skip to the bottom for Demon Gaze]
Are Computer Role-Playing Games (cRPG)/Dungeon Role-Playing Games (dRPG) making a comeback in the game industry? Probably not since they've always been around. That is to say, classic dungeon crawling RPGs never died out and has always been played by a niche group of gamers. The classic first-person perspective in a maze-like labyrinth with custom building parties, graphing out maps on grid sheets, and turn-based battles was the videogame interpretation of pen-and-paper RPGs that RPG fans loved back in the day. It focused less on story development and more on the experience and journey through level progression. As videogames evolved, the abstract mechanics of numbers, statistics, and turn-based feel are more hidden in place of more adventure and action orientated games that we have now such as Mass Effect 3, Phantasy Star Online 2 and Fallout 3. One of the more prominent cRPGs throughout the decades is the Wizardry series. I didn't play much cRPGs back in the day and the closest game I played to a cRPG was Ultima Exodus on the NES. In the past few years though, I have been dabbling in the cRPG genre unknowingly by trying out games I haven't heard before. I've played Legend of Grimrock and thought it was okay but got lost and haven't played it since (I probably will soon). A few years back, I tried out the NES version of Wizardry and found it to be tough. I played a few cRPGs on my palm pilot and graphing calculator back in high school made by fans. I tried out The Dark Spire for the Nintendo DS just last week and realized a lot of time and dedication was needed to play that game. In fact, most cRPGs do require a decent amount of time, patience and commitment to play through. Etrian Odyssey had great graphics and music, but it was also super grindy. What I'm trying to get at here is that cRPGs have always been around, but they're not talked about very often in the mainstream gaming community. Then in the past few years, Legend of Grimrock and Etrian Odyssey 4 was talked about quite often. Because I didn't get very far with Etrian Odyssey, I didn't bother taking a look at 2 and 3. But when 4 came out with a demo, I decided to give it a try and found it to be a lot more easier to get into and enjoy. That has probably been one of the biggest problems with cRPGs is that they're too much like the old school ones where they're super hard-core, making it difficult for newcomers to enjoy. Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls for the PS3 and iOS had this exact problem as many reviews by players found it to be confusing, frustrating, and too abstract for those unfamiliar to the genre. Despite having originated in the West, cRPGs had become a very popular genre in games in Japan and still holds true now. This leads to the actual topic at hand: Demon Gaze for the Sony PS Vita.
[Demon Gaze article starts here]
Source: Youtube Channel kadokawagames
I apologize for having such a long rant on cRPGs, but that was my original intention for today's post. It just so happened that I found out about another cRPG today that was released for the PS Vita in Japan back in January 24th of this year called Demon Gaze. At first glance, it looks very Japanese with animé style graphics, lots of fan service, and animé tropes everywhere. But in the end, the game is very much tied to its cRPG roots with first-person exploration in a dungeon, turn-based battles, and custom party management. The animé nature of the game may bother some or many here in the West, but the game was obviously made with Japan's audience in mind. With the success and widespread exposure Etrian Odyssey 4 has had in the West, there's a chance that Demon Gaze could be picked up by a publisher in the US and get localized. If it does get brought over and I get a PS Vita, perhaps I'll consider checking this game out. Like I've said before, these types of RPGs to require a bit of time and commitment to play and I'm not sure if I'll have that. If old school dungeon crawling RPGs and animé themes is your thing, be sure to keep an eye out for a name called "Demon Gaze". Kadokawa did file for a trademark in the US, perhaps they'll publish it themselves rather than wait for another publisher to pick it up.
Source:
-Joystiq - Kadokawa trademarks 'Demon Gaze' in US
Source: Youtube Channel SuperPlayUp
[This section is mostly talking about cRPGs. Skip to the bottom for Demon Gaze]
Are Computer Role-Playing Games (cRPG)/Dungeon Role-Playing Games (dRPG) making a comeback in the game industry? Probably not since they've always been around. That is to say, classic dungeon crawling RPGs never died out and has always been played by a niche group of gamers. The classic first-person perspective in a maze-like labyrinth with custom building parties, graphing out maps on grid sheets, and turn-based battles was the videogame interpretation of pen-and-paper RPGs that RPG fans loved back in the day. It focused less on story development and more on the experience and journey through level progression. As videogames evolved, the abstract mechanics of numbers, statistics, and turn-based feel are more hidden in place of more adventure and action orientated games that we have now such as Mass Effect 3, Phantasy Star Online 2 and Fallout 3. One of the more prominent cRPGs throughout the decades is the Wizardry series. I didn't play much cRPGs back in the day and the closest game I played to a cRPG was Ultima Exodus on the NES. In the past few years though, I have been dabbling in the cRPG genre unknowingly by trying out games I haven't heard before. I've played Legend of Grimrock and thought it was okay but got lost and haven't played it since (I probably will soon). A few years back, I tried out the NES version of Wizardry and found it to be tough. I played a few cRPGs on my palm pilot and graphing calculator back in high school made by fans. I tried out The Dark Spire for the Nintendo DS just last week and realized a lot of time and dedication was needed to play that game. In fact, most cRPGs do require a decent amount of time, patience and commitment to play through. Etrian Odyssey had great graphics and music, but it was also super grindy. What I'm trying to get at here is that cRPGs have always been around, but they're not talked about very often in the mainstream gaming community. Then in the past few years, Legend of Grimrock and Etrian Odyssey 4 was talked about quite often. Because I didn't get very far with Etrian Odyssey, I didn't bother taking a look at 2 and 3. But when 4 came out with a demo, I decided to give it a try and found it to be a lot more easier to get into and enjoy. That has probably been one of the biggest problems with cRPGs is that they're too much like the old school ones where they're super hard-core, making it difficult for newcomers to enjoy. Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls for the PS3 and iOS had this exact problem as many reviews by players found it to be confusing, frustrating, and too abstract for those unfamiliar to the genre. Despite having originated in the West, cRPGs had become a very popular genre in games in Japan and still holds true now. This leads to the actual topic at hand: Demon Gaze for the Sony PS Vita.
[Demon Gaze article starts here]
Source: Youtube Channel kadokawagames
I apologize for having such a long rant on cRPGs, but that was my original intention for today's post. It just so happened that I found out about another cRPG today that was released for the PS Vita in Japan back in January 24th of this year called Demon Gaze. At first glance, it looks very Japanese with animé style graphics, lots of fan service, and animé tropes everywhere. But in the end, the game is very much tied to its cRPG roots with first-person exploration in a dungeon, turn-based battles, and custom party management. The animé nature of the game may bother some or many here in the West, but the game was obviously made with Japan's audience in mind. With the success and widespread exposure Etrian Odyssey 4 has had in the West, there's a chance that Demon Gaze could be picked up by a publisher in the US and get localized. If it does get brought over and I get a PS Vita, perhaps I'll consider checking this game out. Like I've said before, these types of RPGs to require a bit of time and commitment to play and I'm not sure if I'll have that. If old school dungeon crawling RPGs and animé themes is your thing, be sure to keep an eye out for a name called "Demon Gaze". Kadokawa did file for a trademark in the US, perhaps they'll publish it themselves rather than wait for another publisher to pick it up.
Source:
-Joystiq - Kadokawa trademarks 'Demon Gaze' in US
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
GameLight - Ys: Memories of Celceta
Official Site: http://www.xseedgames.com/
Source: Youtube Channel YotakaOfALoY
In 1993, two Ys IV games were released: "Mask of the Sun" for the Super Famicom and "The Dawn of Ys" for the PCE Super-CD Rom. Both never saw a western release, but there were fans of the series that translated the game. I tried the Super Famicom (Super Nintendo) version and did not like it. Ys 3 had gone an entirely different route by going 2D-Action style combat while Ys 4 went back to the original bumper car mechanics. Thankfully the remake for Ys 4 will take what the remakes of the Ys series has done and add even more to it than ever before. Rather than a top-down view, Ys: Memories of Celceta will have a dynamic camera angle where it switches between top-down, behind the character, and so forth for a more involving experience. Aside from just taking the role of Adol Christin (the main protagonist in the series), the player will also get to use other characters within a party. The game has already released in Japan so there are gameplay videos up that can be watched. It looks like the player can actively block and dodge now! As excited as I am for this new installment in the Ys series, I lament the fact that I don't have a PS Vita. We can thank XSEED Games once again for bringing another awesome title from Japan over to the West.
The game will release exclusively for the Sony PS Vita on September 24, 2013.
Source: Youtube Channel YotakaOfALoY
In 1993, two Ys IV games were released: "Mask of the Sun" for the Super Famicom and "The Dawn of Ys" for the PCE Super-CD Rom. Both never saw a western release, but there were fans of the series that translated the game. I tried the Super Famicom (Super Nintendo) version and did not like it. Ys 3 had gone an entirely different route by going 2D-Action style combat while Ys 4 went back to the original bumper car mechanics. Thankfully the remake for Ys 4 will take what the remakes of the Ys series has done and add even more to it than ever before. Rather than a top-down view, Ys: Memories of Celceta will have a dynamic camera angle where it switches between top-down, behind the character, and so forth for a more involving experience. Aside from just taking the role of Adol Christin (the main protagonist in the series), the player will also get to use other characters within a party. The game has already released in Japan so there are gameplay videos up that can be watched. It looks like the player can actively block and dodge now! As excited as I am for this new installment in the Ys series, I lament the fact that I don't have a PS Vita. We can thank XSEED Games once again for bringing another awesome title from Japan over to the West.
The game will release exclusively for the Sony PS Vita on September 24, 2013.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
GameLight - Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed PC
Team Fortress 2 Post: http://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=9761
Steam Page: http://store.steampowered.com/app/212480/
Source: Youtube Channel SegaAmerica
I always try to find a way to hang onto Sonic the Hedgehog despite negative feedback from the community on how it's the end of days for the blue speed demon and of course having to endure 1/3 of Sonic the Hedgehog 2006. I remember seeing Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing on sale for $4.99 on steam and felt compelled to buy it, but ended up not since I'm still working through my crazy backlog. So when I heard the sequel was coming out, I was thinking of getting that instead. The game has already released on most systems other than the 3DS and PC. Just revealed today are 3 new characters exclusive to the Steam PC version of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed: The guy from Football Manager, one of the shogunates from Total War: Shogun, and the Heavy, Pyro, and Spy from Team Fortress 2 who I believe appear as one unit but changes depending on the vehicle. I also saw Joe Musashi from the Shinobi series in the trailer. I'm not much of a racing game fan, but I do enjoy the more crazier and unrealistic racing games if I do play one. I also have a lot of fond memories of Sega games and their characters so this game is a huge treat to Sega fans. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is currently available for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS Vita, and will be available for PC on January 31st and Nintendo 3DS on February 13th. As a pre-order special on Steam, the game is 10% off for $26.99 until it is released and will return to its original price of $29.99.
Steam Page: http://store.steampowered.com/app/212480/
Source: Youtube Channel SegaAmerica
I always try to find a way to hang onto Sonic the Hedgehog despite negative feedback from the community on how it's the end of days for the blue speed demon and of course having to endure 1/3 of Sonic the Hedgehog 2006. I remember seeing Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing on sale for $4.99 on steam and felt compelled to buy it, but ended up not since I'm still working through my crazy backlog. So when I heard the sequel was coming out, I was thinking of getting that instead. The game has already released on most systems other than the 3DS and PC. Just revealed today are 3 new characters exclusive to the Steam PC version of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed: The guy from Football Manager, one of the shogunates from Total War: Shogun, and the Heavy, Pyro, and Spy from Team Fortress 2 who I believe appear as one unit but changes depending on the vehicle. I also saw Joe Musashi from the Shinobi series in the trailer. I'm not much of a racing game fan, but I do enjoy the more crazier and unrealistic racing games if I do play one. I also have a lot of fond memories of Sega games and their characters so this game is a huge treat to Sega fans. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is currently available for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS Vita, and will be available for PC on January 31st and Nintendo 3DS on February 13th. As a pre-order special on Steam, the game is 10% off for $26.99 until it is released and will return to its original price of $29.99.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
GameLight Review - Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Official Site: http://www.marvelvscapcom3.com/us
Source: Youtube Channel Acrofan
Developer: Capcom, Eighting
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: [Playstation 3], Xbox 360 / PS Vita
Release Date: November 15, 2011 / February 15, 2012
Genre: Fighting
Pros:
+ A massive roster of 48 characters + 2 DLC characters
+ 12 new characters from the original MvC 3
+ Heroes and Heralds mode changes up the game a bit
+ Heroes and Heralds mode has over 100 cards to collect to use in battle
+ Character balances have been made
+ You can play Galactus in one of the modes
+ It's better released as a standalone rather than a bunch of DLCs
Cons:
- No new levels, only new characters
- No new endings like Super Street Fighter IV had for Street Fighter IV
- Was released in the same year as the original
- The 2 DLC characters are still locked and must be bought
- Doesn't carry anything over from the original game
Recommended: Absolutely, this is what Marvel vs. Capcom 3 should've been like when it first launched.
I was disgusted when I heard that "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" was coming out when I had bought the original just a few months prior to its announcement. What eventually won me over was the announcement of Phoenix Wright being added to the roster. Some character balances were made to the game, but other than the 12 extra characters and new mode, there isn't anything else added that makes it that different from the original. Putting that aside, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the definitive version of the game and offers much to the casual and hardcore fighting game fan. The free DLC Heroes and Heralds mode allows both single-player and online multiplayer options for a unique take on the game where cards can be collected and give different advantages to the player. The game is very fast-paced and incredibly enjoyable with all sorts of team compositions the player can put together. There might not be as much single-player content as other fighting games, but there is much to offer when playing against a friend.
Aesthetics
Art Style: 3D graphics played like a 2D fighter
+ Despite being 3D, animations are still fast and fluid
+ Great conversion from 2D to 3D on a lot of the new characters
+ The animations and effects relative to the cards in HaH are really cool
+ Still easy to distinguish things on screen despite things flying everywhere
+ A clean, sleek, and comprehensible user-interface
+ Music for the new characters are great
Aesthetics: 10/10
Buttons
Controller: PS3 controller or Fightstick
+ The new characters still have the basic moves so it's easy to pick up
+ Some characters play and control style is very different offering variety
+ Controls are tight, fast, and responsive
+ If played using a PS Vita, shortcuts can be used
+ Much like other 2D fighting games, there's a challenge mode to teach combos
Buttons: 10/10
Concept & Content
Core Concept: Reduce the life bar down to zero on all 3 opponents each match
+ Arcade mode has new endings for the new characters
+ 12 additional characters have been added to the roster totaling 48 characters
+ Heroes and Heralds mode was added
+ Certain characters offer a very different play style from most
+ In addition to team combinations, HaH mode offers different ability combos too
- No new levels corresponding to the new character
- Original characters have no new endings
- The 2 DLC characters are still locked and must be paid as DLCs
- Information from the original game doesn't carry over
Concept and Content: 6/10
Duration
+ The 12 new characters offers new endings in Arcade mode
+ There will always be 7 stages in Arcade mode, not too short or long
+ Heroes and Heralds mode is the best single-player option for the game right now
+ Replay value mostly relies on Offline/Online versus mode, but has a lot to offer
- You can't move anything when the game is saving or loading
- Lots of saving and loading in-between menus, especially in HaH mode
- Other than HaH, Arcade, and Challenge, there isn't much to offer for solo play
Duration: 6/10
Fun
+ I was really happy with the new characters, especially Phoenix Wright
+ Heroes and Heralds is a fun concept with replay value
+ The 12 additional character definitely offers more variety in team composition
+ I like the new and arranged songs for the new characters
- I'm still not very happy about spending $100 all on the same year for the game
- Nothing carried over from what I did in the original in terms of save files
Fun: 7/10
Overall
There is no doubt that Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is a fun game and a solid fighter, but as an expansion it did a lot to hurt those who bought the original earlier in the year. Had I known (and for many others) that an Ultimate version was going to come out, I wouldn't have bought the original at all and waited just a little longer. Because of this incident, it has prevented many fans of Capcom to with hold their decision to get Street Fighter x Tekken in anticipation for a more definitive version as Capcom had announced prior to its release that there were still 10 characters on its way. For those who didn't buy the original MvC3, UMvC3 is a great fighter to play with friends over or to play against others online. It doesn't offer that much in terms of solo play, but versus can be a lot of fun with other people because of the many combinations that can be created. In the end, I would definitely still recommend this game to any fighting game fan. Overall: 7.8/10
Source: Youtube Channel Acrofan
Developer: Capcom, Eighting
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: [Playstation 3], Xbox 360 / PS Vita
Release Date: November 15, 2011 / February 15, 2012
Genre: Fighting
Pros:
+ A massive roster of 48 characters + 2 DLC characters
+ 12 new characters from the original MvC 3
+ Heroes and Heralds mode changes up the game a bit
+ Heroes and Heralds mode has over 100 cards to collect to use in battle
+ Character balances have been made
+ You can play Galactus in one of the modes
+ It's better released as a standalone rather than a bunch of DLCs
Cons:
- No new levels, only new characters
- No new endings like Super Street Fighter IV had for Street Fighter IV
- Was released in the same year as the original
- The 2 DLC characters are still locked and must be bought
- Doesn't carry anything over from the original game
Recommended: Absolutely, this is what Marvel vs. Capcom 3 should've been like when it first launched.
I was disgusted when I heard that "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" was coming out when I had bought the original just a few months prior to its announcement. What eventually won me over was the announcement of Phoenix Wright being added to the roster. Some character balances were made to the game, but other than the 12 extra characters and new mode, there isn't anything else added that makes it that different from the original. Putting that aside, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the definitive version of the game and offers much to the casual and hardcore fighting game fan. The free DLC Heroes and Heralds mode allows both single-player and online multiplayer options for a unique take on the game where cards can be collected and give different advantages to the player. The game is very fast-paced and incredibly enjoyable with all sorts of team compositions the player can put together. There might not be as much single-player content as other fighting games, but there is much to offer when playing against a friend.
Aesthetics
Art Style: 3D graphics played like a 2D fighter
+ Despite being 3D, animations are still fast and fluid
+ Great conversion from 2D to 3D on a lot of the new characters
+ The animations and effects relative to the cards in HaH are really cool
+ Still easy to distinguish things on screen despite things flying everywhere
+ A clean, sleek, and comprehensible user-interface
+ Music for the new characters are great
Aesthetics: 10/10
Buttons
Controller: PS3 controller or Fightstick
+ The new characters still have the basic moves so it's easy to pick up
+ Some characters play and control style is very different offering variety
+ Controls are tight, fast, and responsive
+ If played using a PS Vita, shortcuts can be used
+ Much like other 2D fighting games, there's a challenge mode to teach combos
Buttons: 10/10
Concept & Content
Core Concept: Reduce the life bar down to zero on all 3 opponents each match
+ Arcade mode has new endings for the new characters
+ 12 additional characters have been added to the roster totaling 48 characters
+ Heroes and Heralds mode was added
+ Certain characters offer a very different play style from most
+ In addition to team combinations, HaH mode offers different ability combos too
- No new levels corresponding to the new character
- Original characters have no new endings
- The 2 DLC characters are still locked and must be paid as DLCs
- Information from the original game doesn't carry over
Concept and Content: 6/10
Duration
+ The 12 new characters offers new endings in Arcade mode
+ There will always be 7 stages in Arcade mode, not too short or long
+ Heroes and Heralds mode is the best single-player option for the game right now
+ Replay value mostly relies on Offline/Online versus mode, but has a lot to offer
- You can't move anything when the game is saving or loading
- Lots of saving and loading in-between menus, especially in HaH mode
- Other than HaH, Arcade, and Challenge, there isn't much to offer for solo play
Duration: 6/10
Fun
+ I was really happy with the new characters, especially Phoenix Wright
+ Heroes and Heralds is a fun concept with replay value
+ The 12 additional character definitely offers more variety in team composition
+ I like the new and arranged songs for the new characters
- I'm still not very happy about spending $100 all on the same year for the game
- Nothing carried over from what I did in the original in terms of save files
Fun: 7/10
Overall
There is no doubt that Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is a fun game and a solid fighter, but as an expansion it did a lot to hurt those who bought the original earlier in the year. Had I known (and for many others) that an Ultimate version was going to come out, I wouldn't have bought the original at all and waited just a little longer. Because of this incident, it has prevented many fans of Capcom to with hold their decision to get Street Fighter x Tekken in anticipation for a more definitive version as Capcom had announced prior to its release that there were still 10 characters on its way. For those who didn't buy the original MvC3, UMvC3 is a great fighter to play with friends over or to play against others online. It doesn't offer that much in terms of solo play, but versus can be a lot of fun with other people because of the many combinations that can be created. In the end, I would definitely still recommend this game to any fighting game fan. Overall: 7.8/10
Monday, November 12, 2012
VGCulture - Rant on PS Vita games
Official Site: http://us.playstation.com/psvita/games-and-media/
Ever since its announcement, I always thought it was a strange name to give but knew I'd be interested in it nonetheless. With front/back touch sensitive areas, dual analog sticks, and a bigger screen, it was something to look out for. Ever since my first experience with the device back in May 10th, I've been keeping an eye out on what sort of games have been coming out for it. After all, the biggest reason for getting a gaming system is to play the games (though some people bought the PS3 for watching Blu-Ray discs since Blu-Ray readers were more expensive back when the PS3 launched). So there are some interesting spin-offs from franchises such as Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, Uncharted, and ports/remakes of other great games such as Street Fighter X Tekken and Mortal Kombat. The question going through my mind now is "if I were to get a PS Vita, what games would I get for it?"
[Ragnarok Odyssey - Xseed Games]
Source: Youtube Channel MachinimaTrailer
Based off the universe of Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Odyssey is a Hack-n-Slash based Action-RPG that allows solo play or online multiplayer. It reminds me of Monster Hunter, but a lot more exaggerated for an over-the-top style of combat. I like these sort of Action-RPG games because they easily satisfy me with a rewarding experience each time I play them and can last for many hours of gameplay. Unless Phantasy Start Online 2 comes out with the PC version next year in the West, this would be one game I'd play.
[Street Fighter X Tekken - Capcom]
Source: Youtube Channel CapcomUnityVideos
SFxT has put me in a hard decision this entire year of whether to buy it and on which console. If I had bought it on PS3, 10 of the characters would come out later in the year, but as DLCs. If I waited for a sale on Steam, I can buy it for PC and buy all the DLCs there for cheaper. I could buy it on the PS Vita and have all the new characters along with the one already out, but I won't be able to play with anyone locally unless they have a PS Vita as well with the game. Preferably, I'd like a definitive version for the PS3 like what Capcom did for Marvel vs. Capcom 3. I didn't like having to buy the game twice just to get everything (the original and the Ultimate version), but I preferred it over having to purchase all the characters as DLCs.
[Persona 4 Golden - Atlus]
Source: Youtube Channel AtlusUSA
This is another problem for me. I've taken interest in Persona ever since the 3rd one and had bought it sometime in college. But that was the problem, I was in college and didn't have the time to play it. After graduating, I found a really good sale for Persona 4 and bought that too. It's sadly still in its plastic wrap right now and I'm wondering if I should get around to playing it or wait until I get a PS Vita to get the remake. In the remake of what is known to be one of the best JRPGs out there, a new character has been added, more outfits and personas are available, and additional content has been added in. The problem is, I don't know when I'll get the time to play it and I don't know when I'll get a PS Vita. I hear the game can last from 50-70 hours on just the first playthrough. I really want to get through the game though so I can start playing Story mode on Persona 4 Arena and understand everything as well as watch the animé.
What's keeping me from getting a PS Vita at the moment is of several reasons:
-I have a huge backlog of games, mostly on the PS2 and PC
-I just bought a Nintendo 3DS and barely got it warmed up (completed 5 games)
-My purchases of games this year is pretty crazy, I think it's a new record
I've also expressed my displeasure of how the buttons on the device feels and how the device itself didn't feel very good in my hands. So I guess I'm hoping for another iteration of the device to come out with a better ergonomic design and feel for the buttons (that's what got me to buy a Nintendo 3DS XL, changed a lot about what I didn't like of the original). Most of the eye-catching games on the PS Vita are spin-offs, remakes, and ports, and that's okay I guess seeing how most of them are good ones. I'll probably get one in the future, but I guess all I can do right now is look at the games that come out for it.
Ever since its announcement, I always thought it was a strange name to give but knew I'd be interested in it nonetheless. With front/back touch sensitive areas, dual analog sticks, and a bigger screen, it was something to look out for. Ever since my first experience with the device back in May 10th, I've been keeping an eye out on what sort of games have been coming out for it. After all, the biggest reason for getting a gaming system is to play the games (though some people bought the PS3 for watching Blu-Ray discs since Blu-Ray readers were more expensive back when the PS3 launched). So there are some interesting spin-offs from franchises such as Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, Uncharted, and ports/remakes of other great games such as Street Fighter X Tekken and Mortal Kombat. The question going through my mind now is "if I were to get a PS Vita, what games would I get for it?"
[Ragnarok Odyssey - Xseed Games]
Source: Youtube Channel MachinimaTrailer
Based off the universe of Ragnarok Online, Ragnarok Odyssey is a Hack-n-Slash based Action-RPG that allows solo play or online multiplayer. It reminds me of Monster Hunter, but a lot more exaggerated for an over-the-top style of combat. I like these sort of Action-RPG games because they easily satisfy me with a rewarding experience each time I play them and can last for many hours of gameplay. Unless Phantasy Start Online 2 comes out with the PC version next year in the West, this would be one game I'd play.
[Street Fighter X Tekken - Capcom]
Source: Youtube Channel CapcomUnityVideos
SFxT has put me in a hard decision this entire year of whether to buy it and on which console. If I had bought it on PS3, 10 of the characters would come out later in the year, but as DLCs. If I waited for a sale on Steam, I can buy it for PC and buy all the DLCs there for cheaper. I could buy it on the PS Vita and have all the new characters along with the one already out, but I won't be able to play with anyone locally unless they have a PS Vita as well with the game. Preferably, I'd like a definitive version for the PS3 like what Capcom did for Marvel vs. Capcom 3. I didn't like having to buy the game twice just to get everything (the original and the Ultimate version), but I preferred it over having to purchase all the characters as DLCs.
[Persona 4 Golden - Atlus]
Source: Youtube Channel AtlusUSA
This is another problem for me. I've taken interest in Persona ever since the 3rd one and had bought it sometime in college. But that was the problem, I was in college and didn't have the time to play it. After graduating, I found a really good sale for Persona 4 and bought that too. It's sadly still in its plastic wrap right now and I'm wondering if I should get around to playing it or wait until I get a PS Vita to get the remake. In the remake of what is known to be one of the best JRPGs out there, a new character has been added, more outfits and personas are available, and additional content has been added in. The problem is, I don't know when I'll get the time to play it and I don't know when I'll get a PS Vita. I hear the game can last from 50-70 hours on just the first playthrough. I really want to get through the game though so I can start playing Story mode on Persona 4 Arena and understand everything as well as watch the animé.
What's keeping me from getting a PS Vita at the moment is of several reasons:
-I have a huge backlog of games, mostly on the PS2 and PC
-I just bought a Nintendo 3DS and barely got it warmed up (completed 5 games)
-My purchases of games this year is pretty crazy, I think it's a new record
I've also expressed my displeasure of how the buttons on the device feels and how the device itself didn't feel very good in my hands. So I guess I'm hoping for another iteration of the device to come out with a better ergonomic design and feel for the buttons (that's what got me to buy a Nintendo 3DS XL, changed a lot about what I didn't like of the original). Most of the eye-catching games on the PS Vita are spin-offs, remakes, and ports, and that's okay I guess seeing how most of them are good ones. I'll probably get one in the future, but I guess all I can do right now is look at the games that come out for it.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
GameLight - PS Vita
Official Site: http://us.playstation.com/psvita/
Source: Youtube Channel PlayStation
I'm doing my best not to talk about Diablo 3 again today (though I might tomorrow). Yesterday, when I was out and about, I saw the PS Vita on display at a local Target. I haven't really kept up with the Vita other than what I've seen from trailers and such. The device is larger than the PSP in surface size but slimmer. The d-pad and face keys are smaller and are "clicky" instead of "pushy". I'm not really sure how I feel about those changes as it makes the button presses feel more fragile and stiff. The shoulder keys also feel a bit more "clicky" but still retains a feeling of depression when pressing down on it. The dual joysticks felt really nice, but I didn't really have a chance to really test them out to their full potential (such as for an FPS). The game I tried out was Gravity Rush, and the graphics display really is quite a spectacle. I'm not exactly happy with the PS Vita's design as it doesn't seem to be very comfortable on the hands after a while of playing. I do like how the screen is larger and how there's two joysticks now. The only other problem is that there aren't that many games I'd really want for it other than the portable versions of games I already have (BlazBlue, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3). It'll be a while before I pick a PS Vita up as even with the Nintendo 3DS I'm still waiting for some special games to be available for it. On the other hand, the NDS and PSP still has quite a library of games I still haven't played yet. Sony's PS Vita system is now available for $250 for Wi-Fi only and $300 for 3G network.
Source: Youtube Channel PlayStation
I'm doing my best not to talk about Diablo 3 again today (though I might tomorrow). Yesterday, when I was out and about, I saw the PS Vita on display at a local Target. I haven't really kept up with the Vita other than what I've seen from trailers and such. The device is larger than the PSP in surface size but slimmer. The d-pad and face keys are smaller and are "clicky" instead of "pushy". I'm not really sure how I feel about those changes as it makes the button presses feel more fragile and stiff. The shoulder keys also feel a bit more "clicky" but still retains a feeling of depression when pressing down on it. The dual joysticks felt really nice, but I didn't really have a chance to really test them out to their full potential (such as for an FPS). The game I tried out was Gravity Rush, and the graphics display really is quite a spectacle. I'm not exactly happy with the PS Vita's design as it doesn't seem to be very comfortable on the hands after a while of playing. I do like how the screen is larger and how there's two joysticks now. The only other problem is that there aren't that many games I'd really want for it other than the portable versions of games I already have (BlazBlue, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3). It'll be a while before I pick a PS Vita up as even with the Nintendo 3DS I'm still waiting for some special games to be available for it. On the other hand, the NDS and PSP still has quite a library of games I still haven't played yet. Sony's PS Vita system is now available for $250 for Wi-Fi only and $300 for 3G network.
Friday, March 30, 2012
NewNews - Phantasy Star Online 2 Free-to-Play
Source: Youtube Channel VideoGameFrontAgain
You read the heading right: Phantasy Star Online 2 will be released as a Free-to-Play online game! It seems that the PS Vita version will also be free to download and play to cross-platform play with the PC version. Since its first announcement of PSO2, I feared that they would follow their old archaic monthly fee model (which failed for Phantasy Star Universe) and so I hoped that they would follow the same model that Guild Wars did by having the player buy the game and play online for free. So when a friend told me last night about the news that it would be free-to-play, I nearly fainted from the excitement and screaming I did. Now a new fear has fallen upon all Phantasy Star faithfuls as the community has seen the industry take hold of the free-to-play model by having insane amounts of micro-transactions alter a game's balance or withholding tons of content from the player until they pay for it (but retail games do that too with DLCs). I have the same fears too as I am very familiar with free-to-play games (played over 50 of them but never spent a cent) and have seen many companies become greedy if they're successful or fail and inevitably shut down their servers which is not fair for those who actually did pay money for the items (which is also why I don't pay for any of them, never know when I will stop playing or when the servers will shut down). The only other thing we have to fear now (at least in the western market) is that it doesn't get a release for the western audience (like Phantasy Star Portable 2 infinity did). Still, I am now more excited about Phantasy Star Online 2 than ever before.
For those who have never played played or heard of the Phantasy Star Online series, it is a spin-off series from its original turn-based Phantasy Star games and played as an Action-RPG with other players online. It is heavily Sci-Fi based and has a futuristic, space-themed feel to the environment. Players are called "hunters" and are like hired mercenaries to perform various tasks for companies, officials, and individuals. Rather than a huge open world map, everything is instanced in their own area. PSO is not to be confused as an MMORPG as players will be grouped up in a party of 4-players and adventure on their own from other players waiting in the lobby. Some notable aspects that has captured the hearts of many players in the past are: an incredible library of weapons, the addicting nature of feeding a mag (kind of like a robotic pet) and seeing the effects of them in battle, the excitement of looting strong and very rare items, large scale boss battles that tower 10-30x taller than the player, and the unique colorful environment with its atmospheric music. Phantasy Star Online is a difficult game to find or in some cases very rare for the Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo Gamecube (no one cares about the X-box version and it is unplayable now). PSO's spin-off "Phantasy Star Universe" was met with mixed reviews from critics and players and deviates a bit from the mechanics of PSO. The portable versions were met with better reception but did not sell as well in the western market. That is why a lot of Phantasy Star Online faithfuls are so excited about this upcoming sequel. Here's hoping that it reaches the western market.
Source:
-MMOhut: New details about Phantasy Star Online 2
Monday, March 12, 2012
NewNews - Phantasy Star Online 2 on PS Vita
Source: Youtube Channel playstationjp
So it seems that Sega plans on bringing Phantasy Star Online 2 to the PS Vita platform. That's fine as a lot of developers seem to make portable versions of console games and such. This is more than a port though! It seems that Phantasy Star Online 2 will feature cross-platform compatibility, which means when you're not playing the PC version and are out and about with your PS Vita, you can continue your adventure with the characters from the same account! Sony has talked about cross-platform play in the past with games like Metal Gear Solid and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 where players' stats, saves, and progression can be played between the console and the handheld; however, I never felt that any of the games were really necessary or worth using that method (especially with having to buy two games on two platforms). But when I heard the announcement for PSO2's implementation of the idea, I thought "well it's actually a pretty good idea for RPG!" I know in the past there has been things like "auction house managers" for MMOs or things like the Poké walker for Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, but I rarely see a mobile "game" that compliments the actual game all that much. With the cross-platform compatibility, players can feed their mags (if they have them in PSO2), level up, do some quests when not playing on the PC. And from the sounds of it, Sega wants to mirror the graphics quality and gameplay of the PC entirely so that those playing on the PS Vita on the go will have the same great experience as on the PC. There still isn't any word on having a North American release as the past 2 Phantasy Star Mobile games on the PSP did not do as well in the Western market (which is a shame because they're really fun). I'm still hoping and waiting, but I'd settle for a PS Vita release if a PC release doesn't reach North America (which means I'll have to go buy a PS Vita).
Monday, February 13, 2012
GameLight - BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend
Official Site: http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-ps3.html
Source: Youtube Channel jourdal
I'm both excited and disappointed with the release of BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend. I'm happy that there will be two new modes to play, all DLC characters added into the roster, a story mode for all characters, and the extension of some story paths from Continuum Shift. The problem is that story mode will be the return of Calamity Trigger's Story and Continuum Shift's Story. I was hoping that they'd reveal the next chapter of the universe of BlazBlue in their next game but it's pretty much a slight continuation of Continuum Shift and minor improvements here and there. If you happened to have NOT played any BlazBlue games but have some interest in it, this next iteration would be a great purchase. With a full roster of 19 characters, full story mode from both previous games for each individual character, 2 new modes with the 5 existing ones (Arcade, Versus/Network, Challenge, Legion, and Story), and a fair price of $40, BlazBlue Continuum Shift is a great purchase for anyone new to the series. For those who own one or both of the first two iterations, it'll be more of an upgrade. As I've discussed before in older posts on BlazBlue, I got into the series because of Guilty Gear and absolutely love the music done by Daisuke Ishiwatari. What I didn't expect out of the game was how uniquely designed each individual character played and how deep the lore got when playing Story mode. Story mode has had moments where it made me laugh, cry, angry, excited, and shocked. It went far and beyond all expectations I had about the game and has become one of my favorite fighting games. The combat system can be a bit tricky, but a beginner's mode allows even the least experienced of gamers to pick up the game and figure out how to do crazy combos and amazing abilities. The game can get quite technical and challenge even the most elite 2D fighting game players at tournaments like EVO (recently added to the list of games played there). BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend releases tomorrow February 14th, 2012 for $40. I highly recommend this game to fighting games of all experience level and encourage those who haven't played fighting games before. I think it's become a better starting game for most beginners than Street Fighter is (Street Fighter has become very technical).
Source: Youtube Channel jourdal
I'm both excited and disappointed with the release of BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend. I'm happy that there will be two new modes to play, all DLC characters added into the roster, a story mode for all characters, and the extension of some story paths from Continuum Shift. The problem is that story mode will be the return of Calamity Trigger's Story and Continuum Shift's Story. I was hoping that they'd reveal the next chapter of the universe of BlazBlue in their next game but it's pretty much a slight continuation of Continuum Shift and minor improvements here and there. If you happened to have NOT played any BlazBlue games but have some interest in it, this next iteration would be a great purchase. With a full roster of 19 characters, full story mode from both previous games for each individual character, 2 new modes with the 5 existing ones (Arcade, Versus/Network, Challenge, Legion, and Story), and a fair price of $40, BlazBlue Continuum Shift is a great purchase for anyone new to the series. For those who own one or both of the first two iterations, it'll be more of an upgrade. As I've discussed before in older posts on BlazBlue, I got into the series because of Guilty Gear and absolutely love the music done by Daisuke Ishiwatari. What I didn't expect out of the game was how uniquely designed each individual character played and how deep the lore got when playing Story mode. Story mode has had moments where it made me laugh, cry, angry, excited, and shocked. It went far and beyond all expectations I had about the game and has become one of my favorite fighting games. The combat system can be a bit tricky, but a beginner's mode allows even the least experienced of gamers to pick up the game and figure out how to do crazy combos and amazing abilities. The game can get quite technical and challenge even the most elite 2D fighting game players at tournaments like EVO (recently added to the list of games played there). BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend releases tomorrow February 14th, 2012 for $40. I highly recommend this game to fighting games of all experience level and encourage those who haven't played fighting games before. I think it's become a better starting game for most beginners than Street Fighter is (Street Fighter has become very technical).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)